One of the world's top 20 most visited countries, Saudi is a beautiful place in Western Asia offering plenty of breath-taking, cultural and historical experiences across its Arabian Desert and tremendous mountains . The vast majority of the Arabian Peninsula forms the land of Saudi; renowned to be the birthplace of Islam, the country offers a fascinating insight into the rich Arabian culture and heritage. It is also home to the Red Sea coastline where one can enjoy some of the best diving opportunities in the Middle East across various pristine beaches. Another thing that makes this country one popular holiday destination is the two holiest cities of Islam - Makkah and Medina, admired by tourists from all over the world. Besides, the country is also famous for wonderful trekking opportunities, world-class Middle Eastern cuisine prepared with exotic, rich spices and flavours, and traditional gold souqs.
CULTURE & HERITAGE Saudi prides itself with its rich culture influenced by the Arab and Islamic heritages. Culture and history enthusiasts would love to discover diverse traditions here spanning across 13 regions. While the country's rich heritage is beautifully reflected through the festivals and cultural activities, there are various places one should not miss out on their cultural exploration. Visit AlUla as a location with some of the best luxury hotels and to witness a UNESCO world heritage site, discover Diriyah, famed as the pearl of the country, embark on a historical journey at the National Museum and head to Riyadh to explore a famous majestic castle - Al Masmak Fortress.
CUISINE Everything about this Arab country appeals to the senses and so does the cuisine! While the cuisine served here varies from region to region, rice, wheat, yogurt, chicken, lamb, milk, dates and potatoes are the staples of Saudi cuisine. There are a variety of restaurants, snack bars and small shops scattered all across the regions serving authentic Saudin cuisines; kabsa and falafels are the must-tries here. There is an eclectic mix of global cuisines in Saudi, rather than just Italian and Indian amongst others.
HOSPITALITY Talking about hospitality, Saudi welcomes tourists with open arms assuring them of the finest Arabian luxury and comfort. Pick from a selection of apartment hotels, holiday villages, resorts and youth hostels as per your budget and requirement, and experience the rich Middle Eastern hospitality representing the authentic Saudi Arabic culture. Riyadh , Jeddah and Dammam are the cities with some of the best, luxurious hotels in Saudi; however, the hotel charges may be high in Makkah and Medina during the pilgrimage season.
ADVENTURE Amidst its exceptional natural phenomena, the country serves holiday-makers with an array of thrilling activities. Known for owing the largest sand desert on earth, the country leaves no stone unturned in delighting adventurers with the best of sand boarding, dune bashing, camel riding and Arabian camping. Waters sports lovers are certain to be spoilt for choice since there's no end to activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, water skiing, wind surfing and sailing in the Gulf and Red Sea waters. Moreover, Mount Uhud - the largest mountain in Medina is one amazing place for an ideal hiking experience here; you can also explore various hiking trails at Wadi Hanifa.
SHOPPING If shopping is your thing, you're definitely going to take back home a lot of bags! The country ensures an incredible shopping experience for travellers across its exclusive collection of large mall complexes and traditional markets. It is considered to be one exciting entertainment activity among tourists and locals. While the cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are known to be the best shopping destinations in Saudi dealing in the latest global fashion brands, souvenirs, perfume, jewellery and more, Taif, Abha and Najran are some other cities where you can find some of the Arabian Peninsula's amazing shopping malls and traditional markets.
Visa on Arrival Travelers need a visa to visit Saudi for Tourism. Travelers can get a visa on arrival in Saudi at the port of entry, such as an international airport or border crossing.
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