More

    Tourist Attractions in Saudi Arabia

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia. Photos and a brief description.

    About Saudi Arabia

    Saudi Arabia is known throughout the world as the birthplace of Islam, a country with the strictest Muslim traditions and strict observance of Sharia. Religious tourism is mainly widespread here – millions of Muslims perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to holy places as a fulfillment of the Pillars of religion. The Saudi authorities even allocate quotas for each country so that during the Hajj Mecca does not drown in the boundless human sea.

    For an ordinary tourist, the state has opened recently, but a visit is possible only accompanied by employees of a Saudi travel agency. What to see for a guest in Saudi Arabia? Muslim shrines (only for those who profess Islam, representatives of other faiths will not be allowed there), the most beautiful coral reef of the Persian Gulf, the beaches and embankments of seaside Jeddah, the boundless and hottest desert in the world Rub-el-Khali.

    Built and ennobled thanks to huge oil revenues, the cities of Saudi Arabia are quite a comfortable place for a tourist. But it is necessary to remember about the numerous prohibitions and rules in force for a foreigner: a ban on alcohol, on wearing inappropriate clothes, on communicating with women, on visiting certain places. In case of violation, the easiest punishment is expulsion from the country, in more serious cases everything ends in prison.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Saudi Arabia

    The city of Mecca

    The "Mother of Cities", the main shrine of all Muslims of the world, the holy city in which the Prophet Muhammad was born. During the annual Hajj, more than 4 million believers come here, the entire infrastructure and economy of Mecca is tied to pilgrims. Representatives of other religions are prohibited from entering, as evidenced by the corresponding highway signs.

    The city of Mecca
    Al-Haram Mosque

    Al-Haram Mosque

    One of the three main Muslim temples in the world, the "forbidden mosque". Its construction began in the VII century, for hundreds of years the building was rebuilt many times, until it acquired its modern appearance in the XVI century. Throughout the XX century. the territory of the temple was constantly expanding to let in as many pilgrims as possible. Now the area of the mosque is 357 thousand m2, it is crowned by 9 minarets with a height of 100 meters.

    Kaaba

    The sanctuary is in the form of a black rectangle inside the Al-Haram Mosque. For Muslims, it serves as a guide in which direction to turn during the performance of prayer. Translated from Arabic, "kaaba" means "cube". It is believed that the very first building of the sanctuary was built by heavenly angels. In the future, it was rebuilt several times by people.

    Kaaba
    An-Nabawi Mosque

    An-Nabawi Mosque

    The second shrine of Islam in Medina. It was erected by Muhammad and his companions. Here, under the green dome, is the grave of the Prophet. It is inferior in size to the Al-Haram mosque, but it has 10 minarets with a height of more than 100 meters. The temple accommodates up to half a million believers, its architecture is accepted as a canon for the construction of mosques around the world.

    Al-Cuba Mosque

    It is the very first Muslim temple. The Prophet himself also took part in its construction. Namaz in this mosque for the companions of Islam is equivalent to the commission of Umrah (according to the hadith of at-Tirmizi). The building is part of the city limits of the Medina, although in ancient times it was 4-5 km away. from the city.

    Al-Cuba Mosque
    King Fahd Bridge

    King Fahd Bridge

    Connects Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The structure is included in the list of the 14 longest bridges in the world. The bridge is named after King Fahd-ibn-Abdel-Aziz-al-Saud. On weekends, long queues of cars line up here, as Saudis travel to a neighboring state, where the norms of Islam are not so strict, and you can afford "extra".

    Fahd Fountain

    The tallest fountain in the world in the city of Jeddah, named after the fifth Saudi king. It is a powerful jet of water rising 312 meters into the sky at a speed of almost 400 km/h. This effect is possible thanks to a clever pumping design that pumps more than 600 liters of water per second.

    Fahd Fountain
    Masmak Fortress

    Masmak Fortress

    The historical structure of the capital of Riyadh, erected under the ruler Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Rashid in the XIX century. At the beginning of the XX century, the fort was conquered by the future founder of Saudi Arabia, Abdul-Aziz. Now the fortress has been turned into a historical center, a museum and a mosque are located on its territory.

    Madain-Salih

    The archaeological complex of ancient structures of the I century BC. The buildings remained from the time of the ancient Nabataean city of Kherga, which was located at the crossroads of important trade routes. Elements of Phoenician, Egyptian and Assyrian architecture can be seen in the preserved buildings.

    Madain-Salih
    Rub al-Khali Desert

    Rub al-Khali Desert

    Occupies most of the territory of Saudi Arabia. This is the hottest desert on the planet. Hundreds of years ago, rivers flowed and ancient cities rustled in place of lifeless sands. The oases of Liwa, El Ain and the huge El Jiva are the remnants of the former fertile plain, which over time was filled with sand dunes.

    Asir National Park

    The reserve was created with the aim of preserving the natural world of Saudi Arabia. This place is located in the mountains. For the convenience of visitors, there are hundreds of places for family camping with running water, parking lots, playgrounds and places for grilling. Juniper groves grow in the reserve and rare species of animals live.

    Asir National Park
    Burj Al-Mamlaka Skyscraper (Kingdom Centre)

    Burj Al-Mamlaka Skyscraper (Kingdom Centre)

    A 99-story building in Riyadh, topped with a needle-eye-like structure. The observation deck of the skyscraper is located at an altitude of 300 meters, it offers a panoramic view of the capital. The Royal Center is one of the main attractions of the capital and its business card.