August 2013 Saudia Airlines Ahlan Wasalan In-flight Magazine

Relish the Splendors of
Saudi Arabia
This Eid
With the Eid holidays on us and the protracted summer vacation lingering on, it’s time to go nowhere, but be in Saudi Arabia itself.
The holy month of Ramadan culminates in the early part of August this year. The succeeding days will see the Eid holidays, taking you to mid-August. A visitor to Saudi Arabia late August will still find the holiday mood prevalent with the summer season at its peak. Enjoy the spirit of the season with a pick of the best:

Riyadh

One of the fastest growing capitals in the world, Riyadh hardly needs any introduction. It is a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s almost overnight transformation into an ultra-modern nation in the early 20st century, offering a rich fare of Arabian history as well.
The Al-Masmak Palace, in the center of Riyadh, is the most significant historical monument in the capital. The palace takes you back to the rich cultural heritage of the Al-Saud dynasty. From this palace the founding of the Kingdom was launched at the beginning of the last century. The nearby Qasr Al-Hakm, is yet another important landmark, reflecting a strong blend of modern structure and old style of architecture.
The King Abdulaziz Historical Center in downtown Riyadh is the latest addition to the rich collection of monuments of historical and cultural significance. Located within the Historical Center is the National Museum, which tells a story of a region that has fascinated explorers for centuries. The present-day traveler will be equally spellbound by the grandeur of the exhibits that bring out the best of Arabia’s past and present – from the early ages, millions of years ago, till the richness of the modern era.
Riyadh’s most interesting archaeological attraction, the ruins of Diraiyah, lie 30 kms north of the city center. This was the Kingdom’s first capital. The buildings are made of mud, straw and seashells, with the ceilings inside crossed with beams, allowing natural light and air.

Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s largest city in the Western Province was once a sleepy town along the Red Sea. Today, it is a center of industry and technology, priding itself of a vibrant multi-ethnic life. Jeddah has some of the most striking examples of modern architecture in the world. Tree-lined avenues and a variety of bronze sculptures are all a result of the city’s ambitious beautification program. The Corniche along the Red Sea is one of the city’s major attractions, with a variety of artificial lakes and recreation centers. Restaurants, fun parks, museums, and many other leisure facilities have grown around the Corniche. The other areas of the city have also seen a range of smaller projects, especially in and around shopping centers.

Eastern Province

The three cities of Dammam, Dhahran and Al-Khobar form the commercial and tourism belt of the Eastern Province. Located along the Arabian Gulf across from the island of Bahrain, the region has ancient roots in history, with historical references indicating that it was inhabited more than 2,000 years ago.
There are several popular spots where diving is possible along the Arabian Sea coastline – the Half-Moon Bay, south of Al-Khobar, for instance. The Dammam Corniche is where one gets a splendid, panoramic view of nature. The King Fahd Park, located along the Dammam-Dhahran Express Road, is one of the largest of its kind in the Kingdom. A large number of smaller parks are scattered throughout the area, all perfect places to spend a quiet evening. The drive on the King Fahd Causeway leading to Bahrain is not to be missed. Take the serene drive mid-way to Bahrain, visa-free, and enjoy the scenic splendor of the calm Gulf waters.

Abha

Tucked away some 600 kms south of Jeddah lies a dainty mountain town, Abha – an amazing making of nature, offering a pleasant respite from the sweltering heat. The capital of Asir region, Abha spreads out to a splendid landscape, drawing in a mix of heritage, culture and the rustic outdoors. The city rises 2,200 meters above sea level, but the highest peaks in the Al-Sodah region are well above 3,000 meters in height. The magnificent view and serene valleys are what make Abha a true delight for nature buffs.
A significant aspect of Abha is that its climate is moderate throughout the year. Average rainfall is among the highest in the Kingdom at 500 mm. Asir National Park, Al-Jarra Park, Al-Sahab, Wadi Al-Mahalah and Al-Saqt are among the host of parks in the region, skillfully planned and maintained in their natural environment.
The traditional mud houses in Abha, some believed to be more than 300 years old, are a major draw among tourists. Built with bare hands along terraced gradients, they offer an insight into the excellent architectural skills of ancient times. Watchtowers on the hills were once used as lookout points for any intruders. Abha is easily reachable thanks to its modern road network. It is well connected to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran by Saudi Arabian Airlines flights, and offers a host of well-appointed hotels and apartments for the tourist of all budgets.

Al-Baha

Al-Baha is among Saudi Arabia’s most popular summer retreats. As you drive up the Al-Baha mountain range, you will soon understand why the region is among the most striking tourist areas not only in Saudi Arabia, but also in the Arab world. The air you breathe couldn’t be fresher, the forests are dense, and valleys simply stunning. Throw in the variety of fresh fruits and flowers, and tons and tons of honey which the region is well-known for, and you have a perfect mix for that wonderful rustic holiday high up in the mountains.
Al-Baha sits plum between Makkah and the Asir region in southwestern Saudi Arabia, amidst the splendor of equally scenic cities of Taif, north; Bisha, east; Abha, south; and Al-Qunfuda, west, along the Red Sea. The road to Al-Baha from Taif is a tunneled route with nearly 25 man-made tunnels adding to the splendid mountain driving experience. The route through the Dhi-Ain Village is a winding road up, which will take a couple of hours to negotiate. The adventurous can even go on a hiking expedition finding the way through a maze of rocks and foliage.
The Al-Baha province has several hotels and motels to suit every kind of tourist. Those who prefer to fly down, the region is well connected by Saudi Arabian Airlines flights to various cities of the Kingdom.

Jizan

In the southwest region of Saudi Arabia, some 700 kms from the Western city of Jeddah, lies a port city with a natural diversity unparalleled in those parts. Rugged mountains, fertile plains, serene sea waters, and lush green forests beckon tourists with a keen eye for nature’s splendid offerings. The Faifa Mountain range has brilliantly formed rocks down the centuries, and a spread of greenery across vast meadows. The Valley of Qaa, abounding in forested trees, is the green belt of the mountain region. Karthah, Thwayei, and Al-Abseyah are all mountainous regions worth a visit. The Alhazoun district is where you’ll find forest land, a rural, rustic setting not to be missed. Jizan province is well known for its mineral deposits. You’ll find several cement factories, besides metal and plastics industries in the region. Jizan City, in fact, is far from the fishing town it once was. Its close proximity to Jizan Port has made it a thriving industrial center, with the first phase of a new industrial city set up some four years ago. Jizan has a modern airport serviced by Saudi Arabian Airlines, connecting the major cities of Saudi Arabia..

Madein Saleh

Madein Saleh, which figures in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, is well known for its monuments and stone edifices engraved in the mountains. It lies on a strategic location along the ancient trade route that links southern Arabia with Mesopotamia, the Levant, and Egypt. UNESCO refers to it the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan, and counts 111 monumental tombs, 94 of which are decorated. The famed Hejaz Railway of the early 20th century once ran through the siate. The railway station of the rail network has now been restored and offers a deep insight into the days of old. A visit to Madein Saleh will not be complete without a trip to nearby Al-Ola, a true archaeologists’ delight. Archeologists have found indications of age-old civilizations with inscriptions from the Lihyanite and Dedanite eras. Al-Ola’s ancient alleys will give you a sense of medieval times. Simply walk through the alleys and take in the eerie aura that surrounds the lanes. Get a similar feel at the lonely Ottoman Fort a few kms away, where you’ll rarely find a passer-by. Madinah to the south is the nearest major city to Madein Saleh and Al-Ola and is well connected by Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Farsan Island

Just a hop across Jizan is Farsan Island, a protected area where wildlife thrives. The island is home to the Arabian gazelle and host to a range of migratory birds flying in from as far as Europe. The island waters are also rich in marine life. You will sense the past reverberating across the island, with antiquities dating back to the Ottoman period and earlier. Do not miss the Ottoman mosque, distinctly decorated with striking designs, highlighting the artistic acumen of the island’s ancient inhabitants. You will also find uniquely shaped circular and rectangular buildings at the Wadi Matar on the island.
Take a boat from the Jizan Port and you’ll be there after a 50-km ride for a marvelous diving experience, or simply taxi around for a rich feast of archaeological sites and ancient structures.


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