Dive into Saudi Arabia's ancient Red Sea caves

Saudi Arabia’s coastline is home to a series of ancient sea caves that reveal the vibrant ecosystem beneath the Red Sea, and among them, the Abu Al Madafa caves stand out as a premier diving destination.

Located just 30 minutes by boat from the shores of Jeddah, these underwater caves offer experienced divers a rare opportunity to explore narrow passageways alive with marine life. With depths reaching up to 60 meters and coral formations in rich, intricate layers, the site promises a dive that’s both technically challenging and visually stunning.

Thanks to moderate currents and excellent visibility, the Abu Al Madafa caves are a magnet for seasoned divers eager to swim alongside tuna, barracuda, blacktip and whitetip sharks, and numerous small reef fish. The area’s unique topography and thriving biodiversity provide a striking glimpse into the Red Sea’s underwater beauty.

Saudi tourism soars

Saudi Arabia saw a remarkable year for tourism in 2024, welcoming approximately 116 million domestic and international tourists. This represents a strong 6 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism’s Annual Statistical Report.

The report highlights that the total spending from both domestic and inbound travelers reached an impressive SR284 billion in 2024, marking an 11 percent year-on-year growth. This surge underscores the Kingdom’s increasing appeal as a global travel destination and the successful impact of its significant investments in tourism infrastructure, diverse cultural offerings, and enhanced visitor experiences.

A major contributor to this success was a record-breaking influx of international visitors, with 30 million inbound tourists visiting Saudi Arabia in 2024.