For many years, Saudi Arabia was inaccessible to photographers. Today, however, it is gradually opening up to the world and offering locations that rank among the most impressive on the planet. A photography workshop in Saudi Arabia is therefore a unique opportunity to capture scenery that is still not overcrowded with tourists and photographers like, for example, Iceland or Norway.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what makes Saudi Arabia so exceptional for photographers, which locations we visited in February 2026, and what participants experienced on this unique photography workshop with Landscape Nomads.

Why is Saudi Arabia a small paradise for photographers?

When most people think of Saudi Arabia, they imagine a harsh desert, maybe a few camels, and not much else worth paying attention to. Surprisingly for many photographers, the opposite is true. Saudi Arabia offers a combination of landscapes that are rarely found together in one place anywhere else in the world—from massive rock formations to beautifully blooming oases.

One of the biggest advantages is that you don’t have to worry much about the weather. You’ll either have clear skies for days or, if you’re lucky, a few clouds. The great thing about clouds here is that in about 90% of cases, they appear during sunrise or sunset and glow red, since there are rarely enough of them to block the light completely. But even if you only get clear skies, there’s no need to worry. This diverse landscape offers countless ways to make your photos unique.

For example, within these rocky massifs, you’ll find countless small caves that can serve as natural frames, giving your images a distinctive look. Equally fascinating are scenes with multiple rock formations where, as the sun rises just above them, it creates light rays that interact beautifully, resulting in artistic photos without the need for heavy editing—the scene itself is already stunning. And of course, there are highly photogenic sand dunes perfect for minimalist photography.

Another advantage of clear skies is the stars. Since there are no major cities near these scenic areas, there is no light pollution, allowing you to capture the night sky in its full beauty. Just keep an eye on the moon, which can be very bright even when it’s not full.

For animal lovers, there are also plenty of opportunities. In these mountainous areas, many local shepherds herding camels, goats, and other animals that usually graze freely. If you’re lucky, you might also spot beautiful lizards with vibrant colors. Of course, there are also dangerous animals, but it’s not like something is lurking under every rock—it's almost impossible to encounter them.

Why We Chose to Visit Saudi Arabia in February?

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the winter months, when temperatures range between a pleasant 15–25°C (59–77°F). That’s exactly why we decided to come in February.

Of course, since we were in the desert, temperatures dropped significantly at night, so it was necessary to bring some warmer clothing as well. Due to local dress regulations—especially for women—it was also important to wear longer clothing, even during the day when it was warm.

If we had come in the summer, with desert temperatures reaching up to 45°C (113°F), we probably wouldn’t have lasted long in the field. By visiting in winter, we were able to spend much more time outdoors without feeling overheated. The conditions were simply more comfortable—not only for us, but also for our equipment.

How does the workshop in Saudi Arabia work?

This photography workshop has already become a favorite among many photographers. One of the first things that can pleasantly surprise you is the convenient timing of sunrise and sunset. Sunrise was around 7:30 AM, and since most locations were only 10 to 20 minutes away, there was no need for any extreme early wake-ups. Sunset are around 6:00 PM, which is just as comfortable.

Even though the daytime temperatures weren’t extreme, the sun still had plenty of strength. After the morning shoot, we would always head to breakfast, usually around 10 AM. Then came a siesta until the evening session. We used this time in different ways—sometimes to relax, other times to edit photos, or simply to soak in the atmosphere of the place.

We traveled into the field in vehicles adapted for driving on sand, which was an experience in itself and often a lot of fun. We were always accompanied by a local guide who knew the area perfectly, and thanks to him, we were able to reach places we likely would have never found on our own.

What everybody appreciated most about this workshop was the sense of peace. Since Saudi Arabia has only recently opened up to the world, we didn’t encounter crowds because there are still not a classic well-known locations. And especially when we reached the completely new spots, we were alone there. That feeling of silence and endless space is something that’s hard to describe—you simply have to experience it.

Thanks to that, we all came away with a collection of unique shots that would be difficult to capture anywhere else. At the same time, the workshop was very flexible—suitable for both less active and more physically fit participants. We found great compositions not only after hiking up hills. Although, of course, we can’t really call them hikes. All the spots are just a few minutes’ walk from the car at most.

However, the participants especially appreciated one thing - exploration. Every location offered new views, new compositions, and new ways to experiment with photography. That’s exactly why we see Saudi Arabia as a true paradise for landscape photographers. Sometimes you just don’t know what you’ll discover around the corner, and this gives you the feeling of being a true explorer.

And what about food? In the area where we stayed during the tours, there are no restaurants or anything similar, as it’s a remote location close to all the photography spots. There is only a small market where you can buy some basic groceries. To make things convenient for everyone, during our tours we always provide a private chef who prepares fresh breakfast and dinner for us every day. After a long day of shooting, this is always very welcome.

What Participants Learned at the Saudi Arabia Photo Tour

The photography workshop wasn’t just about traveling and spending time with people who share the same passion for photography—it was also a great opportunity to improve our skills.

During the workshop with Landscape Nomads, participants learned how to work with light in the desert, how to approach landscape composition, and how to use elements in their surroundings to enhance their images. We also focused on night photography, photo editing in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, and many other useful techniques.

Moreover, the locations we photographed were literally a playground for those who enjoy seeking out and using strong foregrounds in their photography. Our instructors helped participants gain an entirely new perspective on finding creative compositions, which, as they themselves said, elevated their work to the next level. Whether it was small stone caves, endless leading lines, or twisted trees, all of these elements combined with the jagged rock formations to create amazing compositions that everyone could fully capture, enriching their portfolios with exceptional shots—many of which, we believe, could even earn them a photography award.

There was always at least one instructor for every five participants, which meant everyone received a personal approach and had the chance to learn directly in the field. Our instructors are among the best photographers in the world, with wins in international competitions, numerous awards, and experience judging some of the most prestigious contests—so we were truly learning from the very best. The workshop was suitable for both beginners and advanced photographers.

But most importantly, we had a lot of fun, built friendships with amazing people, and created beautiful memories that we’ll be reminiscing about for a long time!

Would you like to experience a similar adventure with a group of photographers who are always up for fun? Join us next year with Isabella Tabacchi, Filip Hrebenda, and Faisal Aljerifani. We’ll be happy to guide you through this photographic paradise. You’ll capture with us jagged rock formations, desert oases, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and so much more!

Behind the scenes gallery for our Saudi Arabia Photo Tour 2026