The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. It has a population of 27 million, including many foreign residents. It has a very diverse geography, including mountain ranges, forests, deserts, grasslands etc. The climate varies from region to region. In some regions, the winter temperatures drop below the freezing point. Saudi Arabia gets very little rain though.
Airports and accommodations
Saudi Arabia holds six International Airports out of which Jeddah Airport (King Abdulaziz International Airport) is one of the busiest and biggest airports in Saudi Arabia, While the country capital Riyadh Airport (King Khalid International Airport) holding the second biggest airport in Kingdom.
The most popular airlines that facilitate the travel between India and Saudi Arabia are Salam Air, Gulf Air, Malaysian Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Air India Express, spice jet etc.
If you’re looking for luxurious accommodations in Saudi Arabia, there are a lot of options to look at. There is a huge variety in the price range, services, stay, and almost everything when it comes to the luxury hotels of Saudi. Some of the most famous ones include Makkah Hotel, Kempinski Al Oathman Hotel Al Khobar, Movenpick Hotel Al Khobar, Jeddah Hilton, InterContinental Hotel Jeddah, Burj Rafal Riyadh; A Marriott International Hotel etc.
Riyadh – The largest City on Arabian Peninsula
Riyadh has grown to become a major financial city of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. You can very easily see the beautiful skyline, once you arrive at the King Khalid International Airport.
This city is UNESCO World Heritage Site, while Masmak Fort is now quasi-museum housing artefacts that give tourists an insight into the rich history of this city.
A 41 storey building in Riyadh, the kingdom tower has shopping as well as contains the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh and apartments. The Kingdom centre has a sky bridge, a mall and four seasons hotel inside a 1 km tall building. It is known to be one of the major landmarks in the city, this mall has the most luxurious brands in the Kingdom, with a great selection of boutiques and stores.
Al Rajhi Grand Mosque is one of the must-visit destinations in Riyadh. You will find the authentic Saudi culture by visiting this building. It is the largest mosque in Riyadh and is breathtaking. However, it is more than just a mosque. It is home to two libraries, offers several courses including forensic science and had a capacity of holds 18,000 people in the men’s hall.
If we talk about adventure heading out of town and getting behind the wheels of an ATV as you drive up and down the distinct red dunes, sounds like a great idea.
It is good to go either in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t so intense.
Another one of the most popular attractions in Riyadh is the Al Masmak Fort. The bazaars culture there is elite!
One should take their time to go through the stalks and shops to see and get souvenirs and other things. One of the best things to buy are handmade gifts for your loved and close ones that are truly unique and beautiful.
The National Museum in Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s biggest museum and one of the most visited destinations in the city. The museum shows the history of human civilization and galleries which includes many sculptures and antiquities.
Jebel Fihrayn also known as the Edge of the World, is a desert trek that runs along the Tuwaiq Escarpment about 90 kilometres from Riyadh. If you’re looking for outdoor activities this place is perfect for you!
It’s a great place for hiking and offers an amazing and unique view.
Red Mermaid – Jeddah
Red Mermaid, is what the modern city, Jeddah is called. It is the largest city in Mecca Province and the largest seaport on the Red Sea. It is the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia with a population of about 4 million people (as of 2014). It is an important commercial hub in Saudi Arabia and is the country’s commercial capital. It is also a big Islamic tourist destination in Saudi Arabia and the principal gateway to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city. It is also a gateway to Madina, the second holiest place in the religion Islam. Jeddah is the most easygoing city in the kingdom with much diversity in its ex-pat population.
One of the much-loved Jeddah landmarks, King Fahd’s Fountain, rises against the backdrop of the Red Sea. At 312-meters high, it is the tallest fountain in the world, sending plumes of water shooting skywards at speeds of more than 350kph.
Fakieh Aquarium is another not to miss destination which is the first marine exhibition of its kind in Saudi Arabia, and it’s no coincidence that it finds itself within earshot of the city’s lapping Red Sea.
Discover Al Balad
Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed historical centre, Al Balad, is one of the kingdom’s most evocative quarters, with narrow alleyways between ancient coral-stone merchants’ houses leading to spice-scented souqs and glowing traditional bakeries. Many buildings have been sensitively restored in recent years, including the grand 106-room Nasseef House, where the former king of Saudi Arabia stayed before coming into power. Empty spaces have become quirky cafés or art galleries and mangour woodwork workshops, as a district built in the seventh century looks to the future.
Visit Al Naseef House in old Jeddah city. Climb to the rooftop to catch the sunset and listen to evening Adhan (call to prayer).
According to Muslim tradition, Eve, the wife of Adam, moved to Jeddah after her banishment from the Garden of Eden. Moqbara Umna Hawwa (Mother Eve’s tomb) is said to be the burial place of Eve.
And if you want peace and are tired of going through the historical sights and souqs go to Jeddah Corniche. This 30-kilometre coastline has restaurants, cafes, picnic areas and recreation spots for young and old to enjoy. Save some time for a dip in the beautifully landscaped Intercontinental Jeddah hotel pool located at the edge of the Red Sea.
The holy sites in Islam – Mecca and Madina
It is believed that one prayer offered in Masjid Al Haram, Mecca has 100,000 rewards more than in a normal mosque. One prayer in Masjid Al Nabawi is better than the 1000 prayers offered elsewhere.
Mecca is a sanctuary for Muslims, a haven where even trees, plants and animals must not be hurt and killed. Whereas Madina is the city where Prophet Mohammed and some of the early Muslims migrated.
It is the city from where Jihad was waged against shirk and false beliefs and also the city where Prophet Mohammed returned and finally died.
Sites not to miss in Mecca and Madina
(Disclaimer- Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Mecca, forced entry or trying to enter the places prohibited for non-Muslims can result in fine penalties. Non-Muslims are also advised not to enter the central Madina)
The Great Mosque of Mecca & Kaaba
Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām is the largest mosque in the world and is the centrepiece of the Hajj, that takes place every year. It was designed around Kaaba, which is an ancient sanctuary that Muslims face when they pray. The mosque can hold up to four million people and is an ornate structure that causes many visitors to stop and stare in awe. While your visit to this mosque and the Kaaba as you move through your Hajj or Umrah, you will be drawn in awe to the beauty it is.
It is believed that Hira is a cave where Prophet Muhammad received his first revelations from Allah. You must hike up a mountain to get to the cave, and the desert climate makes the journey challenging even for those who are physically fit. Most people can make it to the top within three hours, and their reward is the spectacular views of the holy city.
Also known as Mount of Mercy, Mount Arafat is a hill located just east of Mecca. This is the location where Prophet Muhammad was believed to deliver the last sermon of his life. This is one of the most spiritually rewarding events for many Hajj pilgrims.
One of the more sentimental Mecca attractions is the Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad because it allows visitors to see where Prophet Muhammad was born. You can visit the library and museum that now stands at that location, interacting with other visitors and learning more about the early life of Islam’s most beloved Prophet. This is a great place to dig into the history of Islam to deepen your understanding.
Saudi Arabian Cuisine
One of the most common and famous food items in Saudi is kabsa. It is the staple food of Saudi Arabia. There are several variations, but the essence of Kabsa is some meat or chicken served with a load of rice and some sides. It is normal for people to eat Kabsa daily for lunch and dinner.
Haree is another one of the mouth-watering Arabian dishes that is made from ground wheat, meat, and some spices. In Saudi Arabia, this porridge-like meat dish also includes tomatoes, peppers, and spices like cardamom and drizzled with parsley over the top.
Saleeg, a rice dish, cooked in a milky broth, topped with meat or chicken is very common in the Hijaz region and is a must-try dish when in Saudi Arabia.
Sayadiya is a rare fish dish that is baked together with rice and vegetables in Jeddah. It is originally an Egyptian dish but is commonly cooked in the Red Sea region.
Gurian is one of the popular main dishes in Riyadh that you should not miss upon!
Camel meat is one of the most cherished meats in Saudi Arabia and is more expensive than beef. You should try it!
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a winter destination. The country has an arid desert climate, and it’s best to go when it’s cool enough to be out when you’re able to comfortably see the archaeological sites and do the activities that the country has to offer. The official tourist season is from October to March, however, the best months to visit are between November and February when the weather is the coldest. The average daily high in Riyadh is still 28°C in November, but it drops to 22°C in December. It’s cooler in the mountains, and the south of the country even experiences some of the effects of the Indian Ocean monsoon.
Trip Summary
The Arabian peninsula is the founding place of Islam, one of the world’s largest religions. Its two holiest cities, Medina and Mecca, are both in Saudi Arabia. They are the main destinations of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages that millions of Muslims from around the world undertake every year.
It is a country that holds a lot of historical importance to the world and relevance specifically to the Islamic world. But it is not the only fascinating thing about the country. It is one of the great tourist destinations from all over the world which offers great historical, archaeological, extreme fun and adventurous activities and destinations. Be it a family, or a solo trip, this country facilitates it all. There are some social rules and norms to follow but on a whole, the experience is beautiful and ethereal.
There are certain places where non- Muslims are not allowed but that doesn’t mean that this country doesn’t have anything else to offer! There are activities and destinations that facilitate families, kids and almost everyone to enjoy and have a great experience as long as they’re in the country. So don’t miss on the fun and do visit the country to experience all the amazing stuff it has to offer!
