According to commit4fitness, Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy ruled by the sons and grandsons of the first king, Abdul Aziz. The head of state is the king. Criminal law is based on Sharia. The law prohibits discussion of the existing political system. The consumption of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited.
The main population of the country is concentrated in cities. The largest city in the country, the capital of the kingdom, its political, cultural and scientific center is Riyadh. Jeddah is the second largest city in the country, its “economic capital”, the most important port on the Red Sea. Mecca and Medina, being one of the largest cities in the country, are the symbols of Saudi Arabia and the holy cities of Islam. The ports on the Persian Gulf of Dammam, Jubail and Khafji, where the main oil refining capacities are concentrated, also play the most important role in the country’s economy.
RIYADH is one of the most luxurious and modern capitals in the Middle East. The truly colossal revenues received by the country from oil production made the capital rich and pretentious. There are a great many skyscrapers here, new projects are developed and approved every year. But the true decoration and heart of the capital are 2400 mosques. The city sacredly preserves the traditions of the religious life of the homeland of Islam.
JIDDA is the diplomatic capital of Saudi Arabia. It is a large modern city, a seaport, an industrial center. Magnificent buildings of embassies and consulates were built in the seaside part of the city, and a university was opened. Traditional quarters with narrow streets have been preserved in the old part of the city. Jeddah is also famous for its shopping centers that occupy entire blocks. Numerous beaches are open in the city and its environs, and diving on the nearby coral reefs is very popular.
Mecca is the spiritual center and holy city for all Muslims on the planet. It was in Mecca that the founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, was born, it is here that the holy places of the Islamic world are located, it is here that millions of pilgrims from all over the world flock to the Hajj. Mecca is a closed city for representatives of other faiths, but getting here at least once in a lifetime is a sacred duty and duty of every Muslim. Almost all life in the city is connected with serving pilgrims – modern hotels have been built, many of which are located in close proximity to the Haram mosque.
MEDINA is the second holy city of Islam and the first to follow the precepts of the prophet. The center of the city and its main shrine is the huge complex of Masjid al-Nabi (Mosque of the Prophet), built on the site of a similar structure built by Muhammad himself. It is here that the sacred place for every Muslim is located – the grave of the prophet. Like Mecca, only Muslims are allowed to enter the territory of Medina, although the local “haram” (area closed to non-Muslims) is noticeably smaller, which allows everyone to see local shrines, even from afar.
ABHA – due to its unique geographical position, this city is the coolest in the country. Located at an altitude of 2200 meters and surrounded by a chain of mountains, because of this, hot air does not penetrate into the region and it often rains. Thus, the mild climate has made Abha the most important center of tourism in the country. The city has preserved the Shada Palace, built as the residence of King Abdulaziz. 45 km. The picturesque landscapes of Al-Sod begin southeast of the city, and the lands of the Asir National Park stretch to the south.
NAJRAN is one of the most interesting and visited cities in the country. The main attraction is Al-An Palace. It is also worth visiting the Najran Museum with an exhibition of archaeological finds, a fort and a fortress mosque.
FARASAN GROUP OF ISLANDS is a vast archipelago of 84 coral and sandy islands, is one of the natural breeding grounds for seabirds, gazelles, sea turtles, therefore it is almost entirely part of the national park of the same name.
RECREATION: Today, Saudi Arabia is a country with huge tourism potential. The unique nature of the deserts, combined with mountain ranges, the interweaving of ancient traditions and a powerfully developing economy, as well as the presence of numerous religious places of the Islamic world, make this country very attractive for travel. One of the most intensively developing tourist regions of the country is Half Moon Bay, which has the longest sandy beach in the kingdom. The Red Sea is a real paradise for diving enthusiasts. Here is one of the largest coral reef systems in the world. Camel racing, equestrian sports, yachting, etc. are popular among active sports.
