|
Best of |
Romantic: You are in a country that offers a multitude of archaeological treasures (Tombs of Madain Saleh ...) and natural (beaches and coastline along the Red Sea Rub'al Khali desert, Asir ...).
If it is possible to note a positive step, visas remain difficult to obtain. Non-Muslim Tourists will be refused to entry to holy cities. But do not get discouraged especially because the country is to discover!
|
 |
Discovery: Discover Jeddah along the Red Sea, it is the most pleasant big city in Saudi Arabia. Although it succumbed to modernity, it has preserved some of its old houses in the eighteenth century, built of coral. You see, while walking inside the enclosure, which borders the Old Town.
The Museum is a fine example of this atypical architecture.
The souks of al-Alawi are certainly the most interesting countries.
Culture: You are in a country where the complete absence of places of public culture (film, theater, music) outside the closed circuit embassies. Some galleries offer painting exhibitions. National Museum organized a few events.
Home of the holiest cities of Islam - Mecca and Medina - The Saudi culture is based on Islam, and the perfection of the Arabic language.
The Islam practiced in Saudi Arabia is conservative and fundamentalist; it is based on the revivalist movement of the 18th century, the Najdi leader Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abdel-Wahhab. This movement has a great impact on Saudi society.
In addition, since the discovery of oil in the 1930s, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a clash of civilizations: adhering to the old traditions while enjoying sumptuous cars, beautiful villas and luxurious shopping malls.
Saudi markets sparkle of gold and jewels while fragrant scents of exotic spices.
Outside the cities, deserts are dotted with oasis and the ruins of ancient Arabia.
Hotels: You will easily find accommodation, except during the pilgrimage season during which it is recommended to use the reservations.
Service charges are set at 15% in luxury hotels and first class and 10% in other hotels. |
|
|
|
Saudi Arabia "Guardian of Holy Places"
Oil and desert ... These are the images that immediately come to mind when talking about Saudi Arabia. This country full of mysteries remains very discreet in terms of tourism, even though millions of Muslims make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Tourism in Saudi Arabia is still in its stammering. Yet the country where
Prophet Muhammad was born; the land of Mecca and large areas of Lawrence of Arabia can only encourage discovery. A real trip, far from mass tourism!
A huge desert, archaeological treasures and many opportunities for seaside resorts along its shores are the real strengths of this country.
There is a veil on Saudi Arabia which conceals the reality behind, because Saudi Arabia does not allow tourists to visit the country and it applies strictly the principles of Islam. These laws that non-Muslim may be reluctant to apply if not already prohibited from accessing.
If you remove the veil, however, you discover that many pictures of Saudi Arabia are mere clichés. There are many places in Saudi Arabia with luxuriant oasis, beautiful mountain peaks, beaches and rivers.
If the cities have no night life, cafes and restaurants abound, there are also stores in abundance: from the Souk to the large shopping centres.
Major cities in Saudi Arabia are very modern and offer high quality services. And from the moment you respect and you submit to the ways and customs of the country, you will see that you will be treated with respect.
As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is the shelter of the most sacred cities in Islam. To criticize any practice in Saudi Arabia is to neglect this fact, as the Saudis take on the responsibility to protect the integrity of this holy land with extreme seriousness and that Islamic law is strictly enforced by the muttawayns (the religious police).
Yes, the beauty of Saudi Arabia is highly appreciated and commendable. However, the fact that obtaining a visa requires sometimes a course of a fighter, for Muslims, and the fact that non Muslims can not enter the holy cities, tarnishes somehow the image of this cultural destination.
|
Itinerary for a trip to Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: the capital of the Kingdom.
Jeddah: The landscape of the south-west of the country, from Jeddah to the border with Yemen to Jizan, and this on a band of about 60 km from the sea inwards.
Taif: ridge that descends the escarpment between Taif and Mecca is a masterpiece of engineering.
Abha: the souks of Khamis Mouchet 30 km from Abha.
Jizan
Najran: This province is by far the greenest of Saudi Arabia and the largest producer of citrus in the country.
|
How long we must remain at least?
|
|
|
|
Itinerary for a trip to the region
Towards Jordan : There are three border crossings with Saudi Arabia to the east. Border Passage Umari: 155 km from Amman, open 24/24 and 7/7 all year round. Border Passage Medawar: at 322 km from Amman, open 24/24 and 7/7 all year round.
Border Passage Durra, located in the south, 349 km from Amman, open 24/24 and 7/7 all year round.
You can get a visa to the passage of any border of the country (except the passage of the King Hussein Bridge and a ferry from Egypt). The single entry visa is 10JOD /11€ and multiple entry visa is 20 JOD/22€. Rights must be paid in local currency and visas are valid for two weeks, but an extension may be obtained in all police stations.
From Riyadh to Amman: 1 bus every day for 175 SAR (22heures drive).
From Jiddah to Amman: 175 SAR (1 bus per day, 18 hours).
From Dammam to Amman: 175 SAR (1 bus per day, 24 hours)..
Towards Yemen : Recently, the line of that boundary is fixed. The Yemen-Saudi border was closed for many years for Westerners who travel on public transport. The Saudi-Yemeni border is 1300 km long. A clear improvement of relations between the two countries is expected as a result of this treaty.
Ryad to Aden: SAR 200 (1 bus every day, 42 hours).
Ryad to Sanaa: SAR 200 (1 bus every day, 36 hours driving).
Jiddah to Sanaa: SAR 300 (1 bus every day, 30 hours)..
Towards Kuwait: Kuwait to Riyadh: SAR 180 (3 bus/week, 8 hours).
Dammam to Kuwait: SAR 100 (1 bus every day, 5 hours)..
Towards Oman : no buses currently from Riyadh or Dammam. Take the Bus to Dubai then from there take the shared taxis to Oman (50 SAR)..
Towards Bahrain : Bahrain to Riyadh: 100 SAR (3 buses per day, 6 hours).
Dammam to Bahrain: 50 SAR (6 buses per day, 2 hours)..
Towards Dubai: Dubai to Riyadh: SAR 125 (1 bus every day, 12 hours).
Jiddah to Dubai: (same for Abu Dhabi) 210 SAR (1 bus every day, 30 hours).
Dammam to Dubai: (or Abu Dhabi) 110 SAR (1 bus every day, 8 to 10 hours.
Towards Egypt: Cairo to Riyadh: SAR 335 (1 bus every day, 32 hours).
Dammam to Cairo: (1st, 2nd, 3rd class 378 SAR/408/458) twice a week.
Ferries between Saudi Arabia and Egypt: (Suez-Jiddah) 1.2.3 class 845/695/395 SAR; Once a week in both directions and take 42 hours.
From Duba to Safaga port in Egypt: 1.2.3 class for 300/265/225 SAR (once per day, 8 hours).
Towards Sudan : Khartoum to Riyadh: 593 SAR (3 times per week, 36 hours).
Jiddah to Khartoum: 425 SAR (1 time per day, 31 hours).
Jiddah to Suwaqih in Sudan: 1.2.3 class 470/370/300 SAR (3 times a week, 10 hours).
Towards Syria : Damascus to Riyadh: 175 SAR (3 buses a week, 24 hours).
Dammam to Damascus: 175 SAR (1 bus every day, 24 hours)..
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
  
When to go
The best period is from November to February when the climate is less oppressive.
| Weather |
J |
F |
M |
A |
M |
J |
J |
A |
S |
O |
N |
D |
| Average temperature |
15 |
|
21 |
|
21 |
|
30 |
|
34 |
|
31 |
15 |
Security
Thank you to consult the advice of the passenger site of French Foreign Ministry Please consult >>>
Single Woman
In Saudi Arabia, it is required by law to go out entirely covered by a black dress (abaya) and veiled, although there are regional variations in terms of dress. It is forbidden for women to drive and ride a bicycle on public roads. Also, they must be accompanied by their husbands or a male relative. If this is not the case, her guarantor should come back to receive her at the airport. But again, there are restrictions on the fact that a man and a woman, without family ties, travelling in the same vehicle. They are allowed out together in public only if they have family ties.
Population
The Saudi population is Arab, Sunni Muslim, with a Shiite minority in the east. The Arab population of the country, ethnically homogeneous in the central region of the country (Najd) is much more diversified in the West (Hedjaz) because of the arrival in this region for 14 centuries, of pilgrims from around the world drifting to Mecca and Medina and some of them remained.
Languages Spoken
Arabic; English is spoken in the context of business; German and Italian; in tourist areas, Russian and Polish are also practiced.
Saudi Arabia does not deliver tourist visa and therefore is one of the countries closed to foreigners.
Nevertheless, the kingdom has given signs of openness by creating an agency to promote “archaeological and cultural” tourism in organized groups. It is essential to have a six-month validity passport, after the arrival in the country.
• There is a possibility of transit of 3 days (to 7 days) to cross the Saudi Arabia but with a powerful file such as bus tickets for the Emirates, Kuwait or Qatar, to prove that there is no alternative to go with your vehicle. And visa for the country of destination.
• Meanwhile, the only foreigners allowed to enter the country, are businessmen and Muslims making the pilgrimage to Mecca.
• You can obtain a “visit visa”, provided that you have a guarantor (a Saudi or an expatriate). The guarantor should do some procedures there, and if they are well led, you will receive your visa number.
• Once equipped with this number, you can go to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, which will deliver you your visa.
• Pilgrims must obtain a special visa - called "Hajj" or "Omra" - from the Consulate of Saudi Arabia. They must ensure that tour-operators have to seek all necessary guarantees concerning the transport, reception and security throughout the pilgrimage.
See
This visa gives access only to holy places.
• In addition, there are allowances issued for each country. The country of departure allowing the pilgrims to follow the quotas allocated to it ... To do it individually is practically impossible. We must go through an agency!
Cost
£ 65: for a single entry visa, and £ 160: for a multiple entry visa.
NB
The Saudi authorities do not issue visas to holders of passports that contain Israeli visas or stamps.
Be careful; the cities of Mecca and Medina are forbidden to non-Muslims.
Click here to visit our visa section
Rahhala Estimation
Provide £ 2000 for a month: Saudi Arabia is not a cheap place, but it is possible to travel, relatively, with fewer charges if you manage to. If you have a low budget, expect to spend nearly 25 USD per day. If you prefer a little more comfort, double that amount. If you want luxury, double again.
For a single person: about 500 euros /month excluding accommodation.
For a couple: 1500 euros /month excluding accommodation.
Plate / Sandwich: 3-10 RAS.
Middle Lunch / Mix: RAS 15-40.
Lodgings & Costs
The country has, throughout its territory, a good range of hotel accommodation. Rent costs around 2000 SAR / month for a small apartment. There are 7 categories of hotels in Saudi Arabia: Luxury, First Class A and B, Second Class A and B and Third class A and B.
Warning: The hotel prices double in Mecca and Medina during the pilgrimage season, and increase by 25% during the summer months in the resorts such as Taif, Abha, Kamis, Musha and El-Baha. For more information, contact the Ministry of Commerce of Saudi Arabia.
Hotels
Low Price: 20-80 SAR.
Means: 80-150 SAR.
Tops: 150-220 SAR.
Change
1 SAR = 0.18 EUR.
1 SAR = 0.27 USD.
Flights to Saudi Arabia
From Paris, Air France serves Riyadh three times a week via Cairo
www.easyvols.com
Companies
Royal Air Maroc
and
Saudi Arabian Airlines
provide regular flights to Saudi Arabia from the Mohamed V airport in Casablanca. These companies offer flights to Riyadh, Jiddah and Medina.
From London Heathrow, the company serves BMI (from April 2006) Jeddah 3 times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday to go Monday, Wednesday and Friday return). Thank you to our line of low-cost Asia:
Click here .
Transports
Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Mecca and its vicinity, the police stationed there to ensure that they bypass the bypass by a special purpose-built, and is more known in the world of expatriates, as the "Christian bypass".
Bus: lines have recently been opened by SAPTCO to meet local and intercity. Modern vehicles have been acquired; they are equipped with air conditioning and dual floor. All coaches must have a section reserved for the exclusive use of female passengers and have a visual isolation.
Taxis are available in all cities, they are often very expensive. Very few are equipped with meters, and the price of the courses must be negotiated in advance.
Train: It is possible to travel from Riyadh to Dammam by train. The cars are quite comfortable.
Events & most important Festivals
New Year's Day, Tuesday 1st January.
Easter Sunday 23 April.
National Day, Monday 14 July.
Saudi National Day, Tuesday 23 September.
Eid al-Fitr: Tuesday 30 September and Wednesday 1st October.
Toussaint, Saturday 1st November.
Armistice Day 1918, Tuesday 11 November.
Eid al-Adha: Monday 8 December.
Christmas: Thursday 25 December.
Pilgrimage to Mecca (one week during the last month of the lunar year).
Feast of the unification of the territory, 23 September.
Saudi Arabia Activities: Shopping, Hiking, Hunting...
Obhir Creek, 50 km north of Jeddah, has good facilities to practice swimming, water skiing, fishing and sailing, there are similar beaches on the coast of the Gulf south of Al Khobar.
Shopping: Jewellery silver, beads, weaving, carpets, pottery, Kris, spices, textiles...
Trekking: Méharée or 4x4 in the desert, diving in the Red Sea, archeology, and pilgrimage.
Hunting falcons: Traditional Sport is still very popular and there are hawks prepared throughout the country. This fast and exciting sport requires great concentration and a greater coordination between man and bird.
Horse racing: These courses are also popular. The Arabian horse is considered by some experts as the best pedigree of the animal world, his lineage goes back to 5000 years.
The races: In the past, thousands of animals were involved, running at full speed in the desert. Today the races are held on racetracks. The International camel race, founded in 1974, became the most important in the world.
Music, books, movies, and more
Music
Movies :
Books :
History of Saudi Arabia
Antiquity: The Arabia is historically the homeland of the Semitic peoples, who settled in the early 4th millennium BC in Mesopotamia and Palestine; they were later identified by the names of Assyrian-Babylonians, Canaanites of and Amorites.
In the 1st millennium BC, the Minyens occupied southern Hijaz along the Red Sea, but they retired in the 1st century (BC). They were replaced by the Nabataeans who founded a commercial centre in the North.
Later, Alexander the Great tried to conquer the Arabian Peninsula, but it was the Ethiopians and Persians who succeeded for a time to establish their hegemony over the country. The Romans followed in the second century AD to settle in the region. The inhabitants underwent the Roman influence and they submitted to latinization and Christianization. At the 4th century, the Hijaz had been fragmented into several city-states oriented towards trade.
Islam: Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, was born in Mecca in 570. His teaching aroused the opposition of people and he had to exile to Medina in 622. In 630, he returned with his followers and conquered Mecca.
After his death, his successors continued to conquer and convert the Arab world and Persia, so what is now Saudi Arabia. Paradoxically, the birth place of Muhammad became less important in the Muslim empire, but it was “Islamized”.
From 1517, the Ottoman Empire managed to control the country during the conquest of Egypt in 1517, without extending their authority within the country. Then the Saudi dynasty was founded near the present city of Riyadh by Muhammad Ibn Saoud.
Wahhabites: In the middle of the eighteenth century, the religious leader Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab was raised against the Shia and preached a return to original Islam. He founded a religious fundamentalist movement: Wahhabism. It is a close alliance between the Saoud dynasty and the Wahhabites, who founded a state in Nedjd in 1744.
In the early nineteenth century, they destroyed the Shiite holy city of Karbala in Iraq and captured Mecca in 1802, then to Medina in 1804. Driven by the Egyptians between 1811 and 1819, the Wahhabites and the Saudis retreated to Riyadh, where they made their capital in 1818.
|
|
