Rest in Saudi Arabia. Attractions in Saudi Arabia: description

The state of Saudi Arabia is an amazing country, combining modern economy and ancient traditions. It attracts many tourists with the unique nature of its deserts, beach rest, 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 in the Arabian Peninsula. In the west it is washed by the Red Sea, and in the northeast by the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia borders Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, the UAE, 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 major cities lying to the west and north of it. It is the historical and geographical center of the country, called Nadzhd. The central part is the most conservative part of the state. And to this day its inhabitants follow all the norms of Wahhabism. There are few foreigners, except for the capital. They are also rare in this part of the country, like rain.

Two capitals

Riyadh (Riyadh, pictured above) is a modern city, whose name translates as "gardens." It was based on the site of the settlement, captured by Ibn Saud. 30 km from Riad is Diraya, the first capital of the kingdom. This is the most important place in 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 being actively restored. Among them you can see the following attractions of Saudi Arabia: several mosques, palaces, as well as the old city wall.

Eastern Region

The eastern region of the state lies along the coast of the Persian Gulf. In its borders there are such cities as El Khubar, Dhahran (Ez-Zahran), El-Jubayl and El-Khufuf. It was in the eastern part of the country that oil was first discovered, which plays a very important role in the economy of the state. This happened in the 1930s. The towns of El Khubar and Dammam were only small fishing villages before the oil riots began. Dhahran was completely absent.

Dammam

Dammam is the administrative center of the eastern region. This is the terminal station of the railway, which runs along the Dammam-Riyadh route. The main attractions of the city are the modern business center, as well as the impressive size of a coastal cliff. The latter in Saudi Arabia is called the Cornish ("cornice").

El Khubar

The city of El Khubar also appeared on the map thanks to oil. Until 1923, it was a small Bedouin camp located near the base of the geological exploration expedition owned by ARAMCO. At present, El Khubar is a large industrial city. From it comes the famous bridge of King Fahd (King Fahad-Kazway), whose length is 25 km.

It connects Saudi Arabia with Bahrain. The bridge of King Fahd was built 4 years - from 1982 to 1986.

Dhahran

The next city, Dhahran, was almost entirely built by ARAMCO. Today it has an airport, a business district, an American consulate, as well as the University. King Fahad, where they prepare oilmen and geologists.

El Qatif

The city of El-Katif is north of Dammam, 13 km from it. It is formed on the site of the most ancient city in the Persian Gulf region. Archaeologists have not yet ascertained the exact time of its foundation, but some of them refer to it by 3500 BC. E. The Persian Gulf on the early European maps is called the Katif Sea.

Darin and Tarut Islands

One of the most interesting places in the kingdom from a historical point of view are the islands of Darin and Tarut. Lovers of antiquity will surely like the attractions of Saudi Arabia. On the islands are preserved ancient forts, the age of which can not be accurately determined by any scientist. In Jebel al-Kara you will find the world famous ceramic workshops, whose products are very popular in Saudi Arabia. And near the town of Abkaik (Bukayk) there are salt mines, which have been developed for almost 5 thousand years.

Al Jubayl

The city of Al-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, alongside El Jubayl, the ruins belonging to the Jubayl Church Christian Church were excavated. According to experts, they belong to the 4th century AD. E., That is, they are older than all known temple complexes located in Europe.

Half Moon Bay

To the south of Al Khubar is the Half Moon Bay region. It 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 holidays. In this region there is a sandy beach, which is the longest in the kingdom and has excellent infrastructure and facilities.

El Hufuf

The city of El Khufuf (otherwise - Hafuf) is the center of the vast oasis of Al-Asha (El Asah), considered one of the largest in the world. There is an old fort preserved here, 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 the picturesqueness of the villages, this area is one of the most interesting places in the region.

Western Region

This area, also known as the 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 right here. In this part of the country there are many archaeological complexes dating back to the pre-Islamic period, several biblical places and famous historical and architectural structures.

Mecca

Mecca is a special city, which is a spiritual center and a real shrine (along with Jerusalem and Medina) for the Muslims of the whole planet. It is located on the slopes of the El Sarawat Mountains, in the central part of the region. Followers of Islam can come here.

In the center of Mecca is the Kaaba (photo above). It is a cuboid building located in the heart of the Preserve Mosque, the most visited in the world. Kaaba is shrouded in black veil and centuries-old history. According to the Qur'an, this is one of the main places in which pilgrims should gather during the pilgrimage. The Qur'an also says that this is the first building that people have built to worship God. It should be said that the Kaaba is a very unusual building. Photo of her aspires to make each pilgrim. But not only its appearance is remarkable for this building. 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 in Taif. This is the summer capital of Saudi Arabia, where there is free access for non-Muslims.

Medina

Medina - "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 one to follow the prophet's precepts. It attracts many pilgrims. Unfortunately, at present, this city is closed to non-believers.

Masjid al-Nabawi (its other name is the Prophet's Mosque) 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. The succeeding rulers decorated and expanded the shrine. Under the Dome of the Prophet (Green Dome) is the grave of Muhammad. The exact date of its erection is unknown, but the description of this dome is found in the 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 to many pilgrims, the most cosmopolitan city in Saudi Arabia. In Obira, 50 km north of it, is a good water resort. The Sheraton Abhur, Sands, Al Nakheel Village, Crystal Resort, Durrat Al-Arus complexes are not only known for their high level, but also due to the weighty contribution they made to the conservation of the fauna and flora of the Red Sea, especially coral reefs.

Red sea

The Red Sea itself is a paradise for lovers of water recreation. It houses one of the world's largest coral reef systems, which includes about 200 varieties of coral. However, they are not as popular with divers as the resorts of Egypt, located on the opposite shore, so you will remember the rest in Saudi Arabia for a long time. In Jeddah, as well as in the coastal towns of the coast, all components of the tourist infrastructure are well developed. There are many hotels and retail outlets here. The abundance of excursions and unforgettable impressions is offered to tourists by Saudi Arabia. The sea is one of the reasons why you should visit this country.

South-west region

This area is also known as Asir. Its name was given by the name of the mountains located here (Asir). Southwest of the kingdom belongs to the East African fault zone. This is a very interesting geological formation, here there are many high mountains. Near the city of Abha, the capital of the region, there is Jebel Saud mountain, the highest point of the south-west (3133 m). In Asira there are also many gorges and tectonic depressions, a large amount of greenery, promoted by a temperature slightly lower than in other regions. Aelius Gallus mentioned these lands in his Roman chronicles (25 BC) as the Land of incense. By the way, the Romans failed to capture it. Yes, and the composition of Saudi Arabia, these territories entered only in 1922, until this period remaining an independent kingdom.

These areas are quite different from the rest of the state in terms of architecture and customs, which is explained by the proximity to Yemen. Cornice - the most characteristic detail of local buildings, preventing the erosion of clay walls of houses during rains. This element of architecture is simply unthinkable for dry Saudi Arabia.

Abha

The capital of Asira is Abha. This is the coolest city in Saudi Arabia. Thanks to the beautiful scenery and abundance of greenery, it has become a popular resort. Here is preserved the palace of Shad, which was built in 1927 as the residence of King Abdul Aziz. Abha was reopened in 1987 after restoration. Today it is a regional museum, which operates from Saturday to Thursday, admission is free.

Al-Soda

East of Abhi, 45 kilometers, the magnificent landscapes of Al-Soda begin. These are steep mountains, narrow gorges, huge cliffs, verdure greens and turquoise waters of the sea. A little to the south is the National Park of Asir, 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 rest. Nature lovers will surely appreciate several national parks. In the very southwest of Saudi Arabia, 40 km west of Jizan, is a group of Farasan islands . This archipelago consists of 84 coral and sandy islands. Farasan was chosen by birds, who chose it for breeding. Here live seabirds (approximately 87 species), dugongs, gazelles, and also sea turtles. The archipelago is almost completely included in the national park Farasan.

Northern region

The area, located along the northern borders of Saudi Arabia, is deserted and poorly habitable. It is almost unknown to travelers. Nevertheless, here under the sands are the ancient cities, which are mentioned in the texts of the Bible.

Madain Salih

Madine Salih is an uninhabited city, lying 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. Famous for this city brought huge stone tombs, which were built between the 1st c. BC. E. And 1 in. N. E.