There is an air of a mystery still about Saudi Arabia because for many centuries it was closed to foreigners and then open only to those with business visas. But now the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula is slowly opening up. It is the world’s largest petroleum exporter but more importantly it houses Islam’s two holiest places, Mecca and Medinah.
Geographically Saudi Arabia features deserts, a thin mountain range, some interior oases and coastal regions with coral reefs and rich marine life. Much of the land is uninhabited because its desert and semi arid. Visit from November to February for the best weather. The annual Jenadriyah cultural festival in January/February is a good chance to see Saudi’s celebrate with camel racing, music and food.
You can access Saudi Arabia by sea from Egypt, Sudan and possibly Yemen. Border crossings are open with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Oman and Yemen. Buses to Riyad, Jeddah and Damman are possible from centres such as Amman, Kuwait, Aden, Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai, Cairo, Khartoum, Damascus, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Four international airports operate in Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah with flights to the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the USA. Domestic services operated by Saudia go to major towns and are reasonably priced. Trains operate between the capital and Damman on the Gulf and more routes are planned. There are good highways for road transport and fast, efficient buses make journeys between towns.
Riyadh
The Saudi capital has a population of almost six million and the name means “garden”. Indeed it is set in a fertile area and trees, dates, orchards and palms are common although the modern towers, big cars, fine hotels and places to eat are probably going to make more of an impression. Major sights include Al Masmak Castle, the National Museum, Murabba Palace, Qasr Al Hokom and the 311m Kingdom Tower. Taxis and buses operate in the city centre while trains and buses travel inter city.
Jeddah
The commercial centre of the nation and the most liberal with the beautiful Red Sea coast, lovely coral houses, old souq, remnants of Old Jeddah and a range of restaurants and shops.
Mecca
The holiest city in Islam houses the largest mosque in the world, Al-Masjid al-Haram. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter.
