Saudi Arabia is still something of a mystery destination to many travellers. Its history, culture and natural attractions only now becoming more widely known as the kingdom spends billions of petro-dollars on building its tourism infrastructure.
Now, Bradt has published the first English-language guide from a mainstream publisher to focus exclusively on the kingdom, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s appeal to diverse groups of travellers.
Adventure travellers can opt for activities ranging from scuba diving to mountain-trekking, while deserts stretching for hundreds of kilometres include several accessible nature reserves.
The guide highlights pre-Islamic heritage rock art, Mada’in Saleh (sister city to Jordan’s Petra) and six rarely visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The cities of Riyadh and Jeddah with their traditional souks and top end malls are also featured.
Bradt says the guide “provides an up-to-date and comprehensive resource for visitors from all backgrounds”.
There is advice on what to see and do, accommodation and restaurants, guidance on cultural etiquette and advice for women and other diverse travellers.
There is also a chapter explaining some of the main practices of and reasons for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, along with contextual insights covering cultural etiquette, reforms and women travellers.