Introducing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia- An Overview
The Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia (K.S.A) is the largest oil producer in the world and has the world's
largest oil reserves. The Kingdom has centuries old traditions and culture.
Saudi Arabia, as the cradle of Islam has many of the most significant historic Muslim
sites including the two holiest cities of Mecca and Medina. K.S.A is also
known as "the land of the two holy mosques" and the king "the
custodian of the two holy mosques".
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| "Change in concept" |
The real picture of
the kingdom is largely unknown to the rest of the world. Most of the stories
known to the outer world are a cocktail of myth and reality. No other country
in the world is as misunderstood as Saudi Arabia. KSA is so unique in its
own way of life, culture, heritage, natural beauty and rules. The visitors from
the outside world find it so difficult to adjust with the culture as well as
the rules of the country. But those who can build a rapport with the
culture can surely enjoy the splendid Arabia.
Travel & Tourism
Saudi Arabia is one of the
most extraordinary and diverse destinations in the world. Tourists
can experience the deserts, the mountains, the valleys, the beaches, ancient
and modern historical sites. The historic locations such as
Al Hijr (Madain Saleh) and Al Derrah are in the UNESCO World
Heritage List.
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| "Deserts of Saudi Arabia" |
Desert
is the most prominent feature of the Kingdom. More than half of the area is
desert. Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) in the southern part of the country is one
of the most famous sand desert.
Desert Hiking
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| "The fittest will survive" |
A few tips for hiking in the desert;
- One should carry minimum five litres of water per person for drinking only.
- Trekking food is all about weight and energy. You eat to survive, not to enjoy yourself.
- Less luggage means more comfort
- Its better to be in cotton shirts and shorts or pants during summer and woolen jacket or sweater during winter.
- Sunhat and sunscreen with high SPF is a must.
- Trekking shoes or running shoes will be a plus point instead of normal footwear.
- Careful with the snakes and scorpions.
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| "Desert Driving" |
Desert driving will
be a different experience for the visitors. Although most of the desert driving
excursions is organized by individual drivers or operators outside the kingdom,
we can find a lot of buggy or ATV rentals throughout the roadside of the
outskirts of the major cities.
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| "Jet Skiing at Half Moon Beach" |
Apart from the
deserts, Saudi Arabia has a number of beaches which attracts tourists as well
as domestic travelers. One of the most beautiful living coral reefs is located
beneath the Red sea and the Arabian Gulf. Wind surfing, sailing
and waterskiing are also most popular pastimes along the Saudi
Coast.
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The Jabal Al Qarah Caves (Mount Qarah)
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| "Mount Qarah" |
The Jabal Qarah
(Mount Qarah) is at a distance of 10 kilometer from Hofuf . Hufuf is
a city in the well-known Al Hasa Oasis of the Eastern Region. Hufuf lies
about 140 km southwest of Dammam and 300 km east of Riyadh.
Jabal Qarah is well known for its intricate natural caves and is a major
tourist attraction.
Art and Culture
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| "Clay Pottery" |
Saudi Arabia has
centuries old attributes and traditions, often derived from the Arab tribal
civilization, Islamic heritage and historical role as an ancient trade centre.
The society has developed over the past several decades. The Saudi people had
taken their values, traditions, customs and their hospitality and adapted them
to the modern world.
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| "A traditional dance during a wedding" |
Music and dance have
always been part of Saudi life. Traditional music is generally associated with
poetry. Among the native dances, the most popular is a martial line dance known
as the "ardah", which includes lines of men, frequently armed with
swords or rifles, dancing to the beats of drums and tambourines.
Sports
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| "Warm up before the match" |
Both traditional and
modern sports are popular in Saudi Arabia. The people have enjoyed sports for
thousands of years, including horse and camel racing. Football is the national
sport of Saudi Arabia. Saudis of all ages have taken the game to the heart.
Badminton,
cricket, volleyball and basketball are so popular among the
expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Indoor games such as bowling and snooker are also
gaining popularity in the country.
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| "Bowling" |
Nightlife
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| "Nightlife" |
Nightlife in
Saudi Arabia is sizzling with activity. Due to the high temperatures during the
day and low temperatures at night, Saudis, expats as well as the visitors
prefer to go around during the night. Its so exciting cruising around the
corniche road, shopping, food, fishing etc.
Safety
The kingdom has one
of the lowest crime rates in the world due to regular police presence in the
public. Respecting the laws and the social conventions are the basic guidelines
to keep you safe.
Photography in Saudi Arabia
According to the laws
of Saudi Arabia, one can take pictures in public. The ministry of
tourism has allowed it. And with the introduction of modern cell phones with
their inbuilt cameras, society had finally started accepting photos being
taken. However, it would be safe to follow the below guidelines;
- It’s better not to show off with your camera, some people may become offensive.
- Always ask before you take the photo of a person, even in public.
- Do not shoot women if you are a male photographer.
- Avoid capturing government buildings
Apart from the above,
try not to be in the same area for too long while taking pictures.
