Saudi Arabia‘s Mecca and Medina are the birthplaces of Islam, two of the world’s most important Muslim cities. It is the world’s 14th largest country, and Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, is a wealthy city that exemplifies the country’s wealth.
Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate and is a relatively safe country. Tourists and people in business and women travelling alone are unlikely to have any problems and should visit with confidence.
Although religious tourism is the majority of tourism in Saudi Arabia, the leisure tourism industry has grown in recent years. Saudi Arabia is home to many sacred Islamic sites, including the Islamic capital of Riyadh.
The world’s largest airport is King Khalid Airport, and it covers 192,000 acres of land with a surface area of roughly 300 square miles. Dammam International Airport is located in Saudi Arabia, a country in the Middle East.
The landscape of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is diverse and rich. Including the ruins of the Nabatean Kingdom in Al-‘Ula, the Rub’ al Khali desert, Jeddah‘s luxurious beach resorts, and the mountains of Taif, where roses bloom alongside groves of the world’s most sought-after dates. Riyadh, the capital, is a fascinating mix of ancient souks and modern skyscrapers and natural wonders such as the cliffs of Edge of the World Park, just outside the city.
Mecca and Medina are the two holiest cities for Muslims performing the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages. The latter is required of every Muslim who is financially and physically capable of making the journey, so approximately 2 million pilgrims travel to Mecca each year for the Hajj, which necessitates using a religious visa.
Other travellers interested in visiting a religious site should consider Jeddah, home to the country’s only four mosques that welcome non-Muslim visitors: Al Taqwa Mosque, Al Rahma Mosque on the Red Sea, Moroccan-style King Fahd Mosque, and King Saud Mosque.
What is the significance of the Hajj performed in Saudi Arabia?
The Hajj is a pillar of Islam that all Muslims must perform at least once in their lives. Muslims believe that it is a physically demanding journey that allows them to cleanse themselves of past sins and begin anew in their relationship with God. On the Hajj, pilgrims seek to deepen their faith, with some women donning the “hijab,” a head covering.
The two holiest sites for Muslims are Masjid al-Haram and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, located in the sacred twin cities of Makkah and Madinah, respectively. Masjid al-Haram is the largest mosque in Mecca. The Holy Ka’ba, or House of Allah, is surrounded by this sacred mosque. It is the primary location for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself founded Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. The Prophet’s Mosque, the world’s second-largest mosque, houses not only the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but also the tombs of two prominent Islamic leaders; Umar (Rail) and Abu Bakr (Rail) Al Balad is Jeddah’s historic district, known for its traditional markets, narrow streets and alleys, intricately designed mosques, and traditional homes. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site that once served as a rest stop for pilgrims to Makkah. The historic Bab Makkah gate is located in Al Balad, at the start of the Makkah al-Mukkarramah road that leads to Makkah, Islam’s holiest city. Al Balad is known as the “Gateway to Makkah”.
The elephant rock, also known as Jabal Al-Fil, is one of Saudi Arabia’s must-see tourist attractions. It is located in the Al-‘Ula, a UNESCO world heritage site, and is one of the world’s most impressive geological marvels. It can be found in the middle of a golden sand desert, surrounded by massive rock outcrops of various shapes and sizes. According to archaeologists, wind and water erosion over centuries eroded the body and trunk of this monolithic structure.
When you visit Saudi Arabia, you will fall in love with the magnificent Asir, a great place to cool off. The summer rainstorms enhance its beauty. In the hair of the locals, we can find flowers. Once you’ve arrived in Asir, you can satisfy your soul’s desire for adventure by hiking or touring the area.
The Edge of the World is located just outside Riyadh, the most beautiful city in Saudi Arabia. If you’re visiting Saudi Arabia, this is a must-see attraction. This one is set in a beautiful landscape with fascinating cultural sites that will transport you to another time. Some fantastic hiking opportunities in Saudi Arabia will make you fall in love with the country!
Taif is known as the Rose City because of its fragrant flowers that grow in the surrounding wadis and mountains. It’s also known as Saudi Arabia’s unofficial summer capital, and Taif is an extraordinary sanctuary from the heat due to its elevation.
The magical rock-cut tombs of Hegra are a wonderful sight in Saudi Arabia. This area has some fascinating wildlife, and hotel chains are now expanding here, making this a fascinating location to visit. It’s an archaeological site that reveals details about the elusive empire that built it.
Things to know before you head over to Saudi Arabia
Both Saudi and tourist women can wear the hijab and niqab. Women must always dress modestly, with their knees and shoulders covered. Although the abaya is optional, it must be worn to respect Muslim culture when entering mosques.
Refrain from public displays of affection.
Five times a day, stores and restaurants close for prayer. Plan your itinerary around these times to get the most out of your trip.
Saudi Arabia is a Muslim-majority nation, and non-Muslims are welcome. In some public places, men and women have separate entrances or seating areas. Preaching in public places or through social media, on the other hand, is prohibited.
