This great nation of Saudi Arabia is home to a wide variety of stunning landscapes, including natural and archaeological wonders. Like the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Saudi Arabia is named for its ruling family. The two most important mosques in Islam are located in Saudi Arabia: Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, where Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage each year, and Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, where Muhammad was buried.

Mecca, also known as Makkah or al-Mukarramah, is the holiest city in Islam and can be found in western Saudi Arabia. As a result, entry to the city is banned for all religions save Islam. The Saudi Arabian city of Medina, also known as Madinah (Madinah al-Munawwarah), is the regional capital of the Al-Madinah region. The three most important mosques in Islam are in Medina: al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Quba Mosque, and Masjid al-Qiblatayn (the Mosque of the Two Qiblas). Travelers of the Muslim faith may do the Hajj in Mecca. More than three million pilgrims go to Mecca annually during the Hajj month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The holy month of Ramadan sees over two million pilgrims go to Saudi Arabia to do the Umrah, while Mecca sees over four million pilgrims the rest of the year.

Natural beauty abounds in Saudi Arabia, from its diverse geography and lush woods and hayfields to its towering mountains and barren deserts. Take most of your time in Saudi Arabia by experiencing everything the country offers. We have put together a list of some of the best tour packages to Saudi Arabia, which will take you to the country’s most famous sights. Explore the ancient Nabatean city of Medain Salleh, often considered to be one of the world’s seven wonders. On the other hand, you may go sightseeing in Taif and take in the city’s pink palaces nestled among the breathtaking cliffs. Explore the historic city of Jeddah with its jagged, coral-colored Ottoman structures, or hit the traditional souks, modern department shops, and shopping malls. Malls in Saudi Arabia serve as gathering places for locals and tourists alike. Even though there are plenty of other shopping centers nearby, stop by Riyadh Gallery. This massive, three-story mall has plenty of high-end and mainstream international brands. There is a mosque and a man-made lake in this commercial complex.

Men in Saudi Arabia are easily recognizable by the white thawb (sometimes spelled thobe or thaub) they wear. ‘Clothes’ is usually translated as thawb in Arabic. They often wear the ghutrah, a head covering that comes in various colors but is most commonly seen in red and white. In contrast, Saudi women often accessorize their abayas with scarves known as shalas. Some Saudi women only uncover their eyes and wrists, while the majority cover their whole bodies. Saudi Arabia has adopted Arabic as its official language. Many Saudis will not be able to communicate with you in English, but you can always find someone who does.

Wheat, rice, lamb, poultry, yogurt, potatoes, shellfish, and dates are all staples in Saudi Arabian cooking. The Saudi national food, Kabsa, is a rice dish that often includes meat and vegetables. Lamb, yogurt, rice, and potatoes play comparable roles in various regional cuisines. There are many more traditional delicacies and dishes you must taste while in the area, such as Jalamah, Saleeg, Martabak, Ma’amoul, Tharid, Hininy, Gursan, Harees, and Shawarma. The regional cuisine is also very flavorful and spicy. Most people eat lamb and chicken since beef is expensive and banned by Islam. It is not a significant concern for Muslim tourists to seek halal eateries since the country is officially a Muslim nation.

The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the legal tender in Saudi Arabia. Within the nation, you may easily exchange your Euros, US Dollars, British Pounds, or any Asian currency for use. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops, and ATMs are conveniently located in public places. But remember to bring cash since some local eateries do not take cards.