"1001 Arabian Nights ...." Top 5 Page for this destination Saudi Arabia by kenyneo

Saudi Arabia Travel Guide: 4,047 reviews and 6,168 photos

the saudi arabian collage - Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia here I come

what makes me come over to this foreign land ? actually its just working like many other expats here. Before i come little did I realise that the culture here is so different from back home Malaysia. Of course its quite difficult to get used to it ...but soon you will ...after all ...its a good experience ....

So after 1 year and 2 months here , I have gathered some info about this country which is veiled from the rest of the world ....I have traveled from Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia to the Paris of Saudi Arabia ( Jiddah ) in the Western Province ...and hope that some info and pics I have gathered might help potential expat who is coming here to work or traveller coming this way ( good news !!! Saudi Arabia is opening up soon for travellers )

And like many have said , the life's journey is usually full of suprise...how true ....I discover many beautiful things here ....many places which are unknown to the outside world ...should I say undiscovered virgin pearl ?

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SOME BASIC INFO. ABOUT THE COUNTRY

Full country name: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Area: 2 million sq km
Population: 24.2 million
Capital City: Riyadh (pop 3 million)
People: Arabs, Bedouins, Najdis and expats from all over the world
Language: Arabic, English
Religion: Islam
Government: monarchy

GDP: US$186 billion
GDP per capita: US$9,000
Annual Growth: -9%
Inflation: 0%
Major Industries: Oil, steel, cement, wheat
Major Trading Partners: Japan, United States, EU, India

Another side of Saudi Arabia ...

Sunset of Saudi Arabia , Jiddah

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Places visited

EASTERN PROVINCE
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1) Dammam(Most Colorful Cornich)
2) Al Hasa ( Judas Cave,Oasis )
3) Al Khubar ( Shopping,Dining)
4) Jubayl ( City of Lights )
5) Dhahran ( Housing compund )
6) Qatif (the ancient town)

CENTRAL
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1) Riyadh

WESTERN PROVINCE
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1) Jiddah (Paris of Saudi Arabia)
2) Yanbu ( Peaceful country side)

HoPe To ViSiT
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1) Taif
2) Najran
3) Madain Saleh
4) Wahba Crater
5) Rub Al Khali
6) Tarut Island

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what is behind the veil

HISTORY
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Arabia has been inhabited for thousands of years by nomadic Semitic tribes. With the birth (AD 570) of Muhammad, in Mecca, Arabia was briefly the center of Islam, but by the end of the 7th cent. the area was disunited. Modern Saudi Arabia owes its existence to Ibn Saud, an adherent of the Wahhabi Muslim sect. Beginning in 1902 he conquered the Nejd, Al Hasa, and Hejaz regions, and in 1932 he proclaimed himself king of a united Saudi Arabia.

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Oil was discovered in 1936; commercial production began in 1938. Ibn Saud died in 1953 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Saud. In 1964 Saud was deposed by Faisal, who secured (1974) an agreement giving the Saudis a 60% majority ownership of foreign oil concessions in their country. In 1975 Faisal was assassinated; he was replaced by Khalid, who inaugurated a program of industrialization and social welfare. In the conflict with Israel, Saudi Arabia has generally supported the Arab states, although as a friend of the U.S. it is a somewhat moderating force.
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Its moderating influence has also been felt in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), in which it usually has acted to stabilize petroleum prices. Khalid died in 1982 and was succeeded as king by Fahd. Military clashes, oil-policy disputes, and rioting Iranian pilgrims in Mecca led Saudi Arabia to sever diplomatic relations with Iran in 1989. In 1990 the kingdom joined the coalition that opposed Iraq's forcible annexation of Kuwait, and the forces of the coalition were largely based in N Saudi Arabia. In 1992 King Fahd decreed a new constitution; among its features were an appointed national council (est. 1993) with the right to review, but not overrule, government acts.

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However, the royal family's power was basically undiminished. In the late 1990s, Crown Prince Abdullah, the king's half-brother and heir to the throne, effectively became the country's ruler due to King Fahd's poor health.

Last visit to Saudi Arabia: Feb 2003
Intro Updated May 5, 2007
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Reviews (61)

Two mechanics smiling while I took a snap - Saudi Arabia

What can guys wear ...?? Local Customs (20)

One thing I cant live without is.. walking around with shorts and sleeveless shirt..I am so used to it because of... more travel advice

Exotic dish from the Babylon Restaurants (12)

Huh needless to say this is the finale of my 3 pic series of my Babylon outing ....and here you go Well it has got to... more travel advice

Feel like sleeping on the sofa - Saudi Arabia

Cosy atmosphere in the Bablylon Restaurants (12)

And whats more the place where you dine has got great lighting ...and waters flow from a few antiques and you just feel... more travel advice

Fancy dining in the Hanging Garden of... Restaurants (12)

Well when you walk in restaurant you feel so fresh ...so lively because you are surrounded by so many plants and grenery... more travel advice

Nightlife (2)
See All Ole Ole ....

Things to Do (27)
See All City of lights - Jubail

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (47)

Mozumbus Jul 21, 2010 at 4:45 AM Report Abuse

yours is the best Saudi page/guide I have ever seen... stunningly amazing btw, your observation about circumbulations are not true; tawaf is only meant for Kaaba, which Hajre Aswad is a part of...
american_tourister Apr 1, 2008 at 2:22 AM Report Abuse

Looks like you have captured the feeling of the place. This is a good page. Thanks for sharing.
Abdullah10 Oct 17, 2007 at 5:15 PM Report Abuse

Hi Kenyneo, I respect people like you, you seem to be enjoying your time here unlike many expats who never leave their compounds except for work and to few nearby places...very nice page. Enjoy your time here.
kenHuocj Jun 14, 2007 at 2:16 PM Report Abuse

glad you're sharing your visit with us ;-)))
JessH Nov 12, 2006 at 12:33 AM Report Abuse

Hi Kenyneo :-) Very nice pictures here and super informative tips! I very much enjoyed your KSA Page (but tell me, I thought women are since recently allowed to drive?) Greetings from Dubai :-) Jess
cutenwelsh May 26, 2006 at 8:30 AM Report Abuse

Your tour is very good, i have been to dharan, and some of the places you mentioned so it was a nice reminder. You didnt however mention the excellent shopping which as a female reader is very important. lol
triplehelix May 2, 2006 at 10:33 AM Report Abuse

interesting and mystical. too bad you can't get a tourist visa to enter :/
Cristian_Uluru Mar 23, 2006 at 12:28 PM Report Abuse

Fantastic page!!! I'm very corious about Madain Saleh tombs. I hope to see them one day!! ciao
ChristinaNest Mar 15, 2006 at 7:29 AM Report Abuse

Great pages, I will have to come back for more! The archeological sites and local customs were very interesting! I learned a lot, thank you. Greetings from Sofia
nepalgoods May 30, 2005 at 8:23 PM Report Abuse

Many thoughtful tips about local customs and concerning women.