The state of Saudi Arabia is an amazing country combining a modern economy and ancient traditions. It attracts many tourists with the unique nature of its deserts, beach vacations, as well as many places of worship in the Islamic world.
In this article you will find a description of the regions and cities of the country, it also presents the main attractions of Saudi Arabia. This state is the largest on the Arabian Peninsula. In the west, it is washed by the Red Sea, and in the northeast - by the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia borders on Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Yemen.
Central area
In the central region of the kingdom is the capital of the state of Riyadh, as well as many other large cities lying to the west and north of it. This is the historical and geographical center of the country, which is called Najd. The central part is the most conservative part of the state. To this day, its inhabitants follow all the rules of Wahhabism. There are few foreigners, with the exception of the capital. They are as rare in this part of the country as rain.
Two capitals
Riyadh (Riyadh, pictured above) is a modern city, whose name translates as "gardens". It was founded on the site of a settlement captured by ibn Saud. 30 km from Riyadh is Diraya, the first capital of the kingdom. This is the most important place of the country from an archaeological point of view. Diraya was founded back in 1446. At the end of the 17th century, it reached the peak of its development, and in 1818 it was destroyed. Today, there are many ruins that are actively being restored. Among them, you can see the following attractions of Saudi Arabia: several mosques, palaces, as well as the old city wall.
East region
The eastern region of the state lies along the coast of the Persian Gulf. Within its borders, there are cities such as Al Khobar, Dahran (Ez Zahran), Al Jubail and Al Hofuf. It was in the eastern part of the country that oil was first discovered, which today plays a very important role in the state’s economy. This happened in the 1930s. The cities of Al Khobar and Dammam were just small fishing villages before the oil riot began. Dahran was completely absent.
Dammam
Dammam is the administrative center of the eastern region. This is the terminal station of the Dammam Riyadh railway. The main attractions of the city are a modern business center, as well as an impressive coastal cliff. The latter in Saudi Arabia is called the Cornish ("cornice").
Al Khobar
The city of Al Khobar also appeared on the map thanks to oil. More recently, until 1923, it was a small Bedouin camp located near the base of a geological exploration expedition owned by ARAMCO. Al Khobar is currently a large industrial city. From it comes the famous King Fahd Bridge (King Fahad Kazway), which is 25 km long.
It connects Saudi Arabia with Bahrain. King Fahd Bridge was built 4 years - from 1982 to 1986.
Dahran
The next city, Dahran, is almost entirely built by ARAMCO. Today it has an airport, business district, the American Consulate, as well as the University. King Fahad, where oilmen and geologists are trained.
El Katif
The city of El Katif is located north of Dammam, 13 km from it. It was formed on the site of the oldest city in the Persian Gulf. Archaeologists have not yet figured out the exact time of its foundation, but some of them attribute it to 3500 BC. e. The Persian Gulf on the early European maps is called the Katyphian Sea.
Darin and Tarut Islands
From the historical point of view, one of the most interesting places in the kingdom are the islands of Darin and Tarut. Lovers of antiquity will surely enjoy the sights of Saudi Arabia located here. Ancient forts have survived on the islands, the age of which cannot be determined exactly by any scientist. In Jebel al-Qara, you will find ceramic workshops famous throughout the country, whose goods are very popular in Saudi Arabia. And near the city of Abkayk (Bukayk) there are salt mines that have been developed for almost 5 thousand years.
Jubail
The city of Jubail lies north of Dammam, 90 km from it. Until the mid-1970s, this place was a fishing village. Nowadays, together with Yanbu, he forms a large industrial complex of metallurgical enterprises, petrochemical plants and trading companies. In addition, there is the main naval base of Saudi Arabia. In the mid-1980s, ruins belonging to the Christian Church of Jubail Church were excavated near Jubail. According to experts, they date back to the 4th century AD. e., that is, they are older than all the famous temple complexes located in Europe.
Half moon bay
To the south of Al Khobar, the Half Moon Bay region stretches. This is an actively developing tourist area. If you are interested in tours to Saudi Arabia, we recommend that you pay attention to this place. Half Moon Bay is mainly focused on beach vacations. This region has a sandy beach, which is the longest in the kingdom and has excellent infrastructure and facilities.
Hofuf
The city of Al-Hofuf (aka Hafuf) is the center of the vast oasis of Al-Asha (Al-Asah), considered one of the largest in the world. Here, the old fort has been preserved, as well as one of the most interesting markets in the country, where you can buy, among other things, camels, as well as products of various arts and crafts. Due to the abundance of greenery, the size of the oasis and picturesque villages, this area is one of the most interesting places in the region.
Western region
This area, also known as Hijaz, is the religious, historical and cultural center of the entire Muslim world. The main Islamic shrines - the main attractions of Saudi Arabia - are located here. In this part of the country there are many archaeological complexes dating back to the pre-Islamic period, several biblical sites and famous historical and architectural structures.
Mecca
Mecca is a special city that is a spiritual center and a real shrine (along with Jerusalem and Medina) for Muslims of the whole planet. It is located on the slopes of the mountains of El Sarawat, in the central part of the region. Only adherents of Islam can get here.
In the center of Mecca is the Kaaba (photo of it is presented above). This is a cube-shaped building located in the heart of the Sanctuary Mosque, the most visited in the world. The Kaaba is shrouded in a black veil and centuries-old history. According to the Qur'an, this is one of the main places where pilgrims should gather during the Hajj. The Qur'an also states that this is the first building that people built to worship God. It should be said that the Kaaba is a very unusual building. Every pilgrim seeks to take a photo of her. But this building is not only remarkable for its appearance. In one of its corners is mounted the Black Stone, which, according to Muslim tradition, was once in paradise.
Above Mecca, in the mountains, at an altitude of about 2 thousand meters above sea level, is located at Taif. This is the summer capital of Saudi Arabia, where there is free access for non-Muslims.
Medina
Medina - the "brilliant" or "enlightened city" - is located 950 km west of Riyadh and 490 km northeast of Mecca. Medina is the second holy city for Muslims and the first of those that followed the precepts of the prophet. It attracts many pilgrims. Unfortunately, this city is currently closed to non-Gentiles.
Masjid al-Nabawi (its other name is the Mosque of the Prophet) is a very famous and beautiful mosque in Medina. It is the second shrine in Islam after the Forbidden Mosque located in Mecca. Masjid al-Nabawi is the burial place of Muhammad. During his lifetime, the first mosque was built here. Subsequent rulers decorated and expanded the shrine. Under the Dome of the Prophet (Green Dome) is the grave of Muhammad. The exact date of its construction is unknown, however, the description of this dome is found in manuscripts of the early 12th century.
Jeddah
Jeddah is the most important industrial, commercial and political center of the region. In addition, it is the main port of the Red Sea. Jeddah is the gateway for many pilgrims, the most cosmopolitan city in Saudi Arabia. In Obir, 50 km north of it, there is a good water resort. The complexes Sheraton Abhur, Sands, Al Nakheel Village, Crystal Resort, Durrat Al-Arus are known not only for their high level, but also because of the significant contribution they made to the conservation of fauna and flora of the Red Sea, especially coral reefs.
Red sea
The Red Sea itself is a true paradise for lovers of water recreation. It houses one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, including approximately 200 species of coral. At the same time, they are not so popular with divers as resorts in Egypt located on the opposite bank, so you will remember for a long time the rest in Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah, as well as in the resort towns of the coast, all components of the tourist infrastructure are well developed. There are many hotels and retail outlets. The abundance of excursions and unforgettable experiences offers tourists Saudi Arabia. The sea is one of the reasons why you should visit this country.
Southwest region
This area is also known as Asir. It got its name from the mountains located here (Asir). The southwest of the kingdom belongs to the Rift Valley. This is a very interesting geological formation, there are many high mountains. Near the city of Abha, the capital of the region, is Mount Jebel Sauda, the highest point of the southwest (3133 m). In Asira there are also many gorges and tectonic hollows, a large amount of greenery, which is facilitated by the temperature, somewhat lower compared to other regions. Even Aelius Gallus mentioned these lands in his Roman chronicles (25 BC) as the Land of Incense. By the way, the Romans failed to capture her. Yes, and Saudi Arabia, these lands entered only in 1922, up to this period remaining an independent kingdom.
These territories are quite different from the rest of the state in terms of architecture and customs, which is explained by their proximity to Yemen. The cornice is the most characteristic detail of the local buildings, preventing the erosion of the clay walls of houses during rains. This element of architecture is simply unthinkable for dry Saudi Arabia.
Abha
The capital of Asira is Abha. It is the coolest city in Saudi Arabia. Thanks to the beautiful scenery and the abundance of greenery, it has become a popular resort. The Shad Palace, which was built in 1927 as the residence of King Abdel Aziz, has been preserved here. Abha was reopened in 1987 after recovery. Today it is a regional museum, which is open from Saturday to Thursday, admission is free.
Al soda
East of Abha, 45 kilometers away, the magnificent landscapes of Al Soda begin. These are sheer mountains, narrow gorges, huge cliffs, green peaks and turquoise waters of the sea. A little south is Asir National Park, which is one of the best in the state.
Farasan
Modern Saudi Arabia is not only a desert with camels, historical buildings, Islamic shrines and beach vacations. Nature lovers will surely appreciate several national parks. In the very southwest of Saudi Arabia, 40 km west of Jizan, there is a group of Farasan islands . This archipelago consists of 84 coral and sand islands. Farasan was chosen by the birds that chose it for breeding. Here live seabirds (approximately 87 species), dugongs, gazelles, as well as sea turtles. The archipelago is almost completely included in the Farasan National Park.
Northern region
The area along the northern borders of Saudi Arabia is deserted and uninhabited. She is practically unknown to travelers. Nevertheless, here under the sands there are ancient cities, which are mentioned in the texts of the Bible.
Madine Salih
Madine Salih is an uninhabited city 33 km north of the Medina. This is the most famous and interesting archaeological site of the kingdom. The city at the turn of the old and new era was very important. Caravan trails from southern Arabia to Egypt, Syria, Europe and Byzantium ran through it. Huge stone graves that were built between the 1st century brought fame to this city. BC e. and 1 century n e.