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An aerial, distant view of daring adventure seekers in Western dress taking in the spectac

Interesting facts about
Saudi Arabia

  1. Mecca and Medina – the most important cities of Islam

  2. Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam. It is here that the Prophet Muhammad was born and the Kaaba, the most important object of worship in Islam, is located. Mecca also hosts the annual Hajj, a must-see pilgrimage for all Muslims. Medina, the second holiest city, is where Muhammad's tomb is located. Interestingly, only Muslims are allowed to visit these cities.

  3. Deserts and oasesSaudi Arabia is a country whose area is covered by deserts, including one of the largest in the world – the Rub al-Khali Desert (Desert of Emptiness). Despite these harsh conditions, there are oases in the country that have been crucial to the survival of caravans traveling through the desert in the past. An example is the Al-Ahsa oasis, which is one of the largest concentrations of date palms in the world.

  4. Language, but... Not quite! The official language in Saudi Arabia is Arabic, but English is widely used in business and tourism. Interestingly, there are different dialects in Saudi Arabic depending on the region, as well as influences from other languages such as Persian, Turkish, or Hindi.

  5. High temperaturesSaudi Arabia is among the countries that experience extreme temperatures. In July 2016, the city of Yazd recorded a record temperature of 54°C, making it one of the hottest places on Earth.

  6. The fastest railway in the worldSaudi Arabia has one of the fastest railways in the world – the Haramain High-Speed Railway, which connects Mecca with Medina. Trains on this route reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, allowing for quick travel between these two holy cities.

  7. The Royal Tower in RiyadhThe Kingdom Centre in Riyadh is one of the most recognizable symbols of Saudi Arabia. It is 300 meters high and 99 floors, and at the top there is a viewing platform from which there is a breathtaking view of the capital of the country.

  8. Saudi coffee traditionsIn Saudi Arabia, drinking coffee is an excellent ritual of hospitality. Coffee brewed in a traditional way – qahwa – is served to every guest, and its serving is an opportunity to talk. The Saudis are happy to add cardamom to coffee, which gives it its characteristic taste. However, keep in mind that coffee is served in small cups, and if you don't want more, you should raise the cup slightly, signaling that you don't want another serving.

  9. White DromedariesIn Saudi Arabia, dromedaries (or mono-tanners) are a symbol of the region and play an important role in history and culture. These are animals that have been used for centuries to transport through the desert. Dromedaries are known for their ability to withstand high temperatures and prolonged lack of water.

  10. A gigantic investment in modernity – the NEOM projectSaudi Arabia is investing billions of dollars in a project to build a futuristic city of NEOM, which is to be built on the Red Sea coast. This modern city is intended to be a place that will be completely free of CO2 emissions, with innovative technological solutions, including artificial intelligence, robotics, as well as renewable energy. It is a project that may become one of the most important in the history of modern urban planning.

  11. Fashion rulesSaudi Arabia has banned people from dressing in a way that is considered inappropriate. For women, this means wearing traditional clothing – abayy – a long, black dress that covers the body. Although the ban on wearing non-traditional clothing was very strict, some changes have been made in recent years, especially in cities, where women can wear Western clothes, provided they are not too short or tight.

  12. Saudi Island of PharasanOn the west coast of Saudi Arabia is the island of Pharasan, which is home to wild animals and monkeys. It is also a place where you can find rich marine life, including coral reefs, as well as historical ruins and fishing villages. Farasan is the perfect destination for tourists who are looking for lesser-known but equally fascinating attractions.

  13. The fastest growth in historySaudi Arabia has experienced an incredible pace of development over the past few decades. From a country with a traditional economy based mainly on agriculture, it became one of the largest oil producers, which enabled it to transition to the status of an economic powerhouse. Within a few decades, modern cities were created, and infrastructure and technology developed at a rapid pace.

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