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Saudi Arabia is a West Asian country that mostly consists of the Arabian Peninsula. Although, formerly closed to tourists, KSA has now been putting effort to draw in travelers from all over the world. One of the changes implemented to increase tourist visits to the country was the introduction of the Saudi Arabia e-Visa system.
Since the country is now open and welcoming, not exploring it would be regrettable. A trip to Saudi Arabia will satisfy all tastes with the ancient sites, desert safaris, shopping malls, horseback riding places, paradise-like islands, and of course, the famous Jeddah trip!
In the East of this country you can find rugged, untamed stretches of red sandstone coastline and coastal low-lying cities like Taif (aka “city of roses”) that are a treasure in the eyes of tourists looking for something more exciting than the cosmopolitan Jeddah.
However, its Western half really sets the scene for the most luxurious experience of all – a visit to Mecca, Islam’s most sacred site. Many travelers visit this country purely for religious reasons.
Some potential and important tourism places in Saudi Arabia include:
- Mecca
- Jeddah
- Madinah
- Tiran Island
- Hegra
- Alula
- Abha
- Ad Diriyah
- Tabuk
- Jazan
- Najran
Read on to learn everything you need to know when preparing for a trip to Saudi Arabia!
Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements
The most important step in preparing for a trip to Saudi Arabia is obtaining the necessary visa. Luckily, the e-Visa program for Saudi Arabia was implemented in 2019 to ease the travelers struggles! If you want to visit all of these beautiful places in Saudi Arabia, you must have your e-Visa ready.
e-Visa is an electronic entry permit obtainable 100% online. You don’t have to visit the embassy to get the necessary documents. You can get your Saudi Arabia e-Visa by applying online using any working device, even your phone.
The online application process is effortless and straightforward; thus, can be completed within minutes. You just have to fill the online application form by providing your basic details like name, passport, contact number, etc.
After completing the form, cover the e-Visa fee using a debit or credit card, a PayPal account, or any other method of online payment.
As soon as your entry permit gets approved by the Saudi Arabia government, you will receive the e-Visa at your email address.
TIP! Submit your online application at least 3 business days ahead of the planned travel to get the eVisa delivered on time.
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What to do in Saudi Arabia?
Once you have your e-Visa to Saudi Arabia ready, take a look at the following list of some of the best attractions to try!
1. Visit the Ancient Town of Al’ Ula
Al Ula is an over 2000-years old host town located within the Saudi Arabian desert. This town is made of mud and stone only. Since it’s been founded in the 6th century BC, it has unlimited historical and cultural sites to explore!
Walking the narrow corridors of this ancient town, will give you the opportunity to get to know more about the ancient civilization of Saudi Arabia. The best spot to take in all the imposing beauty of this place is the Al Ula viewpoint. Admire the mountains made out of red rocks, look into the horizon that shows the whole valley, and get ready to explore other ancient sites of Al Ula.
Explore the Madain Saleh with over hundred tombs and ancient scripts on them, see the natural rock in the shape of an elephant, or simply walk around the old-town to feel like you have time-traveled several centuries back!
Visiting the town of Al Ula is particularly best for culture-loving people.
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2. Snorkel and Explore the Coral Reefs
If you’re not a fan of exploring the historical sites or you simple want to take a break from absorbing the history and culture, make sure to try snorkeling. Water sports and activities will most definitely bring you some relaxing time and make you forget about the whole world!
As you know, a large part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located on the coast of the Red Sea. For this reason, you have a fantastic opportunity to explore diving. Plenty of coral reefs are present in Saudi waters, particularly from the Jordanian border (Gulf of Aqaba) to the Yemeni border.
There are many other local dive sites at which you can enjoy snorkeling. Here you will have the opportunity to explore pelagic marine life, including a large and rare Shark population.
According to an estimate, the Saudi waters contain 200 distinct species of coral reefs present in different majestic colors. These coral reefs are worth exploring!
3. Go Shopping at the Riyadh Gallery
Lastly, after learning about the ancient history, discovering the culture, and relaxing at the Saudi waters, it’s time to make your trip unforgettable. The best way to do that is by bringing some tangible memories with you. Visit the Riyadh Gallery to buy yourself some souvenirs, chat with the locals, and admire the imposing mall.
Hundreds of malls are present in Riyadh, but the Riyadh Gallery is the most famous one. This three-story shopping center provides shopping opportunities with a variety of international brands.
You can buy almost all kinds of luxury goods in the Riyadh Gallery. Apart from various shopping opportunities, this mall has:
- A mosque,
- An artificial lake,
- A food court to enjoy delicious foods.
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Best Foods to try in Saudi Arabia
Exploring the Saudi attractions will most-likely get you hungry at some point. Do not miss out on the experience of trying the traditional Saudi Arabia foods. See which three foods are best to try while on your trip!
1. Laban
Laban is a type of yogurt drink that has the ability to refresh your body, especially in extremely warm weather.
Moreover, if you don’t want to drink the yogurt plain, you can add some spices according to your taste. Alter it however you like!
2. Shawarma
We are sure that you have already heard about Shawarma, but this is a special type of Shawarma which only belongs to the Middle East. This type of meat cooking is very much popular in Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia.
Shawarma was basically originated from Levantine cuisine, but now it’s made and eaten all over the world. You just need 5-10 minutes to make Shawarma at your home without searching for any kebab stores around you or try some at the local street food stalls!
3. Kabsa
Kabsa is one of the most famous dishes of Saudi Arabia. This is a mixed rice dish served on a communal platter. Kabsa is made with four major ingredients: rice, vegetables, meat, and a mixture of spices.
All these ingredients are cooked together and served in different fashions according to the customs of the location. Different kinds of meat can be used in Kabsa, such as chicken, beef, shrimp, fish, lamb, goat, etc. You can also add almonds, peanuts, and pine nuts as well according to your taste.
There are numerous other delicious foods to try while on a trip to Saudi Arabia. Choosing the best three was not an easy task. Get a taste of this mysterious Middle East country and be sure to come back for more!
