Traveling to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is known for its diverse landscape, rich history, rich heritage, delicious cuisine and impressive cultural activities. Its vast deserts make this country a coveted item on every traveler's dream list. The sights in Saudi Arabia are a unique blend of ancient and modern and attract many visitors every year - be they pilgrims, photographers, nature lovers or history buffs. From the turquoise waters of the Red Sea to majestic fortresses, from the spirit of breathtaking mosques to amazing museums, Saudi Arabia offers countless attractive tourist sites. Here are just a few that are sure to captivate visitors.
Interesting places in Saudi Arabia
Mecca and Medina:
Mecca is the holy city of Muslims. The heart of the city is the sacred Kaaba Mosque with the Kaaba at its center, the destination of Muslim prayers. The Hajj, an obligatory rite for every healthy and wealthy Muslim, includes circumambulation of the Kaaba and other rituals.
Medina is another holy city, home to the Prophet's Mosque with the tombs of the Prophet Muhammad and the first two caliphs. Ul Masjid al-Nabawi is the second largest mosque in Islam after the Kaaba Mosque.
Historical center of Jeddah:
The historic center of Jeddah is an old Arab city with medieval architecture. Narrow alleyways lead to the colorful Nejd Market, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of traditional trade and buy handicrafts.
El-Ahsa Oasis:
The El-Ahsa Oasis is a green paradise in the heart of the Rub el-Khali desert. It is home to healing springs that attract pilgrims and date palms that form an oasis in this arid region.
Riyadh:
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. The city is known for its towering skyscrapers that symbolize economic growth, as well as its modern shopping malls that offer a variety of goods and services.
Asir Province:
Asir Province is a highland region in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. Here you will find picturesque villages, green valleys and farms specializing in coffee cultivation. The beautiful highland villages and green valleys make this region unique.
Top 5 Saudi Arabia attractions:
Historic Diriyah: Historic Diriyah, the first capital of the Saudi state in the 18th century, is the cradle of the modern country. Mud houses, defensive walls, towers and water channels have been preserved to this day. Visitors have the opportunity to visit the palaces of the first Saudi rulers and learn about the history in an open-air museum.
Al-Ula Valley: The Al-Ula Valley in north-western Saudi Arabia is known for its rock tombs and gravestones, which date back more than 2,000 years to the time of the Nabataean civilization. Around 100 inscriptions in ancient Greek, Aramaic and Nabataean have been discovered here. Outstanding monuments include the Tomb of the Lion of Al-Husn and the Nine Horses.
Historic Jeddah: Historic Jeddah with its fortress, mosques and carved wooden houses attracts tourists with its cultural heritage. It is particularly fascinating to see the construction of traditional Arab dhow boats, stroll through the colorful fish market and experience the atmosphere of the old town.
National Museum of Riyadh: The National Museum of Riyadh houses more than 8,000 exhibits on the history and ethnography of Arabia. A separate room is dedicated to pre-Islamic objects, including statuettes of pagan deities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of the region.
Picturesque Red Sea beaches: The picturesque beaches along the Red Sea, which stretch for more than 2,000 kilometers, are breathtaking with their fine white sand and crystal clear emerald waters. The best of them are located near Al Wajh, Yanbu and Jizani and offer excellent opportunities to relax and enjoy nature.
Preparing for a visit to Saudi Arabia:
Clothing: It is important to choose the right clothing before visiting Saudi Arabia. Short and revealing clothing should be avoided in public places and traditional etiquette should be observed.
Eating during Ramadan: It is important to note that during Ramadan it is not customary to eat or drink in public places during the day. Travelers should respect local traditions and behave appropriately.
Documents and ID: It is important that you always carry your travel document or other proof of identity with you. This will avoid possible misunderstandings and ensure easy access to different places in the country.
Respecting etiquette and local traditions is an important aspect of a pleasant and respectful visit to Saudi Arabia.