Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country located on the Arabian Peninsula. It is the largest country in the region, with a population of around 36 million people by 2022.
It has rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, which are sacred to Muslims around the world.
Climate in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a large country with varying climate conditions depending on the region. Generally, Saudi Arabia has a desert climate with hot temperatures, low humidity, and little rainfall. The country is characterized by two main climatic zones: a desert climate in the interior and a semi-arid climate in the coastal regions.
The desert regions
Temperatures can soar to over 50°C during the summer months, and drop below freezing in the winter months.
The central region experiences extreme temperature variations between day and night due to the lack of cloud cover. Rainfall is rare and erratic, with most areas receiving less than 100mm of rainfall annually.
The coastal regions
Including the Red Sea coast and the Arabia Gulf coast, have a more moderate climate, with higher humidity levels and slightly cooler temperatures than the desert regions.
Summer temperatures can still be hot, with average highs around 40°C, but winters are milder, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The coastal regions also experience slightly more rainfall than the desert areas.
Tourism Industry
Tourism is an emerging industry in Saudi Arabia, with the government making significant efforts to promote the country as a tourist destination.
In 2019, the country opened up to international tourism by launching a new visa system that allows visitors to apply for tourist visas online or on arrival. Prior to this, the country had only allowed entry to Muslim pilgrims and business travelers.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia is Jeddah, known for its historic architecture, museums, and beaches.
The city of Riyadh, the country’s capital, is also popular among tourists, with attractions such as the Kingdom Centre and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
Other tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia include the ancient city of Al-Ula, the coastal city of Yanbu where Lawrence of Arabia House locates, and the mountain resort town of Taif.
Tourists can also experience Saudi Arabia’s unique culture by visiting local markets, or souks, where they can buy traditional handicrafts, spices, and clothing.
The country has a delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as shawarma, hummus, and kabsa. Generally, a rice dish that is considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia.
In addition to cultural attractions, Saudi Arabia is home to several natural wonders, including the Red Sea coast, the Empty Quarter desert, and the Asir Mountains.
Visitors can go hiking, camping, or scuba diving in these areas, and experience the country’s stunning natural beauty.
Popular cities in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 provinces. Each province has a governor, a deputy governor, and a provincial council. Here is a list of some of the major cities in Saudi Arabia:
1. Riyadh – The Capital of KSA
Al Riyadh, also known as Riyadh, is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is located in the central part of the country, and has a population of over 7 million people.
Riyadh is an important economic, cultural, and political center in the region, and is home to many major corporations, government institutions, and cultural landmarks.
The city has a rich history, and impressive modern architecture, as well as its traditional souks, museums, and mosques.
Riyadh is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to explore the city’s many attractions, including the Al Masmak Fortress, the Kingdom Tower, and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
See our blog Things to do in Riyah to learn more about this City.
2. Jeddah
Jeddah is a city in the western region of Saudi Arabia. It is the largest Coastal city on red sea and the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital city of Riyadh. Jeddah is located on the coast of the Red Sea and is an important commercial and cultural center in the region.
Jeddah has a rich history and is known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and modern architecture. The city is home to many museums, including the Jeddah Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography and the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum.
It is also famous for its traditional markets, such as the Al-Balad historic district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jeddah is a city with a diverse population, and it is known for its hospitality and friendly people.
It is a popular tourist destination and a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for many pilgrims who come to perform Hajj or Umrah
See our blog Things to do in Jeddah to learn more about the city.
3. Al Khobar
Al Khobar is a city located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It is a major commercial center and one of the largest cities in the region.
Al Khobar has a rich history and culture, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the pre-Islamic era. The city has been influenced by various civilizations throughout its history, including the Persians, Ottomans, and British.
Today, Al Khobar is a modern and vibrant city with a thriving economy. It is home to a number of major international companies and serves as a hub for business and commerce in the region. The city also has a bustling food and entertainment scene, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls.
In addition to its commercial and cultural offerings, Al Khobar is known for its beautiful beaches and parks.
The city has a number of parks, including the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Park, which is one of the largest in the country.
Overall, it is a fascinating city with a unique blend of traditional and modern culture, making it a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers.
4. Damman
Dammam is a city located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. The population is around 1.5 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in Saudi Arabia.
The city has rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks, such as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture.
Dammam is home to several universities, including the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and the Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University.
The city has the King Fahd International Airport, which is the largest airports in the world in terms of land area.
It also has a modern public transportation system, including a metro line that connects it to neighboring cities.
5. Al Madinah Al Munawwarah
Al Madinah is a city located in Saudi Arabia with a population of around 1.3 million.
Also, the second-holiest city in Islam after Mecca with rich Islamic history and culture.
It is home to the Prophet’s Mosque, also known as Masjid an-Nabawi, which is one of the largest mosques in the world.
It contains the tomb of Prophet Muhammad, and the tombs of his companions Abu Bakr and Umar. Also, the Quba Mosque, which is the first mosque built in Islam
The city has a modern transportation system, including an airport, a train , and a network of highways that connect it to other parts of Saudi Arabia.
Also, it is home to several universities, including the Islamic University of Madinah and the Taibah University.
6. Mecca
Mecca is a city located in the in the western part of Saudi Arabia, with a population of 2 million people.
The city about 70 km inland from the Red Sea and surrounded by mountains and situated in a valley.
It is the holiest city in Islam and is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Also, the destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca every year to perform the Hajj.
The city is also home to several historical and cultural sites, including the Zamzam Well, a sacred site in Islam. Also, the Makkah Museum, which features exhibits on the history of Mecca and Islam.
Mecca is a symbol of the unity of the Muslim world and holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world.
