Saudi Arabia, Sovereign state in the Middle East.
Description
Saudi Arabia is a kingdom in Western Asia spanning two million square kilometers and covering desert landscapes, mountain ranges and coastal plains along the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. The territory occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula and stretches from sandy dunes inland to rocky shorelines along the coasts.
History
The modern state emerged in 1932 under Abdulaziz ibn Saud, who united the regions of Najd and Hejaz and expanded his domain over three decades through alliances and military campaigns. The founding marked the end of regional kingdoms and the beginning of centralized administration across the peninsula.
Culture
Mecca and Medina welcome millions of Muslim pilgrims each year who perform the hajj at sacred mosques and turn toward the Kaaba for their daily prayers. The religious importance of these cities shapes daily life for many people who move through narrow alleys and open courtyards during the pilgrimage season.
Practical
The Saudi riyal serves as national currency, while Arabic remains the official administrative language. Visitors require a visa, which since 2019 can be obtained online for tourism purposes.
Did you know?
The oil reserves represent 17 percent of worldwide proven resources, with daily production exceeding ten million barrels and shaping the economy for decades. This resource base has fundamentally influenced the development of the country and solidified its place in the global energy market.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (دبي).
Saudi Arabia contains a wide range of historical locations spanning multiple periods, from Islamic holy sites to pre-Islamic archaeological remains. The country encompasses both religious destinations that draw millions of Muslim pilgrims annually and ancient settlements that reveal trade networks...
Kaaba
534.1 km
Jeddah Tower
546.4 km
Al-Masjid Al-Haram
534.1 km
Abraj Al Bait
534.4 km
Prophet's Mosque
304.9 km
Prophet's Mosque
305 km
Zamzam Well
534.1 km
Hegra
459.4 km
Green Dome
305 km
Quba Mosque
305.8 km
Red Sea Project
542.2 km
Station of Abraham
534.1 km
King Fahd Causeway
801.7 km
Hira
529 km
Kingdom Centre
447.1 km
Ajyad Fortress
534.4 km
Souq Okadh
493.7 km
Hajir Ismail
534.1 km
Boulevard Riyadh City
438.7 km
Saudi–Egypt Causeway
826.9 km
Sacred Prophetic Chamber
305 km
Masmak Fort
453.1 kmJeddah Super Dome
541.1 km
Mount Uhud
301.1 km
Masjid al-Qiblatain
307.2 km
Jeddah Flagpole
561.6 km
Khaybar
307.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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