Saudi Arabia Travel Brochure

By: Sam Elisco and Nick Fazio

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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 right.

Places to Go- MeccaThe 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.

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.

SportsCamel 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.

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.

GesturesGreetings- 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.

Unique Information

Official language is Arabic

Largest Country in the Middle East

Oil accounts for 90% of exports and 75% of Government revenue

Population

26,131,703 as of July 2011 in the country of Saudi Arabia.

Famous PeopleAbdul 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

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

What to BringClothing

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.

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

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.

Work Cited

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kkah/Jiddah-1806894/Warnings_or_Dangers-Jiddah-Appropriate_Clothing-BR-1.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Saudi_Arabia http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/saudi-arabia/things-to-do-in-sau

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Work Cited (2)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabian_cuisine

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