To many, Saudi Arabia remains a land of mystery, a land forbidden to many leisure travelers. To the non-Muslim, Saudi Arabia is a "by invitation only" travel destination, though the government is considering issuing tourist visas in the near future. Business travelers must be sponsored to enter the country. The strict travel regulations only add to the mysterious allure of this ancient desert land of T.E. Lawrence. For Muslims, Saudi Arabia is a sacred destination; the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed and the home of the Two Holy Mosques of Mecca and Medina.
The largest Middle Eastern country, Saudi Arabia occupies 80 percent of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered on the north by Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan; on the west by the Red Sea; on the south by Yemen; and on the east by the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the Persian (Arabian) Gulf.
The climate and weather varies somewhat by region, but overall, Saudi Arabia is classically desert. Daytime temperatures in the summer can reach well over 50 C (122 F), yet in the higher elevations, overnight lows can drop to near freezing in the winter months. Watch out for sandstorms in the late spring and summer months.
The Al-Saud family has ruled modern-day Saudi Arabia since its unification 1932. Saudi Arabia's current monarch, King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, serves as the head of state and prime minister. He is advised by a council of ministers, which serves as the cabinet, and the Majlis Al-Shura (Consultative Council), which serves as the legislative branch. Members of both bodies are appointed by the king.
Saudi Arabia's culture and official religion, Islam, are interwoven and inseparable. About 85 percent of the population is Sunni Muslim and the remaining 15 percent, primarily on the east coast, is Shiite (Shia'). The legal system and governing practices are based on Islamic law. Arabic is the official language (also the language of Islam's Holy Koran). English is widely spoken, especially in business circles. Given the large number of expatriate workers from Pakistan, India and the Philippines, other languages are commonly heard on the streets.
The telecommunications system in Saudi Arabia is very modern. Public phones are both coin and card operated. Cell phones are extremely popular. A GSM 900 wireless network affords coverage in urban areas and along major corridors. Fax service is readily available at most hotels.
Saudi Arabia's primary international airports are King Khalid International near Riyadh, King Abdul Aziz International in Jeddah and King Fahd International at Dhahran, the largest in the country. Popular airlines include Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Royal Jordanian Airlines, British Airways, Gulf Air and Air France.
Taxis are available but can be expensive; negotiate fares in advance. Car rental is also available; drive on the right. Women are not allowed to drive or to travel in a car with a man other than their husband or blood relative. Checkpoints surround Mecca and Medina because non-Muslims are not allowed to enter these holy cities.
While Saudi Arabia is no bargain destination, it is generally no more expensive than traveling in the West.
Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but visitors may become the target of petty thieves. Common sense security precautions should be observed. Foreigners may be subjected to harassment by the religious police if they do not comply with conservative standards of conduct. Women should wear ankle-length dresses and long sleeves in public. Anti-Western sentiment throughout the Middle East requires citizens of Western countries to be aware of their surroundings.
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