You may have heard about the Islamic significance of the Saudi Arabian kingdom in terms of Hajj and Umrah. But it’s the time to peep into the living world of the Saudi Arabian land. Even if you are a first-time intender of your future spiritual itinerary, this content is surely going to help you.
It is Open for the Westerners
No country in this world is as misinterpreted as the Saudi Kingdom. But now, it is worthy of inclusion in your top must-visit tourist attractions. If you have planned for your spiritual itinerary, never return back home without a satisfactory exploration of this outstanding kingdom. When I went for my Umrah I found many Western fellas with their backpacks at Jeddah airport with smiles on their faces
Drastic Change of Super Strict Saudi Rules
Now with this New Year, new traveling plans to the mesmerizing Arab land await you with their open arms. Because the Saudi Govt. has softened the super strict Islamic rules and regulations. The most visible change is the permission to Arab women citizens for car driving and easing the strict conservative dress code policy for the foreign fair sex. Now you would also find men and women hanging out at bustling public places
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Some General Facts About Saudi Arabia
These Saudi facts and figures are for the first time visitors and intenders to plan their safe and sound Saudi visit with a sheer sense of security and safety.
Language
The mother language of the Saudi Kingdom is Arabic. It is the language of the religion Islam and its glorious doctrine the Holy Quran. However, the International language English is also being taught in their schools and colleges. So it’s okay if you don’t know how to speak Arabic. Because English is widely spoken and understood by the local dwellers.
Moreover, the country is also feasible for the Urdu speaking visitors as there is a considerable similarity in both languages.
Saudi Currency
The name of Saudi currency is Riyal which is known for its acronym SAR. Each Saudi Riyal is divided into 100 Halala. From the last 10 years, it has been seen that the Saudi fiscal system preferably accepts the cash instead of ATM or credit card. So it is highly recommended to keep a huge or considerable amount of cash with you. It is also advised to consult with the designed money exchanges that will usually offer you a better rate of exchange. However, there are some Saudi banks that have the ATMs to accept or receive international cards.
Saudi Health Services
It is an appreciable Saudi factor that the quality of Health Services in this Arab land is very high. The competent health professionals always give you an amiable hand for solutions to health problems. The Medical Health Treatment is among the top priorities of the Saudi Ministry of health. So the Arab dwellers need not rush outside the territory for their treatments.
In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 240 hospitals and 2,000 primary healthcare centers which represent 60 percent of the health services in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabian Weather
The Weather in Saudi Arabia is really hot. The average summer temperature in Riyadh in July is 110 F and the months from June till August are considerably hot as well. The Saudi dwellers are quite used to it.
However, if you intend to visit Saudi Arabia for sightseeing or perform your religious rituals, it is highly recommended to visit in the Fall or Spring months when it is much cooler.
Arab Culture and Customs
In terms of culture and lifestyle, be really mindful that the Saudis local laws and customs are strictly governed by the Wahabi school of thought. This school mainly practices thesystem of segregation between men and women in many public places. It follows a more than strict policy of Alcohol prohibition and other drug items.
Moreover, a strict policy is also practiced on women’s dress codes. However, for Western fellas, the Saudi Govt. has offered considerable leniency. But whatever the case is, everyone in Arab has to follow modest dressing.
The Western fellas must be cautious about greeting in Saudi public places because the custom of open kisses is strictly Prohibited or Haraam and frowned upon.
Besides these rules the cultural clothing of Saudi Arabia, the thobe or robe for men and the Abaya for women is unique to this country.
The Inimitable Places of Arabia
Undoubtedly, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is highly commemorated for Islamic followers. It is loved by Muslims for possessing their holiest and historic centers of Makkah and Medinah. These two Islamic sites are off-limits to non-Muslims.
Saudi Arabia-A Dynamic Tourist Destination
Except for the two Islamic historic sites, the Saudi Kingdom is open for every traveler in the world to explore. Along with the ever-green metropolises of Jeddah and Riyadh, the Arabian kingdom is the home of beautiful oasis dramatic mountain-tops endless sand dunes, flowing rivers and bustling shopping malls
While moving to the Western region, you would find untamed stretches of coral-filled Red Sea coast and the southwestern mountain towns such as Taif (city of roses). The ancient UNESCO registered archaeological sites of Al-Ula are a feast to historian’s eyes.
Thus the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a dynamic and versatile tourist attraction.
