2. Saudi Arabia- Where is it?
Saudi Arabia is lactated in the Middle East and is bordered by many countries
including Yemen, Oman, U.A.E., Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan. The capital of
Saudi Arabia is Riyadh. Other important cities include Mecca, Medina, and Hofuf.
3. Places To Go- Al Masjid al
Nabawi
Al Masjid al Nabawi or the
Mosque of the Prophet is located
in the city of Madina and is
considered to be the world's
second holiest mosque. The
original part of the mosque is
also said to be built by the
prophet Muhammad himself in
622 AD. The mosque was later
expanded on by other Islamic
leaders to create what we see
today.
Al Masjid al Nabawi is located in Madina, Saudi
Arabia which is shown bolded on the right.
4. Places to Go- Jannat al-Baqi
Jannat al-Baqi means the “Tree
Garden of Heaven” and is
sacred to many Muslims
because it is believed that
several of the prophet
Muhammads relatives and
friends are buried there. Some
of these relatives include his
mother, wife, and grandfather.
While men are allowed to visit
this ancient burial, women are
not even permitted to go near
its outer walls.
Jannat al-Baqi is located just outside of the
city of Medina shown bolded on the right
5. Places to Go- The Jawatha
Mosque
The Jawatha Mosque was
constructed in the 7th Century by
a tribe known as the Bani Abdul
Qais that inhabited the area
during an early Islamic period. It
was the earliest mosque built in
east Arabia and most of the
original structure is in ruins.
However, what’s left of the
mosque is still an important site
for prayer.
The Jawatha Mosque is located in the
village of Al-Kilabiyah, about 12km
northeast of Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
6. Places to Go- Masjid al-
Qiblatain
Masjid al-Qiblatain is a holy
mosque that is visited by
devout followers of Islam
from all over the world. It is
historically important because
it is said to be the place where
Muhammad changed the
direction of prayer from
Jerusalem to Mecca. The
mosque ranks among one of
the most important tourist
attractions in all of Saudi
Arabia.
The Masjid al-Qiblatain mosque is located in
the holy city of Medina, shown on the right
7. Places to Go- Quba
Mosque
The Quba Mosque is the holiest of
holies amoung the Mosques in
Medina. It is also the oldest
mosque in the world. The mosque
is visited by pilgrims worldwide
and is an important part of prayer
and worship for Muslims
everywhere.
The Quba Mosque is located in Medina
and is considered to be its holiest mosque.
8. Places to Go- Habalah
Habalah is a destination in
Saudi Arabia that was once a
village. The village is located
on the top of a cliff, which is
about one thousand feet
high and cannot be accessed
by road. Habalah is an
important tourist attraction
because of its sensational
view from the top and its
spectacularly carved
doorways and houses.
Habalah is located about 40 kilometers
from the city of Abha, shown on the
9. Places to Go- Mecca
The city of Mecca is considered
the holiest city in Islam and
was the birthplace of
Muhammad. It is visited by
thousands of Muslims from all
over the world every year.
Islam recommends that all
Muslims, who are fit to do so,
undertake a journey to Mecca
at least once in their lifetime.
This pilgrimage is considered
to be an important spiritual
journey for many Muslims.
The location of the city of Mecca is
bolded, shown on the right.
10. Unique
Holidays/Celebrations
Eid al-Fitr/Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan) is a
Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of the Islamic
Holy month in which participants fast.
Saudi National Day celebrates beginning of Saudi Arabia
as a nation.
Ed al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) a Muslim celebration
of the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to God.
11. Sports
Camel Racing-large numbers of Camels race across the
Saudi Arabian dessert. Winners can win various prizes.
Tateez- Car Sand Surfing. Similar to water skiing except
there is a car instead of a boat.
Falconry- The use a trained bird to hunt wild
birds/prey.
12. Food
Arabic Coffee- Made from green coffee beans and
cardamom this is a traditional Saudi Arabian beverage.
Kabsa- A family rice dishes. Usually made from a
mixture of spices, rice, meat and vegetables.
Kleeja- a cookie made from cardamom.
13. Gestures
Greetings- Certain greetings include shaking hands,
small talk and ritual greetings. For example talking
about the health of another person.
Hospitality- Showing openness and welcome to
strangers.
Touching- Long handshakes, no contact between
opposite sex, grasped elbows.
14. Unique Information
Official language is Arabic
Largest Country in the Middle East
Oil accounts for 90% of exports and 75% of
Government revenue
16. Famous People
Abdul Aziz Al-Saud - King of Saudi Arabia
Majed Abdullah – former Saudi Arabian football striker
Mohamed Abdo – famous Arabic singer/composer
Fahd Ibn Abdek Aziz al Saud – Prince of Saudi Arabia
17. Historical Facts
Founded in 1932
History of human settlement over 20,000 years ago
Prophet Muhammad born in Mecca (Saudi Arabia)
Was dominated by Ottoman Empire from the 18th
century into the 19th century
18. What to Bring
Clothing
Men- The typical clothing code for men is a
long white, shirt-like garment, called a
Thobe. The thobes look like an extended
dress shirt, complete with different types of
collars and cuffs. The color of the thobe can
change depending on the time of year or
religious holiday. When wearing shorts,
anything shorter than knee length is looked
down upon unless at a beach.
Women- Clothing for women include an
Abaya. An Abaya is a black gown worn over
normal clothes. Women should also take a
scarf to cover up hair or any other part of the
body that might offend the locals.
19. Souvenirs
There are several different things you can purchase while visiting Saudi Arabia, some of
them include:
Mixed spices
Incents including frankincense and myrrh
Prayer Rugs
Jewelry
Fruits including dates
Artwork
Sculptures
Clothing
20. Conflicts and Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular
Affairs: Be aware that there is a presence of terrorist
groups in Saudi Arabia some having affiliation with
Al Qaeda. U.S. citizens should carefully select
where they stay while visiting Saudi Arabia. Also,
be aware of their surroundings especially while
driving.
