Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a land of many wonders, offering travelers a unique blend of ancient history, scenic beauty, and a culture that captivates. From the capital of Riyadh, you can take trips to explore some of the world's most iconic landmarks, including the ancient cities of Medina and Mecca and the rock-cut tombs of the Nabataean civilization. The Red Sea coast is a haven for snorkeling and diving, while in the Asir Mountains, visitors can take in magnificent views of the sky and explore pristine scenery. In the Empty Quarter, you can find the largest sand desert in the world, with colorful dunes and mysterious sandstone formations. And at night, in the cities and villages, the music and traditional dances will mesmerize you. To experience it all, there's no better place to travel than to Saudi Arabia!

The History of Saudi Arabia

The kingdoms of Saudi Arabia have maintained a long and vibrant history, stretching back as far as 4000 BC when the first known settlement was established. For centuries, it has been the centre of several powerful empires, with ancient civilisations emerging, flourishing and disappearing in this historic region over the ages.

In the fourth century, Yemen was integrated into the Arabian Peninsula, bringing an end to the period of the Babylonian Empires domination of the region. Yemen constituted the inland capital of the Arab caliphate and was a great centre of both cosmopolitan and spiritual activity. After overtaking Kuwait, the great Ottoman Empire took control of the Arabian Peninsula, ruling over it for four centuries. During this period, the coastal trade flourished and gradually the unity of the Arabian Peninsula was developed to form a distinct culture and identity.

The 1700's saw Wahhabism, a puritanical movement, gain strength and from its base in the area now known as Saudi Arabia, it sparked the intense Islamic revival, which brought the Arab peninsula back to their Islamic roots. In 1745 Muhammad ibn Saud formed an alliance with the leader of the Wahhabi movement, Abdul-Wahab, to unify the region under a strict interpretation of sharia law. In the early 1800s, this coalition took on the formidable Ottoman Empire and by 1818, the Houses of Saud had established a kingdom and dynasty that remains to this day. In the centuries that followed, the Saud family sought to bring additional Islamic principalities under their rule. This led to the formation of the Grand National Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, at which point the nation's borders were brought to their modern form.

Today, Saudi Arabia remains steeped in its rich history and bestowed with a fascinating mix of traditional and modern influences. From its stunning desert oasis to its shimmering spacious seas, there is something for the curious history enthusiast to explore. Visitors can visit world-renowned sites such as the Al-Qasim Province, home to a number of important shrines, or visit the largest mosque in the world, the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The Kingdom also offers visitors the chance to discover ancient archaeological sites such as the Hejaz Railway. Overall, a visit to Saudi Arabia offers the perfect combination of modern day activities and historic attractions - a trip to the peninsula being a truly unique experience, not to be missed.

The Culture of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a land of deep history and strong cultural influence that has drawn travelers from all around the world for decades. Located between the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a vibrant place bursting with culture, customs and monuments for visitors to explore.

From art and music to traditional dances, each element of Saudi culture tells a tale of a nation steeped in history going as far back as 5,500 years ago. Of course, history is only one of the cultural gems embedded within this fascinating landscape.

For example, traditional Saudi food like Sabich, Gebna Makleyah (cheese-filled Omelet), and Mutabbaq are a delicious way to explore the cultural side of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the cultural influence of Saudi architecture, with the grandiose mosques, palaces, and forts all sporting a distinct design style, has had a lasting impact and remains a hallmark of the region. Traditionally, locals have filled their spare time dancing the Ardhah or playing the Oud, certainly activities that visitors can watch and appreciate as part of their cultural sightseeing.

Saudi Arabia is also a great place to share experiences with locals, as Saudis are known for their hospitality and willingness to treat foreigners with compassion and kindness. The incredibly diverse range of cultural experiences means that there is a lot to experience in Saudi Arabia. Whether you're looking to explore ancient archaeological sites, experience the local markets, wander picturesque cafes, or shop in nearby malls, Saudi Arabia can provide you with plenty of experiences and sights to keep you occupied.

As a cultural destination, Saudi Arabia has something unique to offer everyone. It doesn't matter if you're a historian, an art connoisseur, a foodie, or a casual tourist, every visitor can find something to enjoy here. So, if you want to get a glimpse into the history and culture of this amazing place, be sure to pay Saudi Arabia a visit and discover for yourself the charm and beauty of this incredible nation.

The Food of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a country that is both modern and steeped in tradition, providing a unique atmosphere for travelers to explore and enjoy. Culinary experiences in Saudi Arabia are no exception. Here, travelers are treated to a vast array of traditional, regional and global flavors. Whether your appetite is for Arabica coffees and dates, rice-based dishes, succulent lamb, or buttery pastries, there is something to tantalize the palate and take your culinary experience to the next level in Saudi Arabia.

For starters, our regional cuisine is heavily influenced by Arabic and Islamic cooking habits. Traditional dishes are light and include the use of locally grown ingredients. Some favorite local dishes include hummus, falafel, tabouleh and grilled specialties, such as kabobs and shawarma. Dates are grown in abundance across the country, so visitors can be sure to sample plenty of this natural delicacy. Local eateries provide a great opportunity for travelers to linger over a meal and get to know the culture up close.

For those looking for a more international experience, Saudi Arabia has that to offer, too. With its international blend of restaurants, from modern American chains to small, family-run establishments, Saudi Arabia can fulfill your craving for any type of cuisine. And the diversity doesn't stop at the cuisine: there are local, Middle Eastern and international drinks available, as well. Speciality teas and coffees, such as the popular Saudi Arabica, are widely available.

Whatever you choose, you're guaranteed to find something you like in Saudi Arabia. And with plenty of unique culinary experiences, such as exotic spices and a variety of breads, it's easy to find a dish here to suit every taste.

So, if your idea of a great holiday includes fabulous food and plenty of variety, then a trip to Saudi Arabia couldn't be better. With its generous hospitality and amazing culinary delights, there's no better destination for a traveller who loves to savour something with every bite. And with an array of exquisite dishes from across the world, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Saudi Arabia.

What to See and Do in Saudi Arabia

1. Wander around the Heritage Villages of Riyadh: Located in the capital city of Riyadh, kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Heritage Villages are an immersive and authentic experience into traditional Saudi culture and history. Starting from the oldest heritage village 'wadi-as-Sabiq', travelers can explore open air exhibits featuring ancient pottery and jewellery, as well as crafts such as weaving and pottery-making. Visitors can also learn about traditional customs like the art of falconry and camel-racing.
2. Take in the traditional architecture in Diriyah: Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as the ancestral home of the Saudi royal family and is renowned for its traditional architecture. Explore the mud-built houses, historical monuments, and alleyways that are testament to the city's past. Many of the city's old towers have been restored to their former glory and travelers can explore the fascinating archaeological sites, including the Historic Palace of Turaif and the Al-Turaif Houthi fort.
3. See the Empty Quarter in Rub al Khali: Nicknamed the 'world's largest sands sea', the Rub al Khali, or 'the empty quarter' is one of the largest expanses of desert in the world and a must-see destination for any traveler in Saudi Arabia. This perpetually shifting, dune-laden landscape is a truly unique experience and has been used as the setting for Hollywood classics such as Lawrence of Arabia, as well as serving as a research site for scientific studies.
4. Feel the power of history at the Hajj pilgrimage: This unique experience is unlike any other and is the holiest of journeys for all Muslim believers. The annual hajj pilgrimage takes place in the holy city of Mecca and is a spiritual and symbolic journey that attracts millions of pilgrim's every year. During this experience, travelers will witness the power of faith, along with the unique cultural diversity the pilgrims bring to the city.
5. Visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia: Visitors should not miss a chance to experience the rich and dynamic history of Saudi Arabia at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. This particular museum showcases artifacts from as far back as thousands of years ago, from the Stone Age to the Islamic period. It also contains numerous rare documents and archival materials dating from different eras.
6. Go on a desert Safari from Riyadh: Making your way into the desert from Riyadh is an unforgettable experience, rich in culture and stunning landscapes. There are many Tours and safaris available where travelers can traverse the desert in a 4x4, taking in the various oases, sandstone formations and empty dunes. Some tours also provide cultural elements to the tour such as folkloric performances by the native bedouins.
7. Visit ancient Medina: Medina, or 'The City Of The Prophet', is the second holiest city in Islam and it is a must-visit destination for any traveler in Saudi Arabia. Here, travelers can explore the Kaaba, the ancient mosque that contains the sacred Black Stone, as well as the Prophet's Mosque which guards the tombs of Muhammad and his companions.
8. Shop at Souk al-Thumairi: Souk Al-Thumairi, or the Grand Market, is located in the city of Riyadh and is a great spot to soak up some traditional Saudi culture. Visitors can find all types of items like gold jewelry, carpets, incense, spices, traditional attar perfumes, and local dhow wooden sailboats. Not only can travelers find unique items here but they can also do some serious bargain hunting!
9. Go on a dolphin watching tour off the coast of Jeddah: As one of the largest cities are in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah offers a unique maritime experience, where travelers can take part in one of the many dolphin watching Tours. Operated from an exclusive boat deck, tourists can enjoy the pleasant sea breeze and a chance to spot some of these beautiful creatures in the waters off the coast.
10. Tour the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre: Located in the capital city of Riyadh, the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre is dedicated to preserving the life and times of the first ruler of modern-day Saudi Arabia. Spread across 200,000 square meters, the centre is a comprehensive expository of the kingdom's history and its cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the museum and its collection of artifacts, as well as admire the varieties of architecture located throughout the complex.