healthy active living

Activities in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a strictly Islamic country, and is home to two of Islam’s holiest cities as well as a host of modern, thriving, oil-rich metropolises. Although it is not totally welcoming to visitors, it does offer tourists some activities including diving, cycling and cricket.

Getting into the country of Saudi Arabia can be a difficult task, as tourism is not exactly actively encouraged – although the country has been issuing tourist visas to a few organised tour groups (while closely monitoring their tour itineries).

Currently, the Foreign Office advice warns of a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of Westerners and places associated with Westerners in the country.

Key Saudi Arabia statistics...

Capital: Riyadh

Population: 26.4 million

Languages: Arabic, English

Religion: Islam

Government: monarchy

Saudi Arabia activity highlights...

Riyadh
The royal capital is a modern, rapidly growing city which sprang up out of the oil boom money. There is very little remaining of the old town aside from the fort and a few traditional Najdi palaces near Deera Square. The king’s camel races are held near the city in April or May, and the camel market itself is interesting if somewhat heavy going on the nostrils. Either way, the city is a good one for walking tours and cycling.

Mecca
The birthplace of the prophet Mohammed. Most visitors to Saudi Arabia come on a pilgrimage to the holy city – a visit all devout Muslims are supposed to make at least once in their life. Unless you are a Muslim you won’t get anywhere near the holy sites, as they’re off limits to non-Muslims. There are checkpoints along the roads to the city to stop non-Muslims from coming too close.

Madain Saleh
This location is home to over a hundred tombs, which carry inscriptions in late Aramaic script above the doors. Permission is required from the Ministry of Antiquities to get into the site, so a visit needs to be planned well in advance. The tombs are believed to have been carved between 100 BC and 100 AD by the Nabataeans, who also carved the astonishing city of Petra in Jordan.

Medina
The second holiest city of Islam, and one from where Islam started its spread all over the world. It’s not exactly a city for tourists, being a holy place and one out-of-bounds to non-Muslims. The main place pilgrims head for is the ornate mosque of the prophet. The Qiblatayn mosque, the mosque of the tomb of Fatima, and Baqi cemetery are all spots that are also visited by pilgrims. Good sports facilities exist for cricket, racket sports and cycling here.

Jeddah
This is the most cosmopolitan city in the kingdom due to the fact that it has been and still is a significant port. Priority is being given to the preservation of the ancient city, including many of the traditional houses built of coral taken from reefs in the Red Sea. Leisure facilities have increased here recently, and there is a creek for sailing and snorkelling as well as an amusement park.

Best time to go to Saudi Arabia...
Saudi Arabia is hot and dry throughout the year, but between November and February is probably the best time to visit, as the climate is milder during these months.