Apple launches a new iPhone, and the world collectively loses its mind. Not gonna lie, this year the hype feels a little louder in Saudi Arabia. With the iPhone 17 now on pre-order, travellers and locals have one thing in common: everyone wants to see how the new camera performs against the Kingdom’s jaw-dropping backdrops. And Saudi Arabia has plenty, deserts that look like Mars, historic forts, and glittering towers. Basically, Instagram heaven.
Why the Apple iPhone 17 Feels Made For Travellers
Let’s be real, nobody lugs DSLRs anymore unless you’re a pro. Phones have replaced cameras for the rest of us. Apple gets that, which is why the iPhone 17 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a flex. A 48MP lens that can pick out grains of sand, night mode that actually works in real darkness, and video stabilisation so smooth you’ll think you’re Scorsese. In practice, whether you’re grabbing a sunset shot at the Red Sea or a quick snap at a café in Riyadh, this phone won’t let you down.
1. Kingdom Centre Tower
Everyone’s seen that bottle-opener-shaped tower in photos, right? Head up to the sky bridge of this 300-metre tower for panoramic shots of Riyadh’s skyline. By night, the iPhone’s low-light mode captures neon highways without a trace of graininess.
2. Diriyah
Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, has an array of alleys and iconic structures that will teleport you to the land of nostalgia. iPhone 17 is perfect for capturing those mud-brick walls and old-world charm without the unnecessary filters, delivering raw and perfect pictures.
3. Al Wahbah Crater
Now here’s the kicker: a giant volcanic crater near Taif. White mineral deposits sit in the middle like nature’s abstract painting. Wide-angle mode on the iPhone makes it look even bigger than it feels in person. It’s the sort of picture that has friends asking, “Wait, that’s Saudi?”
4. Masmak Fortress
Built in the 19th century, the Masmak Fortress is this sandy-coloured time capsule. What makes it Insta-worthy, though, is the contrast, old mud-brick walls with Riyadh’s glass towers in the background. Shoot both in one frame, and the story tells itself.
5. Edge of the World
About 90 minutes from Riyadh lies a cliff that looks like the edge of, well, everything. You stare out, and the horizon just… disappears. Cinematic mode on the iPhone 17 makes it feel like you’re filming a trailer for a desert epic. Don’t look down if you’re scared of height,s though.
6. Abha And the Asir Mountains
If you thought Saudi Arabia was only sand, Abha will blow your mind. Rolling green mountains, painted villages, clouds that literally touch the rooftops. Portrait mode here doesn’t just capture faces, it frames whole moods. It’s calmer, softer, and frankly underrated.
Final Word
Saudi Arabia isn’t short on wow-factor locations, and the iPhone 17 feels almost designed to show them off. Whether you’re wandering old alleys or leaning over dramatic cliffs, this phone has your back. Pre-orders are live now across the Kingdom in Apple stores, online, and with official retailers.
So, should you upgrade? If you care about travel photography, the answer is pretty simple. Let’s face it, Saudi Arabia’s most Instagrammable spots deserve to be shot on something better than last year’s phone.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro, Heute/Website
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