Heathrow rail engineering works: 16 & 17 November

Due to planned engineering works, there will be no Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line services to or from Heathrow on Saturday 16 November and Sunday 17 November.

Piccadilly line services will be running as normal on both days.


Passengers should plan their journeys before travelling, and allow for additional time where necessary as trains that are running will be much busier than normal.

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Sun it up in sizzling Saudi Arabia

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Maria Asaad
Airlines and routes, Travel tips,

 

Saudi Arabia is quickly growing in popularity and becoming one of the top places to visit in the Middle East by tourists worldwide. Gaining recognition as the new ‘Dubai,’ Saudi Arabia is an up-and-coming hot spot for travellers wanting to explore natural beauty whilst soaking up some sun. From the buzz of its capital, Riyadh, to its historic and ancient cities, such as Al-Ula, there is so much to experience and explore in Saudi Arabia.

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Be captivated by the Capital

Saudi Arabia’s lively capital city, Riyadh, is filled with striking skyscrapers that soar over the city and offer some of the most amazing views. The landmark building is the iconic Kingdom Centre, which sits at an impressive 302 meters and has a Sky Bar on the 99th floor where guests can enjoy the spectacular views at their own leisure.

Riyadh is great to visit as a family as it has a massive 220-acre entertainment complex filled with exciting, family-friendly activities and experiences. It is called Riyadh Boulevard and has everything from a wide selection of shops and restaurants to indoor ski slopes, tennis courts, and the biggest cinema in the Middle East.

If you’re keen to learn more about the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you should definitely plan a visit to the Saudi National Museum. It contains eight galleries and over 3000 artifacts, some dating back to 4000 BC, taking you on a fascinating historical journey. 

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Jump feet first into Jeddah

Jeddah is most famous for being the gateway to Mecca, so it naturally receives millions of visitors every year. However, this is just one of the reasons to visit Jeddah, as there is so much more to this bustling and idyllic city.

It is considered to be more cosmopolitan and liberal compared to other parts of the country with its contagious excitement and character. There are over 18 miles of waterfront Corniche to enjoy to make the most of the sunny weather. Highlights along the way include the floating mosque of Al-Rahman and King Fahad’s Fountain; at 260 meters high, it is the tallest fountain in the world!

If you still want more outdoorsy time, then you’ve come to the right city, as Jeddah’s coastal location means it has an array of beaches and dive sites to explore. Some of the best beaches to visit are Obhur, Alexandria, and Al Saif, allowing you to enjoy some serenity in the blue waters of the Red Sea. 

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Hop back into history

Saudi Arabia is full of historic and ancient sites that juxtapose the metropolitan feel of other cities in the country, making it a well-rounded place with something for everyone to enjoy. One of the best places in the country to get a fascinating history lesson is the city of Al-Ula.

This settlement has recently risen in fame and popularity due to its notable historic centre and iconic landmarks that surround it. These include the lush oasis and majestic Elephant Rock, a massive solitary rock in the middle of the desert that is one of the best spots to catch sunset.

The old town area is now the main sight within the city, dating back to the 12th century, but has only been inhabited in recent years. It is now a renovated labyrinth of close to a thousand stone houses and 400 shops; the history can be seen and experienced during guided tours offered by locals, several of whom lived there before being relocated to more modern housing. 

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Discover the nation’s deserts

It’s difficult not to envision stretches of sparse desert when imagining Saudi Arabia, and with reason, as it is home to plenty of desert areas. The most impressive desert in the country is the Rub Al Khali, the largest continuous desert area in the world.

It is located in the south of the country and stretches all the way through parts of Oman, Yemen and the UAE. It hosts dunes of up to 250 meters high that can be seen from miles and miles away.

If you are looking for even taller and more impressive dunes, however, then you must pay a visit to The Great Nufud Desert in the northwest of Riyadh, which ranges between a whopping 700 to 1000 meters high. The best way to explore these deserts is with guided tours, which also allow you to camp in various desert areas and experience Bedouin-style nights under the stars. There are also dune buggy rides, camel riding, and 4x4 safaris on offer for a truly memorable and unique travel experience. 

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