As we know, every country has many historical and cultural places that attract tourists to travel and explore. Millions of visitors visit these destinations each year to enjoy and discover new things. In this way, Saudi Arabia has several historical and cultural spots for attracting visitors. Every year, people from all over the world visit these locations. In this scenario, read the following topic for more information: “Cultural Places in Saudi Arabia.” This article will guide you to the accurate facts about the above-mentioned title.
Saudi Arabia, also known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in Western Asia on the Arabian Peninsula. This country is home to the two holy cities in Islam, Mecca, and Medina. People can visit these two holy cities by booking their Umrah Packages.
Although religious pilgrimages still represent the majority of Saudi Arabia’s tourism, the leisure sector is growing. According to a 2018 report by BMI Research, there is considerable room for growth in both religious and non-religious tourism. Tourism is an important component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Table of Contents
Saudi Arabia – Cultural Spots
If there is one thing Saudi Arabia has plenty of, it is heritage sites and stunning natural beauty. So if you’re travelling to this wonderful desert country and hoping to experience some local culture, you’re in luck. We discuss the Saudi Kingdom’s most popular cultural destinations below:
- Masjid Haram
- Masjid Nabawi
- Masmak Fortress
- Al Balad
- Diriyah
- Al Ula
- Tabuk Castle
- Mecca Clock Tower Museum
- National Museum
- Al Madinah Museum
Masjid Haram
The Grand Mosque of Mecca, also known as the Masjid Haram, encircles the Kaaba, the Station of Abraham, and two twin hills. Muslims offer their prayers to God while facing the Kaaba in the centre of the mosque, making it a prominent location. It is the main location for completing the rituals of Hajj and Umrah.
Masjid Nabawi
Masjid Nabawi is the second-largest mosque in the world. It is also known as the Prophet’s Mosque. This mosque encircles the graves of the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and two other prominent figures, Abu Bakr (R.A.) and Umar (R.A.). The Prophet (PBUH) himself laid the mosque’s foundation stone.
Masmak Fortress
The Masmak Fortress is an architectural wonder and a must-see tourist attraction in Saudi Arabia. This fortification, which is situated in Riyadh’s old town, was built from clay and mud bricks. According to popular belief, this castle has great importance in the history of Saudi Arabia.
Al Balad
Al Balad is the ancient area of Jeddah. This town is famous for its narrow lanes, traditional markets, intricately designed mosques, and traditional houses. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once a gathering point for pilgrims to Mecca.
Diriyah
The beautiful town of Diriyah is located in the suburbs of Riyadh. It has become a popular tourist place in Saudi Arabia over time. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Turaif District, which is the stronghold of the Al Saud royal family. The mud-brick houses and narrow lanes of Diriyah are well-known.
Read Also: Can I shave my own hair after Umrah?
Al Ula
Al Ula is a location with a remarkable natural and human legacy. This place includes preserved tombs, sandstone outcrops, and historical houses and monuments, both natural and human-made, that contain 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history. It is also home to Mada’in Saleh, the first site in Saudi Arabia to be recognized by UNESCO.
Tabuk Castle
The Tabuk Castle is a historic castle that was built in 1959 and is situated in Tabuk, the regional capital of northwest Saudi Arabia. The fortress has been renovated and turned into a public museum.
Mecca Clock Tower Museum
The top four floors of Mecca Clock Tower are designated as a museum. The Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman founded the Misk Foundation, a non-profit organization that runs the museum, which is situated at the highest point in Mecca. It contains a wide range of scientific and historical facts. A balcony with a broad view of the Masjid Haram is also present.
National Museum
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is the most popular tourist destination in Riyadh. The museum has eight halls. These halls present early human life, pre-Islamic Arab kingdoms, the family, and lineage of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the birth of Islam, the importance of Hajj, and two holy mosques.
Al Madinah Museum
Al Madinah Museum is the most significant museum in Medina. It is home to ancient artefacts and archaeological collections that collectively illustrate the history of this auspicious city. The wonderful museum provides a glimpse into the rich Islamic culture.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia is very famous for its historical and cultural destinations for visitors from all over the world. This country is very important for all Muslims because it is the home of the two holy mosques (Masjid Haram and Masjid Nabawi). Muslims can now visit these holy mosques by booking their Umrah or Hajj Packages.
Every year, millions of tourists visit Saudi Arabia to see its ancient and cultural sites. These cultural spots include Masjid Haram and Masjid Nabawi, Masmak Fortress, Mecca Clock Tower Museum, Al Balad, and Tabuk Castle.