The stony desert plateau in the middle of Saudi Arabia, the Najd, is quite remote and inaccessible. Despite the oil wealth of some Najdis be keeping an semi-nomadic lifestyle. The numerous watch towers on the highest points of the plateau are reminiscent of the old conflict between nomads and farmers.
The royal capital of Riyadh (Riyadh) is a modern city, which rests on the foundations of the first city conquered by Ibn Saud. In 1902 he stormed the Qasr al Masmuk. Apart from this fort and some traditional palaces near Deera Square, the only little is preserved of the old town. The Royal Camel races are held in the area in April / May.
Beautiful destinations in Najd are also Diriya, Wadi Hanifa, Shaib Awsat, Shaib Laha, Al-Hair, Wadi al-JAFI, Tumair, Towqr, Aneyzah, Qassim and Hail.
Hijaz (West)
The west coast is an important trading region. The city of Jeddah was once the capital of Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic and remains an important economic and cultural center. The city’s old merchant houses and the traditional souk is worth seeing.
Mecca: The spiritual center of the Islamic world may be entered only by Muslims. The most important places of pilgrimage are the Kaaba, the Mountain of Light, the Plain of Arafat and the house of Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib, was born to Mohammed.
Medina: The second holiest city of Islam may also be entered only by Muslims.
Jeddah: Although the city has grown enormously, efforts are made ??to preserve the old town. The Ottoman building is currently being restored. The range of leisure facilities has been expanded, and the promenade is ideal for walking. There is an amusement park, and the bay is a sailing and diving paradise. The hotels and restaurants are open-minded and internationally. A visit to the fish and meat markets is interesting.
The former summer capital of Taif, a popular tourist resort, is situated on a 900 m high cliff at the edge of the plateau above Mecca and in comparison to the rest of the country a pleasant, temperate climate.
Usta, Wadi Fatima, Hanakiyah, Khaybar and Yanbu are also worth visiting.
Hasa (eastern)
This fertile coastal plain is inhabited by the Shiite minority, which traditionally lives from fishing, trading, pearl diving and the proceeds of the date palm grove. A large part of the Saudi oil deposit is located in Hasa.
In the province there are still some places that have the character of the Hasa tradition preserved Al Hofuf is a busy area with a Turkish influence, and a camel market,. In Jabal al-Qara, the potteries operated for eight generations of the same family , is in the 500 year old salt mine salt broken remains of Abqaiq, the dilapidated house in Uqair inch, a formerly important Portuguese port and endpoint of the caravans, bears witness to the tumultuous past. On the Tarut Island is the oldest city in the Arabian peninsula, now a picturesque fishing and weaving village.
Asir (south)
In this region there is the only mountain range in the kingdom, which is overgrown with vegetation of palm trees and evergreen shrubs. Millet, wheat and dates are grown and harvested using traditional methods continues. The inhabitants of this region can partially be traced back their ancestry to African slaves. In the more remote areas, live baboons, gazelles, leopards, honey badgers, and mongooses. The old Gasaba phallus-shaped towers are found only in Asir, its exact purpose is unknown.
Also interesting are the caravan city of Qaryat al-Fau, in the present excavations are carried out, the big dam and the Temple of Najran and the nearby ruins of ancient cities Timna and Shiban, which are surrounded by banana, lemon and pomegranate groves.
