Saudi Arabia:

Practical Information about Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:

Dammam | Riyadh | Makkah | Jeddah | Madinah | Hail | Gizan


Currency:
Riyal (SAR), which is linked to the US dollar. US$1 converts to approximately SAR3.75.

Dress code: Dress conservatively in public. Women have to wear abaya (black cloak) in public.

Time difference: GMT + 3 hours

Dialing code: 966 -

Climate: Summer is hot with temperatures in some areas reaching 49آ°C. Winter is cooler with an average temperature of 23آ°C in Jeddah and 14آ°C in Riyadh. Winter temperatures drop below freezing in the central and northern parts of the country and snow and ice sometimes occur in the higher elevations in the south-west.

In areas where there is little ground cover, a northwesterly wind blows for most of the summer months and may, especially in the eastern part of the country, whip up violent sandstorms.

Dammam
Is the capital of the Eastern Province in KSA and a very important seaport of Saudi Arabia. Dammam in Saudi Arabia stretches into the other two important cities of Al-Khobar and Dhahran. it is an important hub for shipping, oil, commerce and industry.

Dammam is linked to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway, an engineering masterpiece that stretches 15.5 miles across the sea and reclaimed land.

Where to go in Dammam:

Heritage building
This heritage building is the jewel of Eastern Province ... The 5 storey fortress like building houses many ancient weapons, apparatus, old photo graphs, jewelleries and many others things that you rarely see. Not only that, you get to dine inside this beautiful place. And to add to the ambience, you can choose to dine in the main hall, in the middle of the pond or any of the Arabian rooms which were decorated with different decorations and design of different Saudi Arabian region. When you step into the place you will feel that you are in a fairy tale of Aladdin and the Magic lamp.
آ Phone: 8090000آ 
آ Directions: Near Dammam Corniche

Coastal Sports Center or the King Fahd Park: The Sports Center shows the passion amongst the Arab youths for sports while the Park displays the type of vegetation that the city has.

Another place at Dammam, which is a perfect retreat for visitors, is the Half Moon beach: Shaped as a half moon, the placid beauty of sea water and the sandy coast of the beach is an ideal venue to rejuvenate away from the busy and noisy cities.

Alkhleej Makarim Village: the most important of all tourist destinations at Dammam of Saudi Arabia is the Alkhleej Makarim Village on the Half Moon Beach. This is one of the very famous luxurious resorts in the whole Middle East region. Alkhaleej Village has 251 villas all overlooking the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf and has direct access to the longest sandy beach in the kingdom, serviced by a comprehensive recreational facilities and infrastructure.

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Riyadh

Riyadh is the nation's legislative, financial administrative, diplomatic and commercial center. It is the location for foreign embassies, universities, banks and corporate headquarters. It is the capital of the nation.

In a region where tradition, modernity and globalization converge, Riyadh is the focal point of the Middle East’s largest economy. Riyadh is an international business hub where you can experience contrasting lifestyles in a traditional Islamic environment.

Where to go in Riyadh:

Faisaliah Tower and kingdom Tower:
The Kingdom Tower, with its unique double structure and sky bridge; and the elegant Faisaliah Tower with its embedded glass dome combine traditional Arabian imagery with ultra modern international design. They also combine the attraction of unique architecture, with icon shopping.

Golf in Riyadh
In 1359H (1940G), employees of the oil company Aramco laid out Saudi Arabia's first golf course. Rather than build 'greens', the resourceful group mixed oil and sand to create 'browns' and the process was quickly adopted throughout the kingdom

Golf enthusiasts generally find their first game on 'browns' highly amusing, and more challenging than they first expect. The course is usually complete with extensive 'sand bunkers', and competitors are generally advised to bring a piece of astro turf for tee-off.

While some courses still feature 'browns', they are losing favor with local residents to the luscious, and more traditional, courses which are being built throughout the country.

Dirab Golf and Recreation Center is Saudi Arabia's first and only 18 hole championship grass golf course. Set in the beautiful valley below the Tuwaiq escarpment, the center also has facilities for horse riding, tennis and ATV tracks. It is a private course. You need to phone ahead and make arrangements with the pro.

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a modern museum set in the sweeping grounds of the King Abdul Aziz Historical Area. It provides an extraordinary introduction to all aspects of the Kingdom's natural, religious, historical and social heritage

The museums vast displays draw on various national resources, the most impressive of which is the Riyadh Museum for History and Archaeology. It occupies 28,000sqm of floor space and consists of eight main display halls which provide an epochal sweep of Arabian history from the creation of the universe to the unification of Saudi Arabia and the Hajj.

There are reconstructions of antiquities, and models of the old town of Dirayah, as well as the famous holy mosques of Makkah and Madinah. The museum uses state of the art interactive technology, small screen cinemas and audio commentary in Arabic and English. It is highly recommended for children and adults alike.
Tel: +966-(0)1-4029500
Tel: +966-(0)1-4191210
Open daily
Men and School Groups: 9am-12 Sun-Wed
Families: 4.30pm-9pm
SR15

Masmak fort:
The fort is the most important historical monument in Riyadh, as well as an excellent example of traditional mud-walled construction. It was built around 1281H (1865) on the site of an older fortification

Inside the fully restored building there are courtyards, a mosque, diwan and square watch tower. It houses collections of traditional dress and crafts, a traditional diwan with an open courtyard and a working well. It was extensively renovated in the early 1400'sH (1980's) and is now devoted to the history of Abdul Aziz and his unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At Al-Thumairi Gate 200m southeast of the Masmak Fort, you find one of the 9 gates that used to lead into the city. The wall was pulled down in 1396H (1950).

Maskmak Fort
Tel:+966-(0)1- 4110091
Admission free
Men: 8am - noon and 4-9pm Sat, Mon & Wed
Women and families: 8am - noon and 4-9pm Sun & Tues, 9am - noon Thurs

Murabba Palace:
The home of King Abdul Aziz also acted as the seat of Government, and his Diwan was the scene of many important majlis. This is reflected in the powerful design and construction of the palace, which also served as the family home to his young and growing family

In 1355H (1936) King Abdulaziz issued a directive for construction to begin on the Al-Murabba palace to accommodate his growing family and to serve as a center of government, where the royal court would be governed and official functions hosted. The building was completed in 1357H (1938).

One palace diwan was particularly important as the site of many important gatherings and meetings with world dignitaries. It witnessed vital events in the history of the establishment of the Ministry of Defense, the government school system, the Saudi Broadcasting Network, and the Saudi Monetary Agency. It was here that the historic agreement opening the Kingdom for oil exploration was signed. The initiation of the telegraph system and the formulation and adoption of many important regulations concerning travel, labor and public works projects also took place here.

The palace surrounds a ground-level courtyard. The upper level has displays of traditional clothes and crafts. The overall impression of the building is one of impregnability, with a generous diwan for receiving foreign dignitaries and local petitioners.
Qasr al-Murabba
Tel: +966-(0)1-4011999
8am - 2pm Sat-Wed
A permit is required to visit inside

The King Abdul Aziz Historical Area
One of the most beautiful and impressive landscaped open spaces in the Kingdom, the King Abdul Aziz Historical Area, provides welcome tranquility from the bustle of the city

The King Abdul Aziz Historical Area (Abdul Aziz tarikhi) is 240ha of sculpted gardens which incorporates; The National Museum of Saudi Arabia, opened in 1419H (1999); the Darat Al Malik Museum (incorporating the renovation of the Treasury building); a library, auditorium, mosque and the renovation and recreation of King Abdul Aziz's Murabba Palace (Qasr al-Murabba, Al-Murabb'a Palace).

It is set within an attractive landscaped park, with a series of outdoor gardens incorporating running water, open lawns and 360km of pathways. These outdoor areas can be accessed without charge and are popular places for local residents.

Open daily, but not Saturday
9am - noon and 4.30pm - 9pm
Bachelor and Family days
SR15 adults, SR10 children
Tel: +966-(0)1-46 49357

The Janadriyah Festival:
For two weeks every year, the past comes to Riyadh - and it's alive and well. The vibrant Janadriyah Annual Heritage and Culture Festival in Riyadh City District is a showcase for crafts from across the Kingdom organized by the National Guard. It celebrates the cultural traditions that unite this great country, while also revealing the regional differences which create the distinctive character of Saudi individuality

The festival includes displays of regional architecture, cuisine, craft, markets, dances and folklore. It lasts approximately two weeks and takes place in the winter when the weather is cooler. There are working displays of carpet-weaving, pottery-making, and woodcarving from different regions. Arabian dancers and singers provide entertainment, while reviving all the traditional songs of different regions. There are also displays by the armed forces, and displays of traditional swords and daggers.
Valor In Battle
Hanging by my side was a sharp, well-made sword; its broad blade glittered in my right hand.
My fearless heart routs the enemy with it; it is my best companion on a dark nightâ€ڑ
I also carry tucked in my belt a crooked dagger that resembles a poisonous snake for my enemies, or a draught of cool fresh water for my friends.
By Abu Hamzih al-Amri
You can buy jewellery, perfume, shesha, halwa, wood and ceramics. Themes vary each year, often with one province having a special feature. In 1424H (2003) there was a replica of the old Medinah with people actually using the shops. The event also includes traditional sports and Janadriyah is famous for the annual Riyadh camel race when 2,000 camels and their riders compete.

The festival is divided into men-only, women-only and family days. On the women-only days they have activities such as henna-etching and Arabic make-up displays which aren't there on the other days. In 1419H (1998) the Janadriyah Festival honored the women artists, poets, singers and folk dancers of Asir, with a three day women's music festival. For the first time their local traditions took to a wider stage where it was much appreciated.

The Janadriyah site is 30km north east of Riyadh on the Al Janadriyah Road. Take Dammam highway and take the left fork which is well signposted. Its located beside the Horse Racing Club.

Weekly camel racing takes place every Monday in the winter. There are smaller festivals that take place in other towns in the region, often around Eid celebrations, which range from dancing to poetry reading.

Makkah
Is an Islamic holly place, where the Angel Jibreel revealed the will of Allah to the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). It is the most sacred site in Islam

All of this make Makkah Islam's holiest city. It is also the birthplace of Prophet Mohammed (praise be upon him) who began to preach in Makkah and it was to Makkah that he returned to spread the word of Islam in 8H (632).

The Prophet (pbuh) made an annual retreat to the mountains in the 12th month (Ramadan). It was in a cave on Jebel al-Nur (The Mountain of Light) that the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) called him to prophet hood by saying, "Recite in the name of your Lord who created man from a clinging clot." . This became the first verses of the Qur'an.

Makkah is also the location for Islam’s holiest shrine, the Ka'aba, to which all Muslims turn when they pray. It's in the central courtyard of the Grand Mosque and, according to Islamic tradition, was built by the first prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail. Beside it is the sacred Well of Zamzam - a miraculous source of healing water, and the Mina is nearby.
Hajj: Islam prescribes that all Muslims who can physically and financially afford the journey make a pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime to Makkah. Accordingly, the city has grown by catering for the millions of pilgrims who arrive here each year during the Hajj and Umra, and for tourists wanting to pursue the traditional pilgrim routes. The city and its environs are strictly off-limits to non-Muslims.

Jeddah
The Red Sea port of Jiddah, located mid-way along the Western coast of the Kingdom, is a bustling, thriving city and seaport. Jiddah's location on the ancient trade routes and its status as the seaport and airport for hajjis visiting the Holy City of Makkah have ensured that Jeddah is the most cosmopolitan of all Saudi Arabia's cities.
You want water sports, Jeddah has one of the world's BEST diving areas.

Where to go in Jeddah:

Abdul Raouf Hasan Khalil Museum:
Where you can see This museum consists of 10,000 items pertaining to the historic civilization which the city of Jeddah went through. The Abdul Raouf Khalil's Museum in Jeddah has been classified into three sections. The first section deals with the old Saudi heritager, the second one deals with the Ottoman Empire and the third one is concerned about the European development. The museum has the collection of the some real gems from the floating wreckage of earlier civilization. outside of museum showing typical Arab window.

Naseef House
(one of the city's most famous buildings that belonged to one of the old-line merchant clans.)

Jungle land: It has a lot of Roller Coaster, Located inside of the “Mersal Villageâ€‌ resort – Jeddah.

Madinah
The Prophet's Mosque was built by the Prophet Mohammed(pbuh) and his companions when they first arrived in Madinah. It is the second holiest site in Islam, and the tomb of the Prophet. May Allah be pleased with them all.

Madinah lies 447km north of Makkah. It's the second holiest city in Islam. It was the city to which the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and his followers sought refuge in (622G) when they were forced into exile from Makkah. This 'flight to Madinah' is known as the Hijrah and the Hejira calendar is dated from this time.

In Madinah the Prophet (pbuh) establish the first model Islamic community. Under divine guidance from Allah he organized the Muslims (the believers) into a unified dynamic community with a system of law (sharia) and with institutions built on justice and high moral principles.

He drew up a charter, the Constitution of Madinah, for the coexistence of the city's hitherto warring factions that guaranteed freedom of religion for everyone - perhaps the first constitution in history to enshrine this principle.

He changed the name of the city from Yathrib to Al-Madinah Al-Monawarah - The City of Light in honor of the coming of Allah's wisdom.

Within 10 years the Prophet (pbuh) returned to Makkah with thousands of Muslims to rededicate the house of Ibrahim for the worship of Allah alone. The Prophet died in 11H (633) and is buried in Madinah.

Today Madinah is a thriving modern city catering to 2,000,000 pilgrims every year who come to pray at "The Holy Prophet's Mosque" which was built by the Prophet (pbuh) and the small Muslim community who came with him here in 1H (622).

South west of Madinah, near the coast is the city of Badr - the site of the first battle in Islam between the believers and the non-believers. The decisive victory for the Muslims was a turning point for the Islamic faith.

Other significant holy sites in Madinah are Quba'a Mosque, The Uhud Battleground (site of the second holy war for Islam) and Al Baqi Cemetery where most of the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) are buried.

Hail:
Hail is renowned for generosity, authentic food and well preserved traditions such as the Ardah dance. It is also the birthplace of Hatim Al Tay the legendary host who is famous world wide for his gracious hospitality.

Human occupation in Hail goes back to prehistoric times as indicated by the numerous stone artifacts and rock drawings. Large numbers of Thamudic inscriptions can be seen in the mountains.

There are numerous different types of relics. Stone Circles are mostly found southeast of Hail at the Salma Mountains. Associated stone tools can be seen on the ground. Such features were dated to the 4th or early third millennium B.C.

In Hail you can visit “JUBBAâ€‌

"Jubba is one of the most curious places in the world, and to my mind one of the most beautiful." - Lady Anne Blunt (1879).

Jubba is a sleepy frontier town 100km northwest of Hail. Between 9000-6000 years ago this desert landscape was lush savanna grasslands which supported cattle. Archeologists have found evidence of four major periods of settlement at Jubba stretching back through the Middle Paleolithic period, 80,000 to 25,000 years ago.

Jubba also contains 3000-year-old inscriptions in Thamudic - the oldest known script of the Arabian Peninsula.

A rock with one of Arabia's most intriguing petroglyphs was moved to Riyadh's National Museum. The rough, pyramid-shaped sandstone rock, 1.3 meters tall, shows arms and hands waving on one side and another hand, apparently with a broken arm, on the other. The motif is ubiquitous in rock art throughout the world.
The local guide and site warden is:
Atiq al-Shamali
Tel: +966-(0)57-494877
Hadi Abdullah is the local English teacher
E-mail: hadi1500@yahoo.com
Nearby is Naif Palace Guesthouse which is the house where Lord and Lady Blunt stayed, and is now a museum containing some of their personal affects and local artifacts.

Gizan:
Gizan has grown from a rustic fishing town into one of Saudi Arabia's major shipping ports. In spite of this growth, it still retains it's old world coastal charm, with evocative forts, traditional boat-builders and souqs specializing in local pottery.

Gizan is the gateway to the Farasan Islands - an aquatic wildlife reserve of outstanding clarity and beauty. Ferries run from the fishing port and from the main harbor.

Gizan Province is located in the southwest of the Kingdom. There are more than 100 islands scattered along this section of coast, the most famous of which is an archipelago called Farasan Islands. The province also stretches inland through the rolling hills of the Tihama plain and into the foothills of the Asir Mountains. The province features a range of different landforms from coastal beaches to rolling, fertile hills, hot water springs and forests.

As the seaport gateway to the south of the Kingdom, Gizan Province has always been strategically important and is full of evidence of conquest and valor. Forts and watch towers are dotted all over the province, as well as examples of even earlier inhabitation with dozens of archaeological sites from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and early Islamic periods to the present century.

The mineral rich province is a major source of saltpeter, cement and plaster ores. There are several factories that produce foodstuffs, building materials, chemicals, plastics, and metal works.