Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, a vast kingdom at the crossroads of ancient civilizations, combines rich historical heritage with rapid modernization. This fascinating country spans most of the Arabian Peninsula, offering visitors an intriguing blend of traditional Arab culture and contemporary development. From the bustling metropolises of Riyadh and Jeddah to the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia presents a unique travel experience that has only recently opened its doors to international tourism.

Saudi Arabia represents a land of striking contrasts where ancient traditions seamlessly merge with ambitious future visions.

The country occupies approximately 2,150,000 square kilometers of the Arabian Peninsula, making it the largest sovereign state in Western Asia. The landscape varies dramatically from the world’s largest continuous sand desert, the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), to the verdant mountains of Asir in the southwest. Following recent reforms under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has undergone significant transformation, introducing tourist visas and developing major projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project. These initiatives have created new opportunities for international visitors to explore previously inaccessible cultural treasures, including five UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Al-Ahsa Oasis and the rock art in the Hail Region.

The country’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing modern development is evident in its architecture, from the ancient mud-brick villages to the gleaming skyscrapers of its major cities.

Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. The country has coastlines along the Red Sea to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east.

Major Cities

Riyadh (Capital): Modern metropolis and administrative center
Jeddah: Historic port city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere
Dammam: Eastern economic hub and gateway to the Persian Gulf
Mecca: Holiest city in Islam (accessible only to Muslims)
Medina: Second holiest city in Islam (accessible only to Muslims)
Tabuk: Northern city known for its ancient archaeological sites