The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but few enter as tourists. This conservative country connecting Africa and mainland Asia contains the spiritual center of the Islamic world, Mecca, and the sacred city of Medina, so most of the visitors are pilgrims, permitted on special religious visas.

Others come to this oil-rich nation on sponsored business trips, generally finding little time or facility for leisure and pleasure. Saudi Arabia is intent on keeping its traditions, culture and religious heritage away from prying western eyes. Its cities, however, are not backwaters but modern, bustling commercial centers, like the Royal capital, Riyadh, offering excellent hotels and some breathtaking sights such as the Al Faisaliah golden geodesic dome, one of the tallest buildings in the region.

Amongst it all, the magic of Arabia shines through in the souks (markets) where vendors tout everything from carpets to camel milk. Rules and regulations make sightseeing difficult for foreigners except on a few approved and expensive tours, but sites like the ruins of 15th-century Dir'aiyah (the nation's first capital) and trips to the world's largest camel market make for interesting excursions. The preserved ancient city of Jeddah is also listed as a 'tourist site', as is that city's seafront corniche, a popular spot with the air of a British seaside resort that draws the country's own domestic holidaymakers.

Occupying most of the Arabian Peninsula, and bordered by no less than eight Middle-eastern states, many of them conflict-ridden, Saudi Arabia manages its highly controlled religious society alongside the onslaught of its progressive oil-boom industry. The kingdom's strategic position both geographically, culturally and spiritually at the center of the Arab world has made it an unsafe place for westerners, and those who do visit are advised to plan well and be fully informed.

Saudi Arabia has a typical desert climate of blistering hot days and cool nights, and is one of the driest countries in the world. Summers can be extremely hot with temperatures rising to 130ºF (55ºC) in some areas. The higher inland areas are cooler. Coastal cities are humid and hot year round. Sandstorms blow anywhere in the country, some lasting for days.

In general conditions in Riyadh are dry and hot, but the city does receive about four inches (102mm) of rain a year, most of it falling between January and May. In summer hot winds can send temperatures soaring up to 113°F (45°C). In winter it can be surprisingly chilly, however, particularly at night when the thermometer can plunge below freezing. The best months in Riyadh, when days are pleasantly tolerable and nights are cool, are between October and May.

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS

All visitors require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and visas are only granted to those with sponsorship in the country. Tourist visas are granted only to selected groups on a limited basis. Everyone who enters the Kingdom should have a valid passport with at least six months validity in addition to the appropriate visa and a return ticket. Women entering the Kingdom alone must be met by a sponsor or male relative and have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. Entry may be refused to any visitor arriving in an intoxicated state, men wearing shorts, women in tight clothing or with legs and arms exposed, and to couples displaying affection in public. There are special requirements for pilgrims undertaking the Hajj or visiting holy sites.

Americans: Sponsored visa required.
UK nationals: Sponsored visa required.
Canadians: Sponsored visa required.
Australians: Sponsored visa required.
South Africans: Sponsored visa required.
Irish nationals: Sponsored visa required.
New Zealanders: Sponsored visa required.

ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO IN SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia Tourist Attractions would surely feature at the top, in any Saudi Arabia Travel Guide. The Things to See in Saudi Arabia in Asia are many and diverse, and are sure to keep you enchanted, during your visit in this ancient desert land. Some of the most important attractions of Saudi Arabia highlight the history of the Islamic Religion of Saudi Arabia, the rich Culture of Saudi Arabia as well as the traditional Architecture of Saudi Arabia. You could also journey into the country's exciting, multi-faceted past, while touring the lost cities and archaeological wonders scattered throughout the country.

Al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Saudi Arabia, Masjid al-Qiblatain in Saudi Arabia, Quba Mosque in Saudi Arabia and Jawatha Mosque in Saudi Arabia are known as some of the holiest mosques in the world of Islam. The two holiest places in Islam, Macca and Madina also count as Saudi Arabia Popular Destinations, for Muslims world wide. For lovers of the past, there's nothing quite like an adventurous tour to the ancient ruined cities and sites of extinct and exotic civilizations in Saudi Arabia. Visit the ruined city of Dumat al Jundal in Saudi Arabia to know more about interesting aspects of the Sumerian civilization, that forms a part of the ages-old History of Saudi Arabia. Don't miss out on touring the Historical Attractions of Saudi Arabia that include Tayma in Saudi Arabia, Medain Saleh in Saudi Arabia and Rock Carving Site in Saudi Arabia.

The land of glorious deserts and Mediterranean coastlines features places of natural beauty as well as other popular Saudi Arabia Tourist

Kingdom Center
City/Region: Riyadh
The place to see and be seen in central Riyadh is at the remarkable Kingdom Center, the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, owned by a Saudi prince and built to an unusual elliptical award-winning design. Besides containing modern offices, apartments, the Four Seasons Hotel and a fitness club, the Kingdom Center also houses a state-of-the art three-level shopping mall with more than 160 stores, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Debenhams department stores. The center also bristles with dozens of first class international restaurants.

Riyadh Museum of History and Archaeology
City/Region: Riyadh
This museum, chief among the numerous museums in Riyadh, showcases local art, religion and culture, as well as the diverse and intriguing history of the Arabian kingdoms, in eight sections. Artefacts such as clothing, weapons, jewelry and musical instruments, dating as far back as the Stone Age, are on display. Other city museums worth visiting are the National Museum, which contains ancient documents and furniture; the King Abdul Aziz Military Museum; and the Museum of Antiquities and Folklore.

Al Musmak Castle
City/Region: Riyadh
An important landmark and heritage site in the city of Riyadh, the Musmak fortress was built around 1865 and is the site associated with the foundation of the Saudi Arabian kingdom. The castle is open to the public, who can explore its impressive rooms, pillared mosque, gate, watchtowers and well.

Al Murabba'a Palace
City/Region: Riyadh
A principal component of the King Abdulaziz Darat (an institute and library devoted to preserving Arabian history), situated just outside the original city walls, the palace has been preserved as a living example of Arabian royal life in days gone by. On the ground floor are the guard's room and storerooms, while upstairs visitors can view the reception salons, political offices and private apartments.

City of old Diriyah
City/Region: Riyadh
The ruins of the historically significant city of Diriyah, standing imposing and silent in the desert about 12 miles (20km) northwest of Riyadh city center, provide an interesting excursion. The city, stronghold of the powerful Saud family, was the site of an important Islamic reform movement in around 1745, when two influential Imams called for the people to return to the true faith and abandon heresy, polytheism and superstition. The city was once the biggest in the Arab Peninsula, but was overtaken by Riyadh after being destroyed by the Turks in the early 19th century. The ruins of many of the mud-brick buildings remain to be explored.