Few countries showcase as vibrant a collision of old and new as Saudi Arabia. The country’s history is tied to that of the Prophet Muhammad, with the religious sites at Mecca and Medina being two of the most important in Islam, while present day Saudi Arabia is famous chiefly as one of the world’s leading suppliers of oil.
- Places to See in Saudi Arabiawww.thameralhassan.com Thamer Al-Hassan / People Photos / CC BY-NC
Any visitors to Saudi Arabia should remember that while in many ways a modern, cosmopolitan country, Saudi Arabia’s strict religious codes make for a very different tourist experience to other countries in the region. Alcohol is banned outright, the cities of Mecca and Medina are accessible only to Muslims, and many destinations across the country will have either separate visiting days, or segregated areas for men and women. That said, for those visiting Saudi Arabia either as part of the traditional Hajj pilgrimage, as tourists, or on business, Saudi Arabia is home to some spectacular and exciting attractions, so here are five of the best!
1) Al Masjid al Nabawi (Medina)
Its name meaning quite literally ‘The Mosque of the Prophet’, Al Masjid al Nabawi was the second mosque ever built, with the original site being constructed some time around 622CE (the year 0 in the Islamic calendar!). On its grounds it contains the final resting places of key figures from Islam, including the Prophet himself and his companions, the early caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar. The prophet’s tomb is located beneath the mosque’s distinctive green dome, which was originally the home of Muhammad’s wife Aisha.
2) Abraj Al Bait (Mecca)
The Arabian peninsula has become increasingly famous in recent years for its ever-more-outlandish skyscrapers. Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, can boast – in the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest ever structure, but it faces some stiff competition from Saudi Arabia. Mecca’s Abraj Al Bait is the second tallest skyscraper in the world, clocking in at an enormous 1,972 feet (that’s over 1/3 of a mile!) tall. And when we say “clocking in”, we mean clocking in, because the Abraj Al Bait also houses the world’s largest clock faces, each of which is 141 feet in diameter.
The complex includes a shopping mall, hotel and offices, and provides visitors with a spectacular view out over the Masjid al-Haram, Mecca’s Grand Mosque, and the final destination of pilgrims visiting Mecca as part of the Hajj.
3) Riyadh Zoo (Riyadh)
Saudi Arabia’s National Zoo, in Riyadh, first opened its gates in 1987 but since then has secured a reputation as one of the finest zoos in the Middle East. It covers 55 acres, and contains over 1,400 different animals, including elephants, seals and falcons. Visitors to the zoo should be aware that there are separate, alternating visiting days for men and women throughout the week.
4) Mada’in Saleh (Al-Ula)
This fascinating archaeological site dates back to pre-Islamic times and is possibly second only to the carved city of Petra, in Jordan, in terms of historic importance in the region. Also known as Al-Hijr, Mada’in Saleh was once an important city in the Nabatean Kingdom, which dominated the region almost 2,000 years ago, and is mentioned in the Qur’an.
5) Diriyah (Riyadh)
On the outskirts of modern-day Riyadh you’ll find the historic Saudi city of Diriyah, once the home of the Royal Family and – since 2010 – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for the distinctive and opulent Saad ibn Saud Palace, recently restored to its former glory, and the historic At-Turaif Bathhouse, which dates back to the 18th Century CE.
Author Bio
David Llewellyn writes about travel and tourism for Anjum Hotels.
