Its strict implementations of their culture and customs does not hinder this sleepy country to emerge as one of the most visited destinations by foreign tourists from different parts of the world. The country’s awe-inspiring ruins, towering cityscapes and sweeping sands add attractions to its flourishing tourism.

CITIES

1. Riyadh - the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the largest metropolis in the country. It stretches 1,000 km² in urban area whilst 1, 554 km² in Metro and homes more than 4 million people. Situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula, Riyadh is politically divided into 15 municipal districts headed by the mayor of Riyadh. The city features scenic and modern buildings and establishments like the Ministry of Interior, a massive building with awe-inspiring architectural design. Its strategic location makes it more accessible to the foreign travelers compared to the other cities of the country. Moreover, Riyadh is dubbed as one of the most richest and splendid metropolises in this modern world. It boasts with progressive economy and magnificent structures from ancient to modern ones.


2. Ta’if - famously known for its agricultural area that produces grapes and honey, Ta’if rises 1,800 meters above sea-level on the eastern slopes of the Al-Sarawat peaks. It is the home of approximately 521,000 people according to the 2004 census. Its cool temperature during summer makes Ta’if a favorable destination when the rising temperatures of other cities are much hotter. Each summer the seat of Saudi government moves from Riyadh to Ta’if. Ta’if was amongst the first cities to embraced Islam after Madinah in the ninth year of Hijira. The city offers interesting places to see and be amazed with its awesome attractions such as the Al Rudaf Park, a large natural park in Ta’if with a small zoo inside.


3. Jeddah - touted as the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and the second largest city in the country after Riyadh, the country’s capital city. Jeddah lies on the coast of the Red Sea bordering the Al-Sarawat Mountains on the east. This wealthy city in the Middle East and Asia is the principal gateway to Islam’s holiest cities of Mecca and Madinah. The city consists of more than 3.4 million people and straddling 1,320 km² in urban areas. Travelers describe Jeddah as “a city encircled by walls with astounding markets and teeming with towering buildings. Truly, Jeddah has transformed itself into a beautiful metropolis yet still holding its true charm and original uniqueness.


4. Makkah - this holiest city on earth to Muslims homes the Kaaba shrine and the Grand mosque. The city is best known for the annual Haji pilgrimage wherein it draws approximately 2 million pilgrims. Makkah or Mecca, most common used name, lies around 73 km east of Jeddah and standing 277 meters or 909 feet above sea-level. To reach to the holy city there are three main entries, the Al-Mu’allat, Al-Musfalah and Al-Shubaikah. This is the place where the Prophet Muhammad was born also. A must-see in this Holy City is the Masjid Al-Haram, the world’s largest mosque.


5. Madinah - lying 477 kilometers and occupying 173,000 km², Madinah houses 1,300,000 people (2006 estimation). It is named as the second holiest city in Islam in which the Prophet Muhammad and his followers faced the hostility and persecution of Makkhan merchants. Alternatively known as Medina, the city like Mecca only allows Muslims to enter the holy area while the area closed to non-Muslims are different in Mecca in which the haram (area closed to non-Muslims) extends beyond the boundary of the built-up area. There are numerous mosques in the holy city where a large number of Muslims annually visit the “Tomb of Prophet” to worship. They believed that when you once pray in the mosque it is equal to praying at least 1000 times in different mosques.


6. Dammam - basking in Eastern Saudi Arabia, Dammam is the largest city in the eastern province with 744, 321 residents (2004 estimation). One of the most important features in Dammam is the King Fahd International Airport, which stretches 20 km to the west serving a three-lane highway. Dammam is enveloped by Khobar- a flourishing modern hub, Dhahran- serves as the headquarters for Saudi Aramco (world’s largest oil company) and Oatif. Plenty of recreational areas sprawls in Dammam including the popular Al-Azziziah Beach and Tarot Islands, another best known meeting rendezvous for friends or families.


7. Abha - a city in Saudi Arabia with mild climate making it as a famous tourist hideout for Saudis. Abha is the capital province of Asir that is situated at an elevation of 7, 200 feet or 2,200 meters above sea level. It is engulfed with clouds and dense forests in which it creates a serene atmosphere ideal for complete relaxation. With its moderate climate, green pasture and agricultural flat terrain, this city is frequented heavily by tourists from different lifestyles for a retreat or vacation spot.


8. Buraidah - otherwise known as Buraydah is the twin city of Unaizah. This thriving metropolis is the capital of Al-Qassim province. Buraidah houses a total population of 505,000 according to the 2007 census. The city nestles halfway from the Red Sea and Persian Gulf in the west and east respectively. Typically, the city has desert climate with hot summers and low humidity. Most of the livelihood of the locals is in agriculture, which is considered as the keystone of the market.