Saudi Arabia is celebrating the Unification of the Kingdom, which took place on September 23rd, 1932. The country has a huge land area, majority of which is desert, and is slightly larger than Mexico or almost nine times the size of the U.K. It has a population of 27.6 million. The capital is Riyadh.
The country is the world’s largest oil exporter with 25% of the world’s proven oil reserves. It has used some of its oil wealth to create impressive architectural landmarks, especially in its capital, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is home to Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, which are closed to non Muslims.
Saudi Arabia is a kingdom governed according to Islamic law. Visitors need to be aware that Muslim traditions are strictly adhered to. Many things that western travelers are accustomed to, like certain types of casual dressing, can be offensive to the locals, and some are even forbidden, like alcohol. And the punishments for breaking local laws can be extremely harsh.
Visitors also need to take into account the local holidays, especially Ramadan (dates vary from year to year), when opening hours for most services are kept to a minimum.
Despite its vast area, its mystique, several interesting historic sites, and impressive architecture, Saudi Arabia is certainly not a Dubai (city state in neighboring U.A.E. that has become a mega tourist center). Saudi Arabia tends to be of limited interest to American tourists because of its extreme climate, and its strict laws, regulations, and customs. In addition there are safety concerns due to the risk of terrorist activity directed at westerners and especially Americans.
The U.S. State Department has a travel warning in effect: “Due to concerns about the possibility of additional terrorist activity directed against American citizens and interests, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia.” Click here to read the travel warning in it entirety.