Saudi Arabia
Beyond Stereotypes: A Journey into the Dynamic Soul of Saudi Arabia
For many, Saudi Arabia evokes feelings of reverence and respect for its role as the birthplace of Islam and the home of two of the religion's holiest sites in Makkah and Medina. The country's rich history and cultural heritage are a source of pride for its citizens and visitors alike. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is also a country that is undergoing rapid change and modernization.
The country is undergoing an economic and social transformation that is fueling feelings of excitement and optimism for the future.
For some, however, the changes underway in Saudi Arabia bring with them feelings of uncertainty and even concern. The country's conservative social norms and restrictions on personal freedom can be difficult for some, and the rapid pace of change can be overwhelming.
Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
Despite its reputation as a strict and conservative nation, Saudi Arabia is a welcoming and hospitable country. To enjoy the culture and lifestyle of this off beaten path, you should go there with open mind. This often-overlooked country is a treasure trove of unique cultural and landscape wonders, waiting to be explored. From the ancient ruins of Jeddah to the rugged deserts of Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia is a land of contrasts that will surprise and delight you.
how i ended up in saudi arabia?
Eight days off from work and the travel bug bit hard! I was ready to embark on a solo adventure, but then I thought, why not bring a buddy along? That's when I called up my friend Mustafa and proposed a trip to the exotic land of Saudi Arabia. To my delight, Mustafa was game, and before we knew it, we were booking our flights to the bride of Red Sea a Saudi city called Jeddah. And just like that, our thrilling journey began!
It's worth mentioning that Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to the western world. With visas on arrival available for select countries, it's easy to travel to Saudi now. Visit their official website visitsaudi.com for all the updated information regarding that.
Australia is far away from the rest of the world and Saudi Arabia is no exception. After a 14-hour flight from Perth and a 4-hour layover in Singapore, we finally arrived in Jeddah.
Before I could dive more into my Jeddah experience, I'd like to remind you that we only had short time of 8 days. The following cities below I recommend going to, if you have the similar amount of time. And again I am only recommending what I did or would have done based on my experience, you can do it anyway you like. If you are non-Muslim, you can skip Makkah and Madinah, and can choose to go to Al Ula instead which is very fascinating place.
Madinah is the city of peace and prosperity, rich in Islamic history and spiritual significance.
Our eight-day journey through the heart of Saudi Arabia will forever be remembered as a testament to the diversity, and hospitality of this incredible country. From the bustling city of Jeddah to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, each moment of our trip was filled with inspiration and joy. May this story inspire others to explore the wonders of Saudi Arabia for themselves and experience its unique charm.