Overview

Saudi Arabia or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Arab country situated in the Arabian Peninsula. To the Northwest of Saudi Arabia is Jordan; to the North and the Northeast is Iraq. To the East of Saudi Arabia are Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates with Oman on the Southeast and Yemen on the South. The Gulf of Persia is situated to the Northeast and to the West is the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia is not just miles of sweltering desert but there are several breathtaking oases, mountains, rivers and beaches. Saudi Arabia also offers plenty of shopping experience at mega department stores as well as the local souk (market place). Indeed, the cities of Saudi Arabia are plush with every facility that would bring them to an international reckoning. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and it is considered to be the holiest place for the Muslim people all over the world.

Activities & Attractions

Saudi Arabia has a variety of tourist attractions. Among the most popular tourist places is the Fortress of Masmak which is a 19^th century mud fort. The city of Mecca, the archeological site of Diriyah and the King Abdul Aziz Mosque in Riyadh are landmark places you can visit in Saudi Arabia. The National Museum is also quite popular among tourists.

Water sports are very popular along the coast and inland where you will find numerous lakes. Elsewhere, hotels have swimming pools. The British and United State embassies have facilities for health clubs, swimming clubs, squash and tennis as well. But these are only for men. There are separate golf courses accessible to men only. Football is popular and most large towns have modern stadiums. Visitors enjoy watching camel racing nearly as much as the natives. Around 2000 riders and their camels participate in the various races and events during the National Heritage and Cultural Festival at Jenadriyah.

Lodging

Accommodation in Saudi Arabia ranges from international five star hotels to youth hostels. Most hotels have air-conditioning, though in a few cheaper places in the mountainous regions the rooms are provided with ceiling fans. The only formal camping ground in the country is the Asir National Park. Tulip Inn, Al Salam Holiday Inn, Olaya Holiday Inn, Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Towers, and Riyadh Marriott are some of the recommended hotels in which you can stay.

Transportation

Air travel is by far the most convenient way of traveling around the country. Bus services have recently been developed to serve inter-urban and local needs, and several cities have buses complete with conveniences such as air conditioning. Taxi services are also available but often very expensive.