Beyond the Music: Exploring Saudi’s hidden gems with MDLBEAST

Music festivals have evolved far beyond the confines of a stage and a setlist. Today, they stand as cultural pillars, where rhythm, artistry, and human connection come to create an expression, something larger than life. From sunrise sets to multi-sensory installations, these gatherings blur the lines between performance and experience, offering audiences not just music, but entire worlds of creativity and community.

MDLBEAST is also offering an interactive playground of art and innovation through cave diving, bikepacking, etc, serving as a dynamic platform for culture, art, and music. It attracts audiences from across the world, integrating Saudi with a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere that celebrates connection and creativity. 

Must-see spots in Riyadh while you’re in town for the biggest music festival:

Discover the Wonders of Cave Diving in Saudi

Beneath the Red Sea’s surface lies an undisclosed world, a maze of caves, holding stories of the ocean’s ancient past. Off Jeddah’s coast, these deep caverns meet vibrant coral reefs teeming with life from dazzling fish to sharks and majestic manta rays with wingspans stretching seven meters. It’s a rare blend of adventure and natural beauty, making every dive an unforgettable encounter.

Explore Rijal Almaa Village

Rijal Almaa is truly a village that feels like stepping into a living storybook. For more than 700 years, its stone towers built from basalt and brightened with white quartz have stood strong, watching generations come and go. Walking through its narrow lanes, you feel the touch of history. The village museum, curated with manuscripts, artefacts, and everyday tools, offers an intimate glimpse into how people here once lived. From the sweeping views at Qasabat Al-Owus Tower to the glorious trails of Shaokan Mountain, nature feels as much a part of Rijal’s charm as its architecture. 

Bikepacking in Saudi

Saudi is emerging as an unexpected haven for cyclists, with its vast landscapes and diverse terrain, whether on the road, across mountain trails, or even on bikes. It’s bikepacking, the adventurous blend of long-distance cycling and wilderness camping, that’s truly capturing the spirit of modern explorers eager to experience the land in its rawest, most intimate form.

Experience Rural Heritage at Liwan Farm

Alongside Aseer’s countryside, Liwan Farm is a retreat that celebrates the quiet beauty of rural life, where rolling landscapes and open skies create a sense of calm, offering families and nature seekers a welcome pause from the pace of the city. Guests can reside in a rustic inn that blends comfort with authenticity, wander through charming cafés and eateries, and immerse themselves in the flavours of the region. They can explore a museum with unique and rare artefacts that reflect Aseer’s rich history.

Friday Afternoon & Evening: The Spectacular Jeddah Corniche & Yacht Club

The Bride of the Red Sea, Jeddah, is home to the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, Saudi’s first luxury hub for yacht enthusiasts. The exclusive club caters to members, and the marina welcomes the public with scenic promenades, designer boutiques, and fine dining along the waterfront. Visitors can also admire world-class yachts, take in views of the iconic floating mosque, and enjoy everything from French cuisine to Detroit-style pizza. 

Lead image: Getty images

Inside images: Saudi Tourism & Pexels