THE TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia encompasses a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modernity. Renowned for its vast deserts, including the Rub' al Khali, the world's largest contiguous sand desert, the kingdom stands as the birthplace of Islam, hosting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Its socio-cultural tapestry is rich with Bedouin heritage, evident in its hospitality and the iconic white thobes and black abayas worn by locals. As a global oil powerhouse, Saudi Arabia's economy has historically been oil-dependent, but in recent years, initiatives like Vision 2030 have aimed at diversifying industries and promoting socio-economic reforms. The country's dynamic cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam boast modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, and a burgeoning cultural scene, reflecting its aspirations for a progressive future while upholding its deeply rooted customs and values.

Mecca

Mecca, nestled in the Hejaz region, holds profound spiritual significance as Islam's holiest city. Revered as the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, Islam's most sacred structure located within the Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque), Mecca draws millions of devout Muslims annually for the Hajj pilgrimage, a pillar of Islamic faith. The city's spiritual magnetism is palpable through rituals such as Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba, and Sa'i, the symbolic reenactment of Hagar's search for water. Mecca's cultural tapestry is woven with historical sites like Jabal al-Nour, the mountain cave where Muhammad received his first revelation, and Mina, the site of the symbolic stoning of the Devil during Hajj. The city's atmosphere is imbued with a sense of awe and devotion, fostering an indelible connection for Muslims worldwide to their faith and its profound history.

Mada'in Saleh

Mada'in Saleh, situated within the arid deserts of northwestern Saudi Arabia, stands as a mesmerizing archaeological treasure. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Nabatean city, known as Al-Hijr in Arabic, boasts awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs and meticulously carved rock-cut tombs and structures, akin to Petra in Jordan. The site, with its well-preserved remnants dating back to the Nabatean civilization around the first century CE, reflects the prosperous trade routes that once traversed the Arabian Peninsula. Mada'in Saleh's architectural marvels, such as Qasr al-Farid and the intricately designed facades of the tombs, offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region, inviting visitors to marvel at the ingenuity and legacy of its ancient inhabitants.

The Empty Quarter

Rub' al Khali, known as the Empty Quarter, is the largest sand desert in the world. It encompasses most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula. david-steele/shutterstock

The Empty Quarter, also known as Rub' al Khali, stands as one of the world's most formidable and expansive deserts, stretching across the southern region of the Arabian Peninsula, notably within Saudi Arabia. Covering approximately 250,000 square miles of vast, undulating sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and parched plains, this inhospitable terrain is characterized by its extreme aridity and harsh climate. The landscape's sheer emptiness and stark beauty create an otherworldly expanse where the horizon seems endless.

Other lists

France

Turkey

Syria

Yemen

Israel

The UAE

Lebanon

Jordan

Oman

Iran

Namibia