Saudi Arabia Travel, Traveling Tips, Tour Saudi Arabia, Tourist Attraction Places to See in Saudi Arabia

"The Land of the Two Holy Mosques" – as Saudi Arabia is often regarded as – is the biggest country in the Arabian Peninsula. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is edged by countries of Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Oman and Yemen. The country has a special prominence for the followers of Islam as it houses two very revered mosques of Mecca and Medina. This world's largest petroleum exporter country's origin dates back to 1744 with the establishment of first Saudi state. The objective was purging of the Islamic faith. Abdul-Aziz bin Saud set the contemporary kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1902. Seizure of ancestral home of Al Saud in Riyadh and its later culmination with a recognition as a kingdom in 1932, forms the historical background of Saudi Arabia.

The varied topography, verdant forests, hayfields, mountain ranges and deserts are the remarkable attributes of the country. The variation in temperature is prominent. During summers the temperature rises upto 110 degree Fahrenheit and in winter it dips down below freezing point with a scanty rainfall. The central desert regions enjoy nippy temperatures even during summers.

The present king of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, conferred with a title of “Custodian of Two Holy Mosques”, and Crowned Prince, Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, take care of the administration of the country. The absolute monarchic Islamic Government of the country sets it apart from the other countries. It is among one of those three countries – besides Hashemite realm of Jordan and Liechtenstein – who have been named after the royal families.

The country is just an amalgamation of surprises. Tourism here is mainly dependent on moods swings of climate. However, the country has potential enough to pep up tourism. The travelers here have first and foremost purpose of offering their prayers at the holy shrines of Mecca and Medina. Followers of Islam have one dream of their life and that is to go on Haj to these two revered Mosques of Mecca and Medina. Besides, the country is not that barren of attractions as it is thought of as. It has a few but interesting destinations that are much liked by people of all age groups alike.

Fast Facts

Location : Arabian Peninsula
Capital : Riyadh
Population : 27,601,038
Language : Arabic
Religion : Islam
Calling Code : +966
Time Zone : UTC +3
Climate : Extremely hot and arid
Currency : Saudi Riyal
Best time time visit : November To February

Highlights

During vacations, tourists come to the amazing county of Saudi Arabia. The country also does not send back the travelers empty handed, rather it bestows them with jewels of attractions and worth cherishing memories. The coastal areas including the sea fronts at Jeddah, Dammam and Alkhobar, the terrains blessed with natural charm like Taif, Al Baha and Abha and some historical sites as Mada'in Salih in Diriyah are remarkable for their exquisiteness. These tourist areas attract the travelers irrespective of their age groups.

Abha
Tucked on 2200 m above sea level, the site is a pleasure to the senses. The visual treat to the travelers is rendered by the trimmed green lawns, blossoming marigolds and mighty mountains enveloped in mist. It is conspicuously cooler place where even hail stones and ice can be found during winters. Tourists who hail from countries like Kuwait, where such phenomenons are absent, especially flock up the place to get rid rid of heat and humidity of the terrains during summers.

Al Khobar
The place is just awesome being the most novel and attractive city of Great Dhahran. The city is too ideal for the gourmets as it boasts of having some of the finest restaurants. It has a vast corniche along the water front which makes it a pedestrian's delight.

Asir
The region is an abode of culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia. It has retained the grace of cultural enigma of Asir region. The place is a home to the marvelous instances of architecture, for example the Empty Quarter, made of endangered stone, slate and mud brick. The structure is cuddled by majestic mountains, lush forests and vales running steeply down to the coastal plains of Red Sea.

Asir National Park
To the Southwest of Abha, is the Asir National Park - proud to be the first of its kind. It envelopes some of the most captivating sites and scenes including mountains towering as high as 3000m. Expanded upto 450, 000 hectares from the Red Sea coast it stretches across the mountains and desert. During summers the wildlife enthusiasts can enter the park for free.

Things To Do

Go Shopping
Shopping in Saudi Arabia will be a pleasant experience to people who like knowing about the culture of a country deeply. Most tourists in Saudi Arabia, spend a lot of time in shopping as there are no theaters, cinemas or bars. Saudi Arabia is filled with some splendid shopping malls like Aziz Mall, Riyadh Sahara Mall and Salaam Mall. Gold Ornaments, antiques, and traditional goods are the most shopped for items in Saudi Arabia.

Camping – A Must Do
Camping in Saudi Arabia is a must do activity for all tourists. There are number of magnificent camping sites strewn all over the country which are situated not too close yet not too far from city centers. Most brilliant camping sites are situated around 4 hr drive away from the city of Jeddah. The most famous camps is in Wadi Sadiyah, near the Turkish Watchtower.

Enjoy Obhir Creek Adventure
Situated nearly 50 Km north of Jeddah, Obhir Creek is a popular place for fishing and other water sports. Here you can also indulge in activities like swimming, snorkeling and water skiing. Also, picturesque and soothing surroundings helps you relax and enjoy the beauty of these golden beaches.

Corniche Road Drive
Drive on Corniche road in Jeddah is considered to be one of the best drives in Arabian Peninsula. The road is sandwiched between vast lying desert on both sides for many a miles. However, fast developments can be seen around the road with many new modern building coming up.

Explore Hofuf
Hofuf is one of the most urban cities of Saudi Arabia which is situated in the gigantic Al-Ahsa Oasis. One of the largest oasis in the world. The city has earned fame as the leading producer and exporter of dates. Legend has it that, Hofuf is the burial ground of the famed lovers of Arab world, Laila and Majnoon.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 December 2009 11:44