Page 45 - Middle East

Downtown
Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
Why visit Saudi Arabia
Religious heritage
It was on the lands of Saudi Arabia that Islam was founded, one of the three great monotheistic religions having spread throughout the world. Saudi Arabia is thus home to two very high places of the Muslim religion, a pretext for important pilgrimages on the part of believers: Mecca of course, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, is a sacred city, forbidden to non- Muslims, known throughout the world for its Great Mosque in which the processions around the Ka'abah take place. Not far from Mecca, Medina is another holy city, which this time hosts the tomb of the prophet. However, there too, you must be of the Muslim faith to enter the city. The country's riches are multiple, its holy cities of Islam that are Medina and Mecca, its Nabataean tombs, archaeological sites still untouched by mass tourism, and quite simply its vast culture to be discovered ...
Rich culture
Of course, a trip to Saudi Arabia is not without knowing the culture of the country and the Koranic laws that govern its daily existence. A unique experi- ence that cannot be improvised lightly. Saudi Arabia will welcome you in a magical setting based on an undeniable cultural richness. Let yourself be enchanted by the largest sand desert in the world, the Rub 'al-Khali which hides many treasures, straight out of the tales and legends of the Thousand and One Nights.
Riyadh, the capital
The majestic capital, Riyadh, is a must-see during your stay in Saudi Arabia. Witness to a fascinating past, the city is full of very well-preserved historic buildings such as its citadel and its grandiose palaces. To understand the whole history of the country, several museums open their doors to you. Riyadh is also home to beautiful mosques that will immerse you in the heart of Islam. These monuments and the old town stand side by side with very modern buildings and towers, mostly located in its town center.
Gastronomic specialties
Saudi gastronomy gives a large part to the midday meal where we find all the specialties of the country as the national dish par excellence: the "kabsah" or "kabsa", a preparation based on chicken and rice and, also mutton, fish or shrimp. You can also order dishes such as grilled chicken, lamb skewers or refreshing soups and salads. At breakfast, the Saudis serve the traditional Khaliyat Anahl or bee hive, which is the national brioche made from small plain balls or dumplings stuffed with cheese, date paste and chocolate.
Art and culture
Islam being the state religion in Saudi Arabia, two festivals are of great impor- tance namely Eid-al-Adha and Aid Al Fitr, which celebrates the end of Ramadan. The Saudis take advantage of these special moments to visit their families and loved ones. February 15 celebrates the birth of Prophet Mohammed, El Mouloud. On this occasion religious songs are sung all over the country and candles are generally lit in homes. Some men also gather to slaughter sheep and pay homage to the prophet.
Why Saudi Arabia?
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