A nation well known for its hot summers, strict laws, sacredness and acres of date palm trees; 'Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia (KSA)', One of the largest exporters of oil and great history.
If you've planned spending your holidays at KSA, you'll have to think out of the box because this place maybe quiet tricky for many, as you'll have to follow few rules 'strictly' to stay in the country. It's because Saudi Arabia takes Islamic culture and teachings seriously and hence visitors are restricted to perform any anti-islamic work during their stay. I'll mention the rules below...
My Travel Experience:
My Travel Experience:
I've visited the country trice and my unforgettable tour to this place was around Mid April of 2017.
I landed in Medina (KSA) from Muscat (Oman) spending a duration of about 3 hours. The Airport of Medinah was one of the most beautiful airports I've ever been to. The airport's interior infrastructure is based on the umbrella designing of the Holy mosque, Al Masjid An Nabwi. We took a cab, drove to our hotel, Arranged our luggage and stuff, freshened up and took a walk towards the Al Masjid An Nabwi mosque (Our room was at a walkable distance from the mosque).
We then drove to the city, took a local guide for assistance and visited the city's famous spots. He took us to some historic Jabels (mountains), Caves and Forts. We spent five more days in Medina and then en route to Mecca.
It was 8pm at night when we got there. We got ready as soon as possible and walked towards the mosque. I was very eagerly waiting to enter the mosque and see the Kaaba (The direction of Qiblah), And Alas! when I saw it, I was so emotional..... That moment was so peaceful and pleasant; really unforgettable.
We performed the rituals until Midnight and returned back to the hotel. We spent a week here and then travelled to a city named Jeddah.
(I remember while starting our drive from Mecca to Jeddah, it started raining ice stones. Those moments were so magical....It was my first experience with real snow🌨️❄️)
I had a few friends here so since I'd been to KSA, I thought of visiting them. We had a reunion, spent some time gossiping and eating, and then visited the 'Mall of Arabia', King Fahd's fountain and had a barbeque party at a Jeddah garden. We enjoyed and spent two days in the city and then finally took a flight from Jeddah Airport back to Muscat.
Can I visit Saudi Arabia if I'm a non-muslim?
Yes! you can, but you are not allowed to entry into or near the Mecca city. There are headboards placed on the roads until where you can travel. Make sure you follow the rules mentioned below.
The Rules:
Saudi Arabia practices Islamic teachings and rules strictly hence,there are a few rules that you need to follow when you enter the kingdom.
• Visa issues: When it comes to traveling especially solo and unsponsored, you may likely be objected from getting a visa. As far as female solo travellers are concerned, you are not encouraged to do so while entering or even in the country and hence your visas might likely be cancelled.
• Transgender: They are most likely not permitted into the country.
• Photography: Photography is not encouraged.
• Clothing: Females should cover their body almost completely except their face, wrist and feet. The clothing shouldn't be tight,neon colored or transparent. (You should follow this rule once you land in the kingdom)
• Food: Alcohol, Smoking, Drugs are a total ban. Besides them, Pork too isn't allowed.
• No Night Parties or Clubs.
• Prayer Time: Muslims pray 5 times a day. If you are seen out on those times, they'll stop you and send you to the mosque (not for non-muslims). Even the malls and shops are commanded to shut down.
Food:
Just Al Baik, Al Baik and more Al Baik.
I landed in Medina (KSA) from Muscat (Oman) spending a duration of about 3 hours. The Airport of Medinah was one of the most beautiful airports I've ever been to. The airport's interior infrastructure is based on the umbrella designing of the Holy mosque, Al Masjid An Nabwi. We took a cab, drove to our hotel, Arranged our luggage and stuff, freshened up and took a walk towards the Al Masjid An Nabwi mosque (Our room was at a walkable distance from the mosque).
Interior of Al Masjid An Nabwi mosque
We performed our prayers until night and then passed by the street market. It was filled with infinite shops, selling hijab-wears, kids toys stuff, food stalls, dates, chocolates, books and variety of accessories; that were very cheap and affordable. After some shopping we returned back to the hotel cause we were too tired.
At Dar Al Medinah Museum
The next morning, we stopped by the 'Dar Al Medinah' museum of Medinah. This place drives you through the history of cities like Yathrib (Medinah), Mecca and the whole of Saudi Arabia, its culture and traditions, monuments and architecture, and a lot of stuff. After entering the museum, we were welcomed by serving some fresh dates, rose water and Arab tea. We were then asked for our native language, to choose a suitable guide for us throughout the museum. We were amused by the museum, guide and their assistance, It's worth visiting...We then drove to the city, took a local guide for assistance and visited the city's famous spots. He took us to some historic Jabels (mountains), Caves and Forts. We spent five more days in Medina and then en route to Mecca.
Outside Masjid Al Haram' mosque
The Sacred City, Mecca is a very populated and busy city. The streets are filled with people walking and rushing across the roads, and that's why you find it very difficult to drive a vehicle there; especially when you are near the Holy mosque of 'Al Masjid Al Haram'.It was 8pm at night when we got there. We got ready as soon as possible and walked towards the mosque. I was very eagerly waiting to enter the mosque and see the Kaaba (The direction of Qiblah), And Alas! when I saw it, I was so emotional..... That moment was so peaceful and pleasant; really unforgettable.
We performed the rituals until Midnight and returned back to the hotel. We spent a week here and then travelled to a city named Jeddah.
(I remember while starting our drive from Mecca to Jeddah, it started raining ice stones. Those moments were so magical....It was my first experience with real snow🌨️❄️)
I had a few friends here so since I'd been to KSA, I thought of visiting them. We had a reunion, spent some time gossiping and eating, and then visited the 'Mall of Arabia', King Fahd's fountain and had a barbeque party at a Jeddah garden. We enjoyed and spent two days in the city and then finally took a flight from Jeddah Airport back to Muscat.
Can I visit Saudi Arabia if I'm a non-muslim?
Yes! you can, but you are not allowed to entry into or near the Mecca city. There are headboards placed on the roads until where you can travel. Make sure you follow the rules mentioned below.
The Rules:
Saudi Arabia practices Islamic teachings and rules strictly hence,there are a few rules that you need to follow when you enter the kingdom.
• Visa issues: When it comes to traveling especially solo and unsponsored, you may likely be objected from getting a visa. As far as female solo travellers are concerned, you are not encouraged to do so while entering or even in the country and hence your visas might likely be cancelled.
• Transgender: They are most likely not permitted into the country.
• Photography: Photography is not encouraged.
• Clothing: Females should cover their body almost completely except their face, wrist and feet. The clothing shouldn't be tight,neon colored or transparent. (You should follow this rule once you land in the kingdom)
• Food: Alcohol, Smoking, Drugs are a total ban. Besides them, Pork too isn't allowed.
• No Night Parties or Clubs.
• Prayer Time: Muslims pray 5 times a day. If you are seen out on those times, they'll stop you and send you to the mosque (not for non-muslims). Even the malls and shops are commanded to shut down.
Food:
Just Al Baik, Al Baik and more Al Baik.