Known as the Pearl of the Red Sea, Duba is a picturesque port city surrounded by sandy beaches and turquoise bays. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade, dine at waterfront seafood restaurants and visit one of the most beautiful forts in Saudi Arabia.
Things to do in Duba
Luxury resorts featuring swimming pools and private beaches are the best way to enjoy Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea beaches. Sharma Beach is a local favourite with its golden sand and crystal-clear water.
Al Numan is a coral-fringed island set off the coast of Duba and one of the country’s top dive sites. Boats take you out to the sandy island, where you can swim with tropical fish and admire colourful corals.
Local restaurants in Duba will tantalise your palate with oven-baked fish, spiced crab and “shrimp kabsah” flavoured with stewed tomatoes, cumin, chilli and lime. The best restaurants are set on the harbour and treat you to fantastic views of the Red Sea. Walk around bustling Duba Fish Market to get up close with local fishermen and their catches of the day.
Built in the 1930s, King Abdulaziz Fort stands guard over the harbour. It welcomes you with sturdy wooden doors and honey-coloured walls built from locally quarried limestone. Information plaques offer insight into the rich history and heritage of the fort.
Lined with palm trees, Duba Corniche skirts the shoreline and takes you past landmarks like King Abdulaziz Fort. Stop for a breather at Park Prince Fahd bin Sultan, a family-friendly green space overlooking the Red Sea.
Getting around Duba
Duba is located in Tabuk Province, a 2.5-hour drive from Tabuk and 6.5 hours from Medina. The city is compact and easy to get around on foot while taxis are a fast and comfortable way to get from A to B. Ferries sail between Duba and nearby ports in Egypt and Jordan. Tabuk Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.