Attractions of Saudi Arabia attract tourists from all over the world. Their unique charm, local religious traditions give the ancient buildings, mosques a mysterious luxurious shine.
The nature of this country also requires special attention. Saudi Arabia, whose attractions are diverse, attracts a variety of travelers. However, the customs and traditions of this country will require respect and reverence. There are rules of conduct. This allows you to plunge into the delicate world of the East with the head of each guest.
Country history
To better understand the soul of Saudi Arabia, as well as its attractions (their photos are presented below), you should plunge into the question of its historical formation.
The area that this kingdom now occupies on the Arabian Peninsula is called Hijaz. In 632, the Arab Caliphate was founded here . Its capital was in Mecca. By the 9th century, it expanded significantly. Borders extended across the entire Middle East, Central Asia, Persia, Southern Europe, and North Africa.
In the 16th century, these lands were conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Only in the 18th century, the power of the Arab caliphate was restored in a war of struggle led by Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saud and religious leader Muhammad Abdel-Wahhab.
In the 20s of the last century, Abdel Azis al-Saud finally took control of the Hejaz and Naj. In this he was supported by the British.
Saudi Arabia, whose attractions reveal the rich history of these lands, has seen many battles. Oil fields discovered in 1938 made this country flourishing.
Today it is a rather closed state for tourism. Authorities will require their guests to follow traditions and obey certain rules. But this does not interfere, but, on the contrary, allows you to more penetrate the local flavor.
Central area
Conventionally, the territory of Saudi Arabia can be divided into several regions: Central, Eastern, Western, South-Western, Northern. Each of them has its own characteristics.
In the Central region there is a concentration of tourist life. This is both the geographical and historical center of the country. And the most conservative Saudi Arabia. Sights (the kingdom of Riyat is considered the most significant in this area) are very diverse.
Almost all visitors to the country go to the capital. This is Riyadh. Hotel service is at the highest level and is characterized as the best in the country.
In addition to the attractions of Riyadh, in Central Saudi Arabia is the first capital of the kingdom of Diraya. This is the most frequently visited archaeological site. The city itself was destroyed in 1818. Nowadays, one can observe several palaces, mosques and the city wall.
Museums Riyadh
In the ancient city of Riyadh, there are the largest sights of Saudi Arabia, such as the National Museum, the Historical Center. King Abdel Aziz, Center for Islamic Studies King Al Faisalah, King Saud University Museum.
These institutions hold many valuable specimens that are truly rich in Saudi Arabia. Sights (the National Museum and other historical centers) will reveal the religious foundations, traditions of this land.
Manuscripts, ancient documents and artifacts valuable to researchers are stored in the National Museum.
The historical center of them. King Abdel Aziz owns many old books, multimedia materials, photographs. This allows you to visually study the history of the country.
Archaeological discoveries are presented at King Saud University Museum.
Monuments of architecture
Riyadh has many architectural monuments. The main attractions of Saudi Arabia in this area are: Masmak fortress, Al-Bataa, Murabba palace-fortress, Al-Tumairi gate.
Travelers will be interested to go to the ancient part of the city of Al-Bataa. The oldest buildings are located in it. During the tour, you can relax in one of the cafes or enjoy a cup of natural coffee. This will give strength to continue to inspect the architectural monuments that are opened by Saudi Arabia. Sights, the Masmak fortress, in the list of which is considered the citadel of old Riyadh, preserve the ancient traditions of this people.
The fortress was built in 1865. It has preserved a hotel-"sofa". She has a courtyard. The rest - Masmak - is reserved for the museum.
New high-rise buildings
Saudi Arabia is rich in new architectural attractions, such as the Royal Center, Al Fasali Tower. They impress with their unusual architecture and breathtaking height.
The first place among these buildings is the Royal Center. It belongs to the Saudi prince. This is the first tallest building in the kingdom. It has many modern offices, a three-level shopping center, a complex of hotels and apartments, restaurants.
The third largest building is not inferior in its beauty to the world's skyscrapers. They can boast of Saudi Arabia. The sights, the Al-Faisaliy tower, which is striking in its composition, have the most unusual architecture.
The building has 4 sides that taper up. There is a glass ball inside which there is a restaurant complex. The new architecture of the capital deserves special attention from the guests and residents of the city.
Leisure parks
In recent decades, Saudi Arabia has begun to pay more attention to tourism. Modern hotel complexes, entertainment centers, recreation places and more are being created.
Amazingly beautiful parks have been created in the capital, allowing both couples with children and youth to have a good time. The main attractions of Saudi Arabia in the field of creating such objects are parks - named after King Abdul and Dhira.
The youngest, but unique object is considered to be a family recreation center in Riyadh. These are parks, entertainment centers.
The city has many facilities for recreation with children, which meets its guests Saudi Arabia. Attractions, park them. King Abdula of which is considered the most miraculous, provide an opportunity to relax from the city heat and bustle. It is like an oasis in the desert.
The park was opened in 2013. It has a garden, playgrounds, a "dancing" fountain. You can relax in the shade of the trees at the table of one of the restaurants. This pearl of Riyadh will give everyone a quiet family vacation.
The small park Dhira is located in the southern part of the city. It has the shape of a trapezoid. Visitors can stroll along the alleys with palm trees and other tropical plants.
Vacation with children
To have a good family vacation, parents can choose the many places that they open Saudi Arabia. Attractions (Dhira Park, Al Faisaliy Tower, Royal Center) will create the feeling that you are on the pages of an oriental tale.
You can go to the beach. But you should first find out what category of people it is intended for. They are separated by marital status.
Also with children, you can visit the Riyadh Zoo, which is one of the attractions of Saudi Arabia. Many exotic animals and birds will not leave anyone indifferent.
Falcon hunting
If tourists want the thrill and unusual relaxation, it is worth going to the falconry. A real vacation for men offers Saudi Arabia. Attractions (Riyadh Zoo, parks and skyscrapers) should be left to married couples.
Falconry is a rather expensive entertainment that used to be a means of survival on these lands. This is also a pretty good way to plunge into the historical traditions of the people of these lands.
Deep sea fishing, diving
Saudi Arabia, the sights (photos are presented in the review) of which are diverse, boasts natural riches. On comfortable yachts a sea voyage along the Persian Gulf is carried out .
The most interesting thing is to fish in deep water. If you can find a good place, the nibble will be amazing. This is an original and relaxing holiday.
Sightseeing tours are also made on the yacht, so you can see the sights from the coast. This country has the most beautiful coral reef on the planet. Therefore, diving enthusiasts from all over the world come here.
Religious tourism
Saudi Arabia, whose sights are rich in relics of history and architecture, primarily attracts religious pilgrims. The main shrines of the Arab world are located here. These are the cities of Mecca and Medina.
It is the center of the country's spirituality and the most sacred place for all Muslims. People of other faiths are not allowed into Mecca. 2 million pilgrims come here annually to fulfill one of the five commandments of the Prophet.
Due to the great religiosity in the country, there is a strict code of conduct, a ban on drinking.
Travel Tips
Saudi Arabia has a specific code of conduct that should be followed. A woman, upon entering the country, must wear a long dress or burqa, cover her head with a scarf. Otherwise, the authorities have the right to expel her from the country without warning.
Religious police monitor compliance with the concealment of a woman's hands and feet under clothing. Also, the fair sex is prohibited from driving a car, no matter what nationality they belong to.
You should pay attention to where photography and video are allowed, and where not. This is followed quite strictly. Local law is very strict. For the use of alcohol, drugs, theft, a foreigner, like a local resident, can be cut off his hand. For intentional murder punishable by beheading.
In order for sightseeing to leave only positive emotions, all the rules must be strictly followed. Every tourist here is only a guest, and he is obliged to honor local traditions.
Saudi Arabia, whose attractions are diverse, luxurious and saturated with unique oriental charm, will leave a lot of wonderful impressions.