I’ve had the chance to visit Wadi Al Disah three times, and each visit has been just as awe-inspiring as the last. Located in Tabuk Province, this valley is framed by towering cliffs that rise up to 400 metres high and is filled with lush palm groves, running water, and striking rock formations. Often referred to as the “valley of palm trees,” Wadi Disah is one of Saudi Arabia’s most stunning natural landscapes, a peaceful and scenic destination that’s perfect for hiking, exploring, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the outdoors.
Driving or Hiking: Getting Into Wadi Al Disah
Wadi Al Disah makes for an ideal day trip. On this visit, I came from NEOM, the drive took just under 3 hours. We parked at the entrance of the canyon and continued on foot, which I highly recommend if you want to take in the scenery at a slower pace. You can also drive through the canyon itself, but only if you have a 4×4 vehicle.
At the entrance, there are cars and guides available to take visitors through the canyon. This makes the journey more comfortable and is a great option if you’re short on time and want to see the whole of Wadi Al Disah.
Wadi Al Disah: Saudi Arabia's Natural Gem
I kept taking out my camera because the landscapes are stunning. Along the way, we passed a few cars. Even though it was warm, the sun wasn’t too harsh thanks to the shade from the cliffs and palm trees. Many Saudis come to picnic further down in the valley.
Everyone we met offered us a lift, probably wondering why on earth we were walking. I’m not sure they thought hiking through Wadi Al Disah was the best use of our time, but for us, it absolutely was.
Hospitality in the Heart of Wadi Disah
A few locals invite us to join them, and while you can politely decline in Saudi culture, it’s often considered more respectful to accept, so of course, we say yes. Thankfully, my friend speaks a bit of Arabic, so I just smiled and listened…no Google Translate here! We sit on carpets under the shade, the kind of spontaneous gathering that feels rare and special.
The pressure cooker indicates that the meal is ready. I was expecting to be served tea or coffee, but instead, I end up with soup. Later, I notice that the meat in the pot is actually…camel. Fortunately, I’m not too fussy a vegetarian…
We resume our walk; the colours start to change, and the cliffs take on orange hues. As sunset approaches, it’s time to head back to the car to avoid driving at night.
We still stop several times along the road to admire the colours and the stunning landscapes. The way back is long, so we can’t linger too much; otherwise, we’d end up driving in the dark, which is less than ideal here since the roads are quite dangerous.
Although we were not alone, it is a calm and peaceful place. I am so happy to be able to visit these places before mass tourism arrives. With the development of NEOM, I’m sure it will be the case soon.
How to get there?
Wadi Al Disah is located south of NEOM, roughly halfway to AlUla. It’s 215 km from Tabuk, 240 km from NEOM, and 265 km from AlUla. The drive is straightforward, and the scenery becomes more striking the closer you get to the valley.
If you’re coming from NEOM or the Red Sea coast, it’s worth making a quick stop in the coastal city of Duba. The old town is charming and quiet, perfect for a short stroll along the waterfront before continuing your journey. I usually grab a coffee there before heading inland.
