Saudi Arabia is a country of numerous Muslim mosques. It was here that one of the largest religions in the world was founded - Islam.
The country opened to tourists quite recently, no more than three years ago. Saudi Arabia is pleased to offer its guests the unique flavor of the Arabian deserts, as well as numerous shrines of the Muslim world. The ancient traditions of the East and the modern environment make this country attractive for lovers of unconventional holidays. A feature of the country's tourism business has become diving, which allows you to explore the diversity of the unique underwater world of the Red Sea. Camel beauty contests have no analogues in the whole world. And taking part in the famous falconry will give you new experiences.
Climate and weather
The climate in Saudi Arabia is unusually arid and dry. The Arabian Peninsula is one of the few places where the summer temperature never drops below +50 °C.
The north of the country belongs to the subtropical climate zone, while the south belongs to the tropical climate zone. Snow here can only be seen in the mountains, and even then not every year. In January, the air temperature does not exceed +20 °C in cities and deserts, and on the Red Sea coast the air warms up to +30 °C.
Summer in Saudi Arabia gets unusually hot. In the shade, the air temperature ranges from +35 °C to +45 °C. But in deserts, due to the ability of sand to give off heat very quickly, you can encounter low temperatures, sometimes reaching 0 °C. For this area, sharp changes in day and night temperatures are a fairly common occurrence.
Rainfall in Saudi Arabia is uneven. Moreover, in the east and center of the country the rainy season lasts from February to April, and in the west - exclusively in the winter (from late November to early February). In winter, thick fogs are often observed in the mountains of the Arabian Peninsula.
Tourists prefer to visit Saudi Arabia from the first days of September to mid-October, as well as at the end of spring. Throughout May, the temperature here is not too high, and the sea wind brings some moisture into the fairly dry air.
Nature
The nature of Saudi Arabia is truly unique. On the territory of this state you can find huge hot deserts, high cool mountains, and wonderful warm sandy beaches.
Along the Red Sea coast rise the beautiful and mighty Hijaz Mountains. The height of some of them reaches three kilometers. In the same area is located one of the most attractive resorts in the Middle East - Asir. It attracts tourists from all over the world with its rather mild, pleasant climate and unique vegetation. This resort is preferred by ecotourism lovers.
The eastern part of the Kingdom is completely covered with deserts. The largest of them is Rub al-Khali, which occupies almost the entire south and part of the southeast of the country. The invisible border of Saudi Arabia with Oman and Yemen runs along it. total area deserts in this country reach almost 1 million km2. Most often, such deserts are inhabited by nomadic Bedouin tribes.
Sights of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, as a strictly Muslim country, is notable for tourists for its religious relics and shrines. The most attractive to visit are famous Arab cities such as the capital Riyadh, Mecca, Medina and Jeddah.
The most visited city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is its capital, Riyadh. The most popular attraction of this city is the citadel of old Riyadh, which houses the Museum dedicated to King Abdulaziz. Also widely known is the Royal Center, owned by the Prince of Saudi Arabia, which is the tallest building in the entire Kingdom. This huge complex includes a large number of residential apartments, offices, fine restaurants and luxury shopping centers.
Of course, no stay in Saudi Arabia is complete without a visit to the Muslim shrine - the city of Mecca. The founder of the largest religion in the world, the Prophet Muhammad, was once born in this area. In Mecca there is the Holy Haram Mosque, known since 1570. Its area is more than 300,000 km². This majestic building of Arabic architecture is completely covered with beautiful lilac marble and includes nine minarets, each of them reaching a height of almost 95 meters. The famous Haram can simultaneously accommodate up to 700 thousand people.
The Kaaba sanctuary is located in the center of the Haram. Its corners are oriented to the cardinal points. The eastern corner of the Kaaba stands out among others due to the presence of the Black Stone. Some scientists believe it is a meteorite. But Muslims are of a different opinion, that it was this stone that God gave to Adam, who was expelled from paradise, after his repentance. The legend says that the color of the stone was white, and after being touched by sinners it changed to black.
Mecca is known throughout the world for its many Islamic shrines. During the Hajj, this city is visited by more than two million people from all over the world. People who profess other religions cannot enter this holy place.
Another major attraction of Saudi Arabia is national park Asir, which is located near the city of Jeddah. Its unique vegetation and peculiar animal world attract many ecotourists.
Kitchen
The national cuisine of Saudi Arabia includes the culinary traditions of all countries of the Middle East. The main foodstuffs of local Arabs are mutton, poultry, lamb, eggs and fish. The traditional side dish for these dishes is rice with raisins. TO traditional dishes Arabian cuisine includes all kinds of soups (rice, peas, beans) and stews, which are seasoned with onions and lentils.
Not a single feast in Saudi Arabia is complete without the national dish “burgul”. This original name is given to porridge made from corn or wheat grits with the obligatory addition of sour milk. Also a popular dish, especially among the southern peoples of Saudi Arabia, is flour porridge with the addition of olive oil and pepper.
Local restaurants are happy to provide their customers with the famous national dish “guzi” - it includes baked lamb meat, generously seasoned with special spices, rice and nuts.
As in other Arab countries, in Saudi Arabia, when preparing meat dishes, it is customary to use only heat treatment without adding fat. Rice, which is traditionally seasoned with tomato paste and onions, is usually served as a side dish for meat dishes. Some restaurants may serve meat and fries.
All kinds of fruits and vegetables occupy a large share in the diet of Saudi Arabian residents. Dates and figs are especially popular here. Local residents pay great attention to the consumption of healthy nuts.
The most favorite drink in Saudi Arabia is coffee. In this country there is a special ceremony for preparing and drinking this wonderful drink. In Saudi Arabia, people are accustomed to flavoring their coffee with all sorts of spices, especially cloves and cardamom, but the Arabs do not add sugar to their coffee at all. Arabs are very fond of various spices.
Dishes made from fermented milk products are especially popular in this country.
Accommodation
The development of tourism business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is only at the initial stage. Strict Muslim customs create certain restrictions on attracting foreign tourists to this country, which is why not all hotels in the Kingdom have the required number of stars. Mostly those hotels that are part of large hotel chains have passed the international classification. However, it is worth noting that all hotels are happy to offer visitors service and comfort at a quite decent level, which meets all European standards.
Most of the best hotels are located in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. They offer their clients not only spacious and comfortable rooms, but also additional services of excellent restaurants, fitness centers, spas, and swimming pools.
The Lyauzan Hotel, which was built exclusively for women, became absolutely special for this country. Here, despite the rules of conduct prescribed in a Muslim country, they can independently book and check into rooms.
The cost of renting a separate apartment in Saudi Arabia is about $800 per month in the capital of the state, and in other cities - no more than $400.
Entertainment and relaxation
Most foreign tourists choose the capital of Riyadh to explore local attractions. Once there, you should definitely visit National Museum Saudi Arabia, where a huge exhibition is presented, introducing visitors to the history and culture of this unique Muslim country. It is worth paying attention to the tallest building in the country - the Royal Center, owned by the prince. This building is commonly associated with the oasis of modern life in Saudi Arabia.
Not a single tourist who decides to come to this wonderful country will leave without visiting Mecca. Local residents call her “Mother of Cities”. This city is the most sacred place for all Muslims in the world and represents a kind of center of spiritual culture of the Kingdom. It is worth noting that only adherents of the Muslim religion can visit this place; dissidents are not allowed into Mecca. If, however, you managed to get into the territory of this ancient city, then you should definitely visit the famous Haram mosque and look into the main sanctuary of all Muslims - the Kaaba.
Close to the famous city of Medina is the most famous uninhabited city of Madain Salih. This is the largest and most fascinating archaeological site in Saudi Arabia. Be sure to visit this unique place, and it will not leave you indifferent.
Saudi Arabia has some of the most beautiful coral reefs on the entire planet. Therefore, this country is a must-visit for all diving enthusiasts.
The real entertainment for men here is falconry. Many centuries ago, such an activity was a kind of means of survival. Today this is one of the most popular sports, however, the price for this type of recreation is not cheap at all. The cost of one hunting falcon reaches $80,000.
Another great entertainment in Saudi Arabia is the magnificent and unforgettable yacht cruises along offshore islands. Such a short trip, which helps you get acquainted with the local beauties, will leave an indelible impression. The yachts that are used for such cruises have everything you need on board: air-conditioned rooms, separate cozy bedrooms, and spacious rooms with video systems.
For lovers of a relaxing holiday, Saudi Arabia is pleased to offer an excellent opportunity to catch local fish in deep-sea places in the Persian Gulf. If the captain stops the yacht in a fishing spot, you will remember such an amazing bite for the rest of your life.
It should be noted that lovers of nightlife in Saudi Arabia will not find their usual activities, since such events are prohibited by strict Sharia laws.
Purchases
The country's fame was brought not only by Muslim shrines, but also by a huge number of different retail outlets. These include traditional Arab markets, large department stores and large shopping centers. Moreover, here you can find both expensive boutiques and quite cheap shops.
Visiting shops is a favorite pastime of local residents, since other entertainment is prohibited by the Koran - there is not a single night bar, club or casino in this country.
Stores usually open without specific hours. As a rule, the working hours of most retail outlets are from 9 am to 1 pm, as well as from 5 pm to 8 pm. During the month of Ramadan, shops are open from 20:00 to 1:00 am. Friday is considered a day off in Saudi Arabia. On this day, it is customary to attend traditional sermons and prayers in mosques.
As in all eastern countries, locals love to bargain. It is common for this country to be able to reduce the quoted price by more than 40%. You can bargain with sellers in almost all retail outlets, except large supermarkets.
Transport
There are several modes of transport in Saudi Arabia. A railway connection (several hundred kilometers of roads) connects the capital Riyadh with major ports in the Persian Gulf. In addition, construction has begun on a separate railway line connecting Mecca and Medina.
Public transport is represented mainly by city buses and taxis. Quality highways The kingdom leaves much to be desired. At the same time, the roads in Riyadh are among the best in the country. The road surface in large cities has a special composition that can significantly reduce the amount of reflected heat, which greatly saves local residents from the sultry heat.
All buses in this country are very cozy and comfortable. The cost of one trip around the city ranges from 1 to 2 $.
There are 208 airports in Saudi Arabia, three of which have international status. The average price of one flight across the country ranges from $120 to $150.
Having access to the sea, Saudi Arabia contains a large number of seaports. Some of them are quite large, for example, Jeddah, Duba, Jizan, Jubail. They are the main links between Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries.
Connection
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Posts, Telegraphs and Telephones provides a fairly high level of communication. The mobile communications system in this country is excellently developed. In most cities, telephone companies prefer to remove old pay phones due to the fact that they are rarely used anymore. Almost all residents of this state, with the exception of some Bedouin tribes, are happy owners of mobile phones or radio stations.
The cellular network has a large coverage area: the area around Riyadh and other large oases. Only some areas of the desert are not served by cellular companies.
The World Wide Web is quite widespread in all major cities of Saudi Arabia. Most hotels, post offices and business centers provide their visitors with services for using the World Wide Web.
Telephone communications in this country are provided by the latest equipment, which allows for high quality data transmission. Using simple street machines you can make a phone call anywhere in the world. The cost of such a call will be slightly less than $2. The operation of such machines is carried out both from coins and from a prepaid plastic card.
Safety
Saudi Arabia is closed to solo travelers. All movements around the country must be carried out exclusively in groups and accompanied by a local tour operator, whose responsibilities include accompanying tourists everywhere and monitoring their timely departure.
There are practically no restrictions on movement around the country. The exceptions are the ancient Muslim cities of Medina and Mecca, which are closed to visitors of other religions. It is worth noting that local legislation prohibits even importing Muslim country items that relate to other religions.
Saudi Arabia can be called a relatively safe country. Almost all tourist trips take place without criminal incidents. In large cities, including the capital, street crime is completely absent. This is due to the special mentality of the Arabs, as well as methods of combating the organization of crimes. Local authorities prefer to deal with hooligans using fines.
If we talk about features road transport, it is worth mentioning that traffic in Saudi Arabia is one-way, and the speed in cities and towns is reduced to 40 km/h. This innovation is quite unusual for Europeans.
Business
Huge oil reserves in Saudi Arabia have made this country the main producer and exporter of oil products in the world (the Kingdom's closest rival in this area is Russian Federation). Such a colossal concentration of natural resources makes the country attractive for doing business. Moreover, recently the Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz, has introduced some innovations into the legislation of his country to simplify doing business. This is especially true for the tourism industry.
With the increasing interest of Muslim tourists in the beauty of famous religious shrines and thanks to the implementation of policies that soften the rules of the Koran, some foreign businessmen prefer to invest in the economy of this particular country, which is currently the most promising in the development of religious tourism.
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia has recently been known for hosting major summits and conferences related to oil production and exports.
Real estate
Most scientists believe that Saudi Arabia's real estate market is almost the most stable in the world. It is not affected by the global economic crisis. Thanks to the deliberate strengthening of the country's economy and a good demographic situation, the Kingdom's real estate market is growing steadily.
This state has the largest real estate market among the Arab Gulf countries. Thanks to the high level of urbanization, they began to develop quite quickly big cities country, which required the construction of new residential buildings.
Most recently, Saudi Arabia passed a law allowing the sale of real estate and land for construction to foreign citizens. But there are some limitations here. Firstly, the potential buyer must permanently reside in the state and purchase real estate only for his own use. The sale of premises to foreign investors for doing business in the state is also allowed.
Secondly, when purchasing a plot of land in Saudi Arabia, for a positive decision by the General Investment Authority, the cost of the construction project must exceed $8 million. In addition, the entire investment must be made in the country within five years. Otherwise, the purchase will be refused.
It is worth noting that the sale of real estate to foreigners in Mecca and Medina is strictly prohibited.
Rules of conduct in Saudi Arabia
If you want to visit this unique Kingdom, you should pay attention to some strict rules of conduct in Muslim society.
When entering the state, women must wear a burqa or a long dress that covers their legs and arms. A mandatory condition for a woman going out is to cover her head with a scarf. If you break these rules, you may be expelled from the country without explanation.
Any immodest clothing that exposes the arms above the elbows and legs, as well as a woman’s head not covered with a scarf, can cause sharp condemnation from the religious police.
In Saudi Arabia, women of any nationality are prohibited from driving.
Although the ban on photography and videography in public places has recently been lifted in Saudi Arabia, special permission is required to photograph military installations and people, private and government property.
For the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, for committing theft or premeditated murder, according to local laws, a very serious punishment is faced: from cutting off hands to beheading.
Visa information
When visiting Saudi Arabia, you should make sure you have the necessary visa. It is strictly forbidden for people who have an Israeli passport or an Israeli visa to enter this country, as well as people who have a note in their passport about the Jewish religion.
The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Moscow is located at: 119121, Moscow, 3rd Neopalimovsky Lane, 3.
Culture
Religion permeates the entire society: it shapes and determines the cultural and artistic life of the country. Historically, Saudi Arabia has not been subject to the foreign cultural influences that other Arab states have experienced. The country lacks literary traditions comparable to those of the Arab Mediterranean countries. Perhaps the only well-known Saudi writers are historians of the late 19th century, of whom Osman ibn Bishr can be considered the most famous. The lack of literary tradition in Saudi Arabia is partly compensated by deep-rooted traditions in the field of oral prose and poetry, dating back to pre-Islamic times. Music is not a traditional art form in Saudi Arabia. Its development in recent decades as a means of artistic expression has been curtailed by the ban imposed by the Ulema Council on its performance for entertainment purposes. There are few performers of folk music and songs, and they are all men. Among the most famous musical performers are Saudi Arabia's first pop star Abdu Majid-e-Abdallah and the Arabic lute (ud) virtuoso Abadi al-Johar. Egyptian pop music is also popular in the country. The same strict ban has been introduced on the depiction of human faces and figures in painting and sculpture, although this does not apply to photography. Artistic pursuits are limited to the creation of architectural ornaments, such as friezes and mosaics, incorporating traditional forms of Islamic art.
Wahhabism does not approve of the construction of elaborately decorated mosques, so modern religious architecture is inexpressive, in contrast to ancient, aesthetically more interesting ones (for example, the Kaaba sanctuary in Mecca). The most significant religious architectural work of recent years appears to have been the restoration and decoration of the mosque on the burial site of the Prophet in Medina, and the major expansion and renovation of the Great Mosque in Mecca. The severity of religious architecture is offset by the flourishing of civil architecture. In cities, palaces, public buildings and private houses are being built on a large scale; Most of them harmoniously combine modern ideas and traditional design.
There are no theaters or public cinemas in the country, and shows and performances are prohibited.
Arab nomads inhabiting desert areas roam between pastures and oases in search of food and water. Their traditional home is tents woven from black sheep and goat wool. Sedentary Arabs are characterized by dwellings made of sun-dried bricks, whitewashed or painted with ocher. Slums, once quite common, have now become rare thanks to government housing policies.
The staple foods of the Arabs are mutton, lamb, chicken and game, seasoned with rice and raisins. Common dishes include soups and stews cooked with onions and lentils. A lot of fruits are eaten, especially dates and figs, as well as nuts and vegetables. A popular drink is coffee. Camel, sheep and goat milk is consumed. Sheep's milk ghee (dahn) is commonly used for cooking.
Men play a dominant role in Saudi society. A woman cannot appear in a public place without a veil over her face and a cape that covers her body from head to toe. Even in her home, she may only leave her face uncovered in front of the men in her family. The women's ("forbidden") half of the house, the harim (hence the word "harem"), is separated from the part where guests are received. Among the Bedouins, women are usually freer; they may appear in society without a veil over their faces and talk with strangers, but they nevertheless occupy a separate tent or part of the family tent. Marriage is considered a civil contract and is accompanied by a financial agreement between the spouses, which must be registered in a religious court. Although romantic love is a perennial theme in Arabic, especially Bedouin, poetry, marriages are typically arranged without the participation or consent of the bride and groom. The main responsibility of the wife is to care for her husband and meet his needs, as well as raise children. Marriages are generally monogamous, although a man is allowed to have up to four wives. Only the wealthiest citizens can afford to enjoy this privilege, but even so, preference is given to one rather than several wives. The husband can apply to the judge (qadi) for a divorce at any time, the only restrictions being the marriage contract and the relationship between the families concerned. A woman can approach a qadi for a divorce only if there are grounds for doing so, such as mistreatment and meager maintenance by her husband, or sexual neglect.
Story
The eastern parts of what is now Saudi Arabia were settled in the fourth and fifth millennium by people from southern Iraq. The Nabattine Empire was the greatest of the early empires, stretching to Damascus in the first century BC.
In the early 18th century, the Al Sauds, the current ruling dynasty of Saudi Arabia, became sheikhs in the Dirayah oasis, near modern Riyadh. In the mid-18th century, they teamed up with Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab to create Wahhabism, a religious movement harkening back to the origins of Islam, which is now the main religion of Saudi Arabia. By 1806, Wahhabi armies had captured most of what is now Saudi Arabia and southern parts of Iraq.
This situation was not supported in Constantinople, since in theory the western part of Arabia was part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1812, the empire regained western Arabia, but by the end of the 19th century the Al Sauds retreated to Kuwait, where they received refuge. From here, one of the great leaders of the Al-Sauds, Ibn Saud, using all conceivable and inconceivable means, was able to return Riyadh, and in 1925, Jeddah.
In 1939, Chevron discovered oil fields in Saudi Arabia, but when the Second World War began World War, oil production fell significantly. By the 1950s rulers earned up to $1,000,000 weekly from oil production, and by the 1960s. The country received 80% of its income from oil sales. Due to the Arab oil embargo of 1973-74. oil prices quadrupled and Saudi Arabia became something of a world leader. While the government was raking in money, a construction boom began in Saudi Arabia. But oil attracted many interested countries and Saudi Arabia's relations with its neighbors began to deteriorate sharply. The massacre of 400 Iranian hajj pilgrims in 1987 led Iran to boycott the Mecca pilgrimage for several years.
When Iraq occupied Kuwait in 1990, the Arabians became nervous and asked the United States to send troops to protect Saudi Arabia. Although Arabia was not invaded, the crisis led to political changes and in 1993 the king established an advisory council whose members were appointed by the king and could comment on proposed laws.
The days of easy oil money are over, the country's population is rapidly increasing (the average Saudi woman gives birth to six children) and the kingdom is ruled by an aging King Fahd, who faces these intractable problems. In 1999, this inaccessible country hosted its first expensive tour. But still, for an ordinary traveler, getting into the country is almost impossible. Only Muslims making pilgrimages to Mecca or Medina and those lucky ones who can receive an invitation from a citizen of Saudi Arabia can count on obtaining a visa.
Economy
Currently, the basis of the Saudi Arabian economy is free private enterprise. Meanwhile, the government exercises control over major areas of economic activity. Saudi Arabia has the largest oil reserves in the world, is considered the largest oil exporter and plays a leading role in OPEC. Proven reserves of crude oil amount to 261.7 billion barrels, or 35 billion tons (26% of all reserves), and natural gas - about 6.339 trillion. cube m. (as of January 2002). Oil brings the country up to 90% of export revenues, 75% of government revenues and 35–45% of GDP. Approximately 25% of GDP comes from the private sector.
In 1999, the government announced plans to begin the privatization of electricity companies, which would follow the privatization of telecommunications companies. To reduce the kingdom's dependence on oil and increase employment for the rapidly growing Saudi population, the private sector has expanded rapidly in recent years. The Saudi government's main priorities in the near future are to allocate additional funds for the development of water infrastructure and education, as water shortages and rapid population growth prevent the country from being fully self-sufficient in agricultural products.
The share of industry in the country's GDP is 47% (1998). Industrial production growth in 1997 was 1%. In the past, Saudi Arabia's industry was underdeveloped, especially non-oil industries.
The share of agriculture in the country's GDP increased from 1.3% in 1970 to more than 6.4% in 1993 and 6% in 1998. During this period, production of staple foods increased from 1.79 million tons to 7 million tons. Saudi Arabia is completely devoid of permanent watercourses. Lands suitable for cultivation occupy 7 million hectares, or less than 2% of its territory. Despite the fact that the average annual rainfall is only 100 mm, agriculture in Saudi Arabia, using modern technology and machinery, is a dynamically developing industry.
Long-term hydrological studies, begun in 1965, revealed significant water resources, suitable for agricultural use. In addition to deep wells throughout the country, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources operates more than 200 reservoirs with a total capacity of 450 million cubic meters. m. The country is the world's largest producer of desalinated water. In the mid-1990s, 33 desalination plants desalinated 2.2 billion liters of seawater daily, thus satisfying 70% of the population's drinking water needs.
Saudi Arabia reflects its role as the world's leading oil exporter. Most of the profits from foreign trade were invested abroad and went to help foreign countries, particularly Egypt, Jordan and other Arab countries.
Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest economic donors: in 1993 it provided $100 million for the reconstruction of Lebanon; Since 1993, the country has transferred $208 million in aid to the Palestinians.
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brief information
In the Middle Ages, the territory of modern Saudi Arabia was part of a huge empire - the Arab Caliphate. There are still places of worship for Muslims in Saudi Arabia. Now, thanks to its huge oil reserves, Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world. Many cities in this country are closed to foreigners. However, Saudi Arabia has many other interesting places for tourists, as well as beach resorts on the Red Sea coast.
Geography of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is located in Western Asia, on the Arabian Peninsula. In the north, Saudi Arabia borders with Iraq and Jordan, in the northeast with Kuwait, in the southeast with Yemen, and in the northeast with the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. In the west, Saudi Arabia is washed by the waters of the warm Red Sea, and in the northeast it is limited by the Persian Gulf. The total territory of this country is 2,149,000 square meters. km, and the total length of the state border is 4,431 km.
Most of the territory of Saudi Arabia is occupied by semi-deserts and deserts. There are mountains in the southwest and west of the country. The country's largest peak is Mount Sauda, whose height reaches 3,133 m.
There are practically no rivers or lakes in Saudi Arabia, but there are numerous oases.
Capital
The capital of Saudi Arabia is the city of Riyadh, which is now home to about 5 million people. People lived on the territory of modern Riyadh 4 thousand years ago.
Official language
In Saudi Arabia, the official language is Arabic, which belongs to the Semitic group of the Afroasiatic language family.
Religion
About 97% of the population of Saudi Arabia is Muslim. Of these, about 90% are Sunni Muslims belonging to the Wahhabis, and the rest are Shia Muslims.
Government of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy in which the head of state is the King. Power is inherited. The king must comply with Islamic religious law, Sharia.
No wonder that political parties in Saudi Arabia, no, because all power belongs to the King, who governs the country with the help of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Saudi Arabia consists of 13 provinces (mintaqats).
Climate and weather
The climate in Saudi Arabia is desert, with very high daytime temperatures and cool nights. Only in the southwestern province of Asir the climate is more temperate (monsoons with Indian Ocean and mountains). The average annual air temperature is +25.3C. The highest average air temperature in Saudi Arabia is observed in July and August - +45C, and the lowest in January and December (+3C). The average annual precipitation is 106.5 mm per year.
Sea in Saudi Arabia
In the west, Saudi Arabia is washed by the waters of the warm Red Sea (1,760 km), and in the northeast it is limited by the Persian Gulf (560 km). The total coastline is 2,320 km.
Culture
The entire culture of Saudi Arabia is permeated with Islam. The only non-religious holiday in this country is the Jinadriya folk festival, which includes camel racing. All other holidays in Saudi Arabia are religious in nature - Ramadan, Hajj, Eid al-Fitr, etc.
During the Hajj, millions of pilgrims come to Mecca from different countries peace. Pilgrims visit religious mosques, Mount Arafat and the Mina Valley.
Saudi Arabian cuisine
The cuisine in Saudi Arabia is traditional for Arab countries. Traditional foods - rice, halal meat, dairy products, fish.
Traditional dishes in Saudi Arabia: kebab, shawarma, fried lamb meshui, peppers stuffed with meat, dajaj (stewed chicken in tomato sauce), haris (chicken casserole), duck with rice and vegetables , “sambusa” pies with fillings (meat, vegetables, cheese).
Various soups and broths, pilaf, and vegetable salads are popular in Saudi Arabia. Residents of Saudi Arabia like to season all their dishes with spices, olives, onions, garlic, cinnamon, and honey.
The most popular sweets in Saudi Arabia are pistachio and raisin rice pudding, Turkish delight, baklava, honey donuts, and candied fruit.
Traditional soft drinks in Saudi Arabia are coffee (often with cardamom added) and tea (usually with herbs).
Attractions
Saudi Arabia is home to Muslim holy sites and mosques. In this country there are ruins of ancient fortresses, forts, mosques and even Christian temples, as well as salt mines, rock tombs, and palaces. Those. tourists have a lot to see in this country. The top ten best attractions in Saudi Arabia, in our opinion, include the following:
- Al-Quba Mosque near Medina
- Al-Masjid Mosque in Medina
- Musmak Fortress in Riyadh
- Al-Hijr Archaeological Complex
- Shada Palace in Abha
- Qasr Marid fortress in Domat El-Jandal
- Rock tombs at Madain Salih
- Masjid Omah Mosque in Domat El-Jandal
- Royal Museum in Riyadh
- Ancient fort in Al-Hofuf
Cities and resorts
The most big cities in Saudi Arabia - Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and, of course, Riyadh.
Most tourists come to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan to visit Mecca. However, Saudi Arabia has several excellent resorts on the Red Sea. The beaches in Saudi Arabia are sandy and long. By the way, the longest sand beach in Saudi Arabia is located in the Half Moon Bay region near Al Khobar. Another popular local beach resort is Obir. Also, we should not forget about Jeddah, the largest Saudi city on the Red Sea. In the coastal waters of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, scientists have counted more than 20 species of corals.
Souvenirs/shopping
Tourists from Saudi Arabia usually bring handicrafts, jewelry, pearls, carpets, prayer rugs, traditional shoes of the inhabitants of this country, keychains and figurines in the form of an Aladdin lamp, silk, rosary beads, Arabic perfumes, hookahs, dried dates.
Office hours
Banks:
Sat-Wed: 09:00-12:00
Some banks are also open in the afternoon.
Official opening hours, including shops, are from 10:00 to 15:00. However, most shops are open later. All shops, restaurants, etc. During the day they close four times for 30 minutes for prayer.
Visa
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the richest oil country in the world and among the driest and hottest places on the planet. The country is the spiritual center of the Arab world and the Islamic religion. It was here that the Prophet Muhammad was born in the city of Medina in 540. In Saudi Arabia, everything begins and ends with religion. It is extremely strongly woven into the way of life and laws. The country professes one of the strictest branches of Islam, called Wahhabism.
Form of government. Saudi Arabia is a kingdom, and more precisely an absolute monarchy. All power in the state, including religious rule, is concentrated in the hands of the monarch, and in this case in the hands of the Saudi dynasties. As understood from the very meaning, the country bears the name of the Al-Saud dynasty.
Geographical location, boundaries and dimensions. Saudi Arabia is the largest Arab country in the world. It covers an area of 2,218,000 sq. km. 
and is the 13th largest in the world. The country is located entirely in the tropics and occupies almost the entire area of the Arabian Peninsula. It is located approximately between 32.09° and 16.22° north latitude and between 34.34° and 55.40° east longitude. The country borders Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, United United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. In addition, it is in close proximity to three other states - Bahrain, and. The country is connected to Bahrain through a bridge, and has access to the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
Climate and water. Saudi Arabia falls entirely within the borders. The local climate is characterized by year-round high temperatures, constantly sunny weather and scanty precipitation. Temperatures in the capital Riyadh are very high. They vary between 21° in the coldest month of January and 40-45°C in the summer months from May to September. Precipitation reaches its maximum of 25 mm in April. Between June and the end of September there is usually not a drop of rain. On whole year Only about 100 mm of rain falls, but locally in the country it does not rain for years. Saudi Arabia is very poor in water, and its vast territory does not have a single permanent river or lake. The main sources of fresh water are desalination of sea water and artesian wells.
Relief. Saudi Arabia has predominantly flat terrain in its eastern parts, but in the west it is mainly occupied by mountains of varying heights. The Hejaz and Asir mountains follow the coastline of the Red Sea, from which it is separated by a narrow, dry and hot plain. The most high peak in the country it is called Jebel Sewda. It is located in the southwestern parts of Saudi Arabia in Mount Asir, 70 km. from the Red Sea, and rises to 3133 m in height. Coastline The country is moderately dissected towards both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. In the immediate vicinity of the coast there are many small islands with low sea level and deserted appearance.
Nature. The landscapes of Saudi Arabia are likened to those in Egypt, and. Almost the entire country is occupied by deserts and semi-deserts. The vast sand dunes seem endless. There are practically no forests. The only exception is oases, which are lush greenery in the desert near some random source. The mountains are also bare and barren. Even at high altitudes above sea level, vegetation is quite rare. This is no coincidence - Saudi Arabia is among the driest and hottest countries on the planet. The landscape of this Arab country is dominated by two large deserts - the Great Nefud in the north and the even harsher Rub al-Khali in the south. In some parts of the country, thanks to the desalination of sea water, large areas have been reclaimed from the desert and turned into cultivated land. Few creatures can survive in such conditions. The most well adapted are camels and various types of snakes, lizards and insects. They can survive without water for quite a long time, and this is the most important condition for maintaining integrity in this harsh environment. Constantly warm sea waters off the coast of Saudi Arabia are full of life. A little below the surface of the Red Sea there are beautiful ones. The waters are clean and clear. Thousands of species of fish and other marine life live here. Locally on the coasts (especially on the Red Sea), beautiful beaches with golden sand have formed.
Population and settlements. The population of Saudi Arabia exceeds 25.7 million people. Despite this, given its huge area, the country is very 
sparsely populated. Huge areas are deserted. Cities like the capital Riyadh have a large population accumulation. The city has almost 5,300,000 inhabitants, and the urban agglomeration is home to another 1,500,000 people. Other major cities are Jeddah, Mecca and Medina. All of them are located in the western part of the country, and Jeddah is located on the very coast. The population of Saudi Arabia is entirely Muslim. This is probably the most religious Arab country. It is no coincidence that the most important Muslim city, Mecca, is also located here. Official language The country is Arabic. Feature of the local population is a lack of equality between men and women.
Economy. Saudi Arabia rich country, which received its economic prosperity entirely thanks to its huge oil deposits. The country ranks first in the world in terms of deposits and production, and therefore Saudi Arabia can boast of a gross domestic product that in 2010 exceeds $24,000 per capita. Mostly men participate in the local economy, and women only by exception. There are a large number of foreigners working in the country (about 1/3 of all workers in Saudi Arabia). They are also male and predominantly from Islamic countries in the area. Literacy for men reaches almost 85%, but for women it is quite lower - about 71%.
Conservative society. Saudi Arabia is often criticized for its treatment of women. Their role in it is still extremely weak and unequal. They are not allowed to travel unless they are accompanied by a spouse or male relative. In addition, they cannot work without permission from their spouse. The most embarrassing fact is that women in Saudi Arabia cannot undergo medical operations without the permission of their spouse! It is prohibited to listen to music or smoke in the country. Practicing another religion is a crime, and homosexuality is punishable by death!
Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is not a very popular destination. The number of Western tourists is insignificant. Despite this, tourism is a significant sector of the local economy, especially during the Hajj - the largest religious worship in the world. It takes place between the 10th and 15th of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. A characteristic feature of Saudi Arabia is that, unlike most countries in the world, the country uses the Islamic calendar, whose year is 11 days shorter than the year of the Gregorian calendar. For this reason, Hajj is not associated with a specific date in the Western calendar. During the Hajj, the Muslim holy city of Mecca attracts millions of visitors. An important feature is the fact that Mecca, the holy places, also the second most important city for Muslims, Medina, are absolutely prohibited for Muslims!
The most popular seaside resort in Saudi Arabia is located on the shores of the Red Sea. It is called Jeddah and has many hotels. Those looking for beautiful and expansive beaches, however, may be left a little disappointed by Jeddah. The city does have a picturesque coastline, but lacks a beach strip. Beautiful beaches and there are indeed coral reefs that are excellent for diving, but they are located in the north of Jeddah. There you will find yacht ports and even hotel complexes with its own beaches, from which you can get to coral reefs without even leaving the hotel.
The biggest advantages of Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia sunny country. No matter what part of the year you travel, sunny and warm weather is guaranteed. The underwater biodiversity in the coastal coral reefs is amazing, and the landscapes and architecture seem to come straight out of the fairy tale “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp”.
Biggest disadvantages:
The culture and way of life in Saudi Arabia is too different from anything a person can see in Western countries. Local Society 
extremely conservative and for this reason a person risks getting himself into serious trouble with behavior that is considered completely normal and acceptable in America or other parts of the world. In addition, not everyone can adapt to extremely high temperatures, which can reach up to 50°C in the summer months!
General information about the country
Located in the central part of the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi Arabia is home to the two holy cities of Islam - Mecca and Medina, where millions of Muslims from all over the world flock every year to perform the pilgrimage prescribed by the Koran - Hajj.
Most of the country is located in the desert and semi-desert zone. The climate is hot and arid. Water and food resources are limited. The population of Saudi Arabia in 2015 was about 29.74 million.
Since ancient times, the territory of the country was the periphery of the then existing states: the empires of Mesopotamia (Sumerian, Akkadian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian), Seleucid Syria, Sabaean and Nabataean kingdoms. Caravan roads passed through it from modern Yemen to Mediterranean Sea. The local population, engaged in nomadic cattle breeding and oasis agriculture, made money from transit trade (participation in it, collection of tolls for travel and robbery).
After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the British government tried to establish a state in the Hejaz led by its ally Hussein. But he was expelled from the country by a group of Bedouin tribes - Islamic Wahhabi sectarians from Najd, led by the Saudi clan. In 1926, they proclaimed a new state - Saudi Arabia. With the help of the USSR, the new regime was able to keep the occupied territories under control.
City of Medina.
Intensive development began in the late 1940s oil fields, which by 1960 led to explosive growth in the income of the Saudi ruling clan. Enormous wealth allowed the rulers to improve the standard of living of the population and modernize the economy and army without changing anything in the archaic theocratic system of power. The ruling clan numbers several hundred people and enjoys most of the income from oil exports. Saudi Arabia leads the international oil trading cartel - OPEC.
The oil and other manufacturing industries employ hundreds of thousands of foreign workers who have no civil rights in the country. Its own population receives social benefits from the government. The rulers of Saudi Arabia consider themselves the protectors and bulwark of Islam; There is religious legislation in force in the country - Sharia. The country's laws are still based on extreme forms of Islamic law, limiting the rights of women and any people of other faiths, including Muslims of other persuasions than the ruling one. Slavery has been officially abolished only recently, and is actually still practiced at the beginning of the 21st century.
The Saudi Arabian army and security services are equipped with the most modern weapons. Wealth allows the country's authorities to encourage young people to study at the most advanced educational institutions in the West and to carry out innovations in the field of technology. Saudi investments are present in key sectors of the global economy. The country has undergone economic diversification; Non-oil-related industries and agriculture are developing. For example, potatoes from Saudi Arabia are exported to Russia and Ukraine.
Saudi Arabia's political position with a claim to leadership in the Arab and Muslim world and management of the oil market has led it to several conflicts. Saudi Arabia's competitor for leadership in the Arab world was and remains Egypt, with which a war was fought in Yemen in 1962-1967. In the Islamic world, Saudi Arabia is trying to oust Iran (which claims to expand its possessions in the Persian Gulf). IN eastern regions countries where the main volume is mined Saudi oil, the population - both Saudi and foreign workers - is mainly Shia, subject to religious oppression and inclined to support Iran.
Despite the formal alliance of the Saudi authorities with the United States, the entire ideological system of the country is aimed at conflict with Western world, including military-terrorist jihad. The Saudi authorities finance and encourage the activities of extreme Islamist groups around the world, including terrorists (for example, Hamas). Private and public organizations in the country, not formally associated with the government, are going even further in the same direction.
The presence in the country of groups trying to overthrow the ruling regime leads to a constant danger of internal conflicts. Almost all of these groups are even more radical Islamists than the official religious authorities of the country.
Saudi Arabia's Anti-Israeli Position
Since the formation of the State of Israel, Saudi Arabia has been among the most implacable opponents of the Jewish state, generously funding anti-Israeli terror, anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic propaganda. Jews were banned from entering Saudi Arabia; official guests and diplomats were given copies of the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” (for more information about Saudi Arabia’s attitude towards Israel, see State of Israel. Israel and the Arab World).
In 1991, Saudi Arabia acted as one of the most active participants in the anti-Iraq coalition in the Gulf War. This has reinforced Saudi Arabia's traditional dependence on the United States, which has consistently influenced the country's rulers to take a more moderate stance towards Israel. This also met the vital interests of the Saudi regime, which feared destabilization in the Middle East and the actions of radical regimes and movements in the Arab world.
In the 2010s, against the backdrop of the general crisis in the Middle East (see below), opportunities for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Israel emerged. Certain circles of the Saudi authorities realized that radical Islamists pose a danger to them, but Israel does not, and that they no longer have the opportunity to attack Israel. Israeli diplomacy is making efforts to establish unpublicized ties with the Saudi leadership.
Events of the beginning of the 21st century
Islamic terrorist organizations associated with the Al-Qaeda movement were increasingly less controlled by the royal government, turning into contenders for the seizure of power. The ruling circles are forced to fight them, as well as the Shiite terrorists supported by Iran. At the same time, the administration of US President Barack Obama has taken a course towards abandoning the alliance with Saudi Arabia and attempting to reorient itself towards Iran.
Saudi Arabia is trying to prevent the growth of shale oil production in the United States and other countries around the world. To do this, it is increasing the export of its own oil, causing a fall in prices on the world market. As a result of falling oil prices, the income of the Saudi royal court is declining. At the same time, the population is growing rapidly, which creates difficulties in maintaining the established level of well-being of the population.
“The land of two mosques” (Mecca and Medina) is another name for Saudi Arabia. The form of government of this state is an absolute monarchy. Geographical information, brief history and information about political structure Saudi Arabia will help you get a general idea of this country.
General information
Saudi Arabia is the largest state on the Arabian Peninsula. In the north it borders with Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan, in the east with the UAE and Qatar, in the southeast with Oman, and in the south with Yemen. It owns more than 80 percent of the peninsula's territory, as well as several islands in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea.
More than half of the country's territory is occupied by the Rub al-Khali desert. In addition, to the north is part of the Syrian Desert, and to the south is An-Nafud, another large desert. The plateau in the center of the country is crossed by several rivers, which usually dry up during the hot season.
Saudi Arabia is exceptionally rich in oil. The government partly invests profits from the sale of “black gold” in the development of the country, partly invests in industrialized countries and uses it to provide loans to other Arab powers.
The form of government of Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy. Islam is recognized as the state religion. Arabic is the official language.
The name of the country was given by the ruling dynasty - the Saudis. Its capital is the city of Riyadh. The country's population is 22.7 million, predominantly Arab.
Early history of Arabia
In the first millennium BC, the Minaan kingdom was located on the shores of the Red Sea. On the east coast was Dilmun, which was considered a political-cultural federation in the region.
In 570, an event occurred that determined the future fate of the Arabian Peninsula - Muhammad, the future prophet, was born in Mecca. His teaching literally turned the history of these lands upside down and subsequently influenced the peculiarities of the form of government of Saudi Arabia and the culture of the country.
The prophet's followers, known as caliphs (caliphs), conquered almost all the territories of the Middle East, bringing Islam. However, with the advent of the caliphate, the capital of which was first Damascus, and later Baghdad, the significance of the prophet’s homeland gradually lost importance. At the end of the 13th century, the territory of Saudi Arabia was almost entirely under Egyptian rule, and two and a half centuries later these lands were transferred to the Ottoman Porte.
The emergence of Saudi Arabia
In the middle of the 17th century, the state of Najd appeared, which managed to achieve independence from the Porte. In the middle of the 19th century, Riyadh became its capital. But Civil War, which broke out a few years later, led to the fact that the weakened country was divided among neighboring powers.
In 1902, the son of the sheikh of the Dirayah oasis, Abdul Aziz ibn Saud, managed to take Riyadh. Four years later, almost all of Najd was under his control. In 1932, emphasizing the special importance of the royal house in history, he officially gave the country the name Saudi Arabia. The state's form of government allowed the Saudis to gain ground on its territory.
Since the middle of the last century, this state has become the main ally and strategic partner of the United States in the Middle East region.
Saudi Arabia: form of government
The Constitution of this state officially proclaims the Koran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. However, in Saudi Arabia, the form of government and general principles of authority are determined by the Basic Nizam (law), which came into force in 1992.
This act contains a provision that Saudi Arabia is a sovereign system of government in which it is monarchical. country is based on Sharia law.
The king of the ruling Saudi family is also the religious leader and the highest authority over all forms of authority. At the same time, he holds the post of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the army, has the right to make appointments to all important civil and military posts, and to declare war in the country. He also ensures that the overall political direction is consistent with Islamic norms and monitors the implementation of Sharia principles.
Government departments
Executive power in the state is exercised by the Council of Ministers. The king holds the post of its chairman, and it is he who is responsible for its formation and reorganization. The Nizams, approved by the Council of Ministers, implement royal decrees. Ministers head the relevant ministries and departments, for the activities of which they are responsible to the king.
It is also carried out by the king, under whom an Advisory Council with advisory rights operates. The members of this council express their opinions on the Nizam's projects adopted by the ministers. The Chairman of the Advisory Council and sixty of its members are also appointed by the King (for four years).
The Supreme Judicial Council is at the head of the judiciary. On the recommendation of this council, the king appoints and dismisses judges.
Saudi Arabia, whose form of government and government is based on the almost absolute power of the king and reverence for the Islamic religion, officially has neither trade unions nor political parties. Serving a religion other than Islam is also prohibited here.
