With the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSFF) shining a spotlight on Saudi’s growing role in the global cinema scene, there’s never been a better time for filmmakers to come and explore the Heart of Arabia.

Several top movies have already shot scenes across the country, with Hollywood blockbuster Kandahar and Bollywood’s Dunki highlighting iconic locations like AlUla, Jeddah, and NEOM, while homegrown gems like Roll’em, The Tambour of Retribution and The Matchmaker have drawn international acclaim.

From rolling desert dunes to ancient rock-hewn wonders, lush mountain highlands, colourful rare coral reefs and cities where deep-rooted heritage combines with contemporary culture, Saudi’s diversity acts as the ultimate inspiration for unforgettable stories. Ready to roll? This land is calling.

Aseer’s storybook peaks and villages
Mist swirling around jagged mountain peaks, lush green terraces cascading down the slopes and quaint villages perched on hilltops lend a storybook vibe to Aseer — a region brimming with natural drama and cultural charm. The ancient village of Rijal Alma, with its colourful stone architecture and deep-rooted traditions, is an authentic setting for any story steeped in mystique.

Tabuk Castle’s timeless fortress
Built in 1559 during the Ottoman era and lovingly restored over centuries, this fortress in Tabuk is a cinematic dream. Its weathered stone walls and commanding watchtowers echo the footsteps of pilgrims traveling the Levantine route between Sham and the Hijaz, a journey rich in storytelling potential. Take in sweeping shots of the castle’s sunlit ramparts or quiet moments in its ancient mosque, whose mihrab bears an inscription from its 1844 restoration under Sultan Abdul Majeed.

Hegra’s sacred tombs
Found in the ancient desert city of AlUla, Hegra, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is carved into the rose-hued sandstone cliffs. A local Rawi (storyteller) will take you on a journey back in time on horse carriage to explore 2,000-year-old Nabataean tombs that look like they’ve been plucked out of a history book. Head here for sweeping cinematic shots of intricately carved facades glowing under the golden desert sun, or eerie nighttime sequences illuminated by starlight.

Al-Maqar Heritage Village’s domed marvel of Islamic architecture
More than 35 years in the making, and built with nearly one million stones sourced from the region itself, this stunning mosaic of Islamic-inspired ornamentation is crowned by seven domes and three elegantly tiered floors that open onto a grand courtyard. Within its walls lies a treasure trove of historical manuscripts, offering visitors a window into ancient civilisations.

Rub’ al Khali’s endless desert dunes
The Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert, offering endless horizons of undulating golden dunes. Its vastness and solitude create a strikingly cinematic atmosphere, with ever-changing light dancing across the dunes and casting shadows that bring the landscape to life.

Wadi Al-Jithah’s stories in stone
Encircled by dramatic mountains and rugged plateaus, this wadi tells stories etched in stone. Its walls are adorned with ancient inscriptions and archaeological drawings, offering glimpses into the lives of those who once roamed this striking terrain. The wadi is at its most enchanting during winter and spring when cooler weather and golden light transform it into a spectacular scene for explorers and storytellers alike.

Al-Balad, Historic Jeddah’s living Hijazi heritage
Historic Jeddah is a living time capsule of Hijazi heritage, with narrow alleyways twisting between centuries-old coral stone houses adorned with intricate rawasheen wooden lattices. The district’s souqs hum with life, offering a colourful backdrop for traditional stories — and the shimmering Red Sea is right on its doorstep. This year’s official Red Sea International Film Festival trailer was even shot in the area by Saudi director Meshal Al Jaser.

The Saudi Red Sea’s underwater wonderland
A kaleidoscope of marine life and pristine coral reefs, the Saudi Red Sea stretches along 1,800 kilometres of coastline. This natural wonder is a filmmaker’s paradise, offering dazzling underwater landscapes for documentaries and high-octane maritime thrillers alike. From sweeping aerial views of turquoise waters lapping against untouched islands to the serene, otherworldly stillness of coral gardens beneath the surface, it’s all a visual spectacle.

The Al-Taleq Tree’s ancient majesty
Known scientifically as Ficus vasta, this sprawling perennial tree is a masterpiece of resilience, its wide canopy offering generous shade. A stone’s throw from Rijal Alma Park, the natural wonder invites visitors year-round to sit beneath its ancient branches, marvel at its grandeur, and soak in the tranquil surroundings — the ultimate cinematic focal point.

Riyadh’s past and future in every frame
Riyadh, the Saudi capital, is a city of two eras, and nowhere is that contrast more dramatic than in King Abdullah Financial District. Rising beyond the low-rise expanse of sandy beige traditional buildings, this glittering cluster of geometric skyscrapers feels plucked from a sci-fi storyboard. Its sharp angles and gleaming facades break the city’s flat horizon, casting a futuristic glow that contrasts with the centuries-old mudbrick structures just a short drive away.