Saudi Arabia Attractions & Amenities

A vast country spanning most of the Arabian peninsula, Saudi Arabia is a land of ancient deserts, undulating dunes, historic ruins and the holiest of cultures. The northern region boasts the intricately rock-hewn Madain Saleh, an ancient ruin of tombs that dates back to the 1st century, while the southeastern ‘Empty Quarter’ is the one of largest deserts in the world. But Saudi Arabia’s main calling cards are Mecca and Medina, Islam’s most sacred sites. While non-Muslims are forbidden from entering these holy cities, it is a religious requirement for all physically and financially able Muslims to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. The rewards for those that do get there are substantial. The Great Mosque of Mecca is the largest in the world, and surrounds Islam’s holiest palace, the Kaaba, where up to four million people can pray at once. In addition to this, Medina’s Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque is said to have been built by the Prophet Muhammad himself, who was later buried here. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s throbbing capital, is more relaxed in its ways. Anyone can come here to enjoy a lively café culture, mud-brick palaces, and shopping options from traditional souks to extravagant malls. Meanwhile, the port city of Jeddah features a beautiful old town, a waterfront, and a string of beach resorts.

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