"Saudia: my perplexed obession" Top 5 Page for this destination Saudi Arabia by Manyana

Saudi Arabia Travel Guide: 4,047 reviews and 6,165 photos

al-Mamlaka al-Arabia as-Saudia--KSA

what can i say about my home country? with its dry vast deserts and cool breezy shores and hospitable generous people ever, i love my country! it is the known unknown and the unknown known. visitors often feel surprised. those who have never been here are either so much in love with its history of Islamic birth or so much ignorant of what language is spoken there. everyone knows about Saudia and yet everyone doesn't know what it is like.

one word - it is the Land of Light, so we, Saudis, believe*

Popular places that have things-to-do are:
- Riyadh is the capitol,
- Jeddah, my home,
- Dammam and the Eastern Region
- the holy cities: Makkah, Medinah.
-Abha as a sign of beauty of the nature,
-Hada-Asham, to refresh connection to earth,
- al-Ula,
- Khamis Mushayt,
-Madain Salih,
- Gizan and Farasan Islands,
-Khaybar, stands for a history, and other places I have not explored yet!.

Quick Facts...

al-Haram--Makkah,f

- Saudi Arabia has taken its name from the great grandfather of the Royal Family, 'Saud'. The family of Saud has been ruling for 300 years.
- the Political history of Saudi is divided into 3 eras: the first Saudi state, the second, and third one i.e.Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz is the first king to hold the title of 'custodian of the two Holy Mosques'.
- recognized on 23, Sept, 1932 as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- member in GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) and the Arab League.
- Religion: Islam
- Government: monrachy
- Administrative Division : 13 regions (Mintaqa).
- Constitution: Islamic Law (Sharia)
- Capital: Riyadh
- Language: Arabic
-Currency: Saudi Riyal (SR1=100 halalah)
- Land area: 1,196, 582 sq km.
- Natural Resources: petroleum, gas, iron, gold
- Climate: dry with high temprature extremes.
- Economy: Petroleum export and religious tourism

Cultural Background

Prophet's mosque--Madinah, f

the Islamic values have been incorporated into the Saudi culture; architecture, poetry, education and business.
It is a segregated culture where boys have their own education and business and girls have the same too. However, public places such as hospitals, malls and restaurants are mixed on certain conditions.
Saudi society is family-oriented where people make decisions based on what is good for the group.
For more tips on local costums, please visit specific pages of each city.

VT links on Saudi Arabia:
- marimar_72
- majed81
- TomorrowsAngel

Pros and Cons

Pros:big leaps in a good development
Cons:hot weather
In a nutshell:a place where all meet, and differences dissolve

Last visit to Saudi Arabia: Dec 2004
Intro Updated Jan 3, 2008
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Reviews (47)

saudi in the evening - jeddah - Saudi Arabia

the Nighty Bustle of Ramdan Nightlife (1)

during the holy month of ramadan - the ninth month in the lunar 'Hijri' calendar - the whole saudi arabia just looks... more travel advice

the lifestyle and geographical... Off The Beaten Path (6)

as i tour around saudia, i realise how big it is and how diverse in terms of geography and lifestyle. you find me having... more travel advice

the Industrial East of Petrolium Things to Do (7)

i have been to the eastern province 2 or 3 times perhaps on business trips, so haven't seen much nor do i know much... more travel advice

dinner in london, pay for yrself,lol - Saudi Arabia

Arabian hospitality Local Customs (18)

"who should pay for the dinner?" is a long tradition of Arabian hospitality. Please don't miss this when everyone around... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (5)
See All Never drink Tap water
Favorites (2)
See All Religion is the Epitome of Saudia
Shopping (1)
International-Like Shopping
Transportation (3)
See All SAPTCO:Saudi Buses

Hotels (1)
Hotels: Int'l and Local
Tourist Traps (1)
Negotiate with taxi drivers
Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Water activities
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Comments (34)

PierreZA Jan 14, 2009 at 11:32 PM Report Abuse

Hi, what a great page! Wobderful insights, thank you!
kokoryko Oct 8, 2008 at 2:37 PM Report Abuse

Lots of information on local customs Amani ! I have a mixed feeling: tourism would spoil Arabia and I also think Arabia should open to the world. . . The customs are a specificity of people, and your country is beautiful!
ssaint01 Jun 1, 2008 at 3:32 PM Report Abuse

Salam! I'm hoping to drive from Jordan to Jiddah. I heard there is a nice coastal road. Do you know anything about crossing the border from Jordan - where, what city or road? Peace, Steve
Shobaki Feb 22, 2008 at 1:07 PM Report Abuse

hi (salam ) Manyana.. i like your page,its so helpful , spically " a close look at the Saudi Family " Hope if u can write ore about this subject , I'm very intersted in. thanx
sarrahh Jan 17, 2008 at 12:25 AM Report Abuse

tara ana marra a7ob al lahga al sau3oudiyya :D:D:D
diageva Jan 13, 2008 at 3:13 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting... I will come back
mallyak Jan 5, 2008 at 5:43 PM Report Abuse

Lovely insight into saudi-we think we know so much about but actually we are are ignorant.Thanks and namaste!
marimar_72 Dec 31, 2007 at 8:38 PM Report Abuse

Sana 7ilwa ya gameel wi 3ogbal milliooooon sana ;-) I hope ur birthday is filled with loads of fun moments!
mfas2000 Jul 25, 2007 at 10:00 AM Report Abuse

nice page, mashallah. Saudi arabia is good represntation of our Aarabic Islamic world
DAO Jun 12, 2007 at 9:22 AM Report Abuse

Its hot here, you should be able to relate! :-)