Written by a female Middle East expert Bradt’s Saudi Arabia is the first English-language
travel guide from a mainstream publisher that focuses exclusively on the Kingdom. Now open for
general tourism following wide-ranging reforms the difference between Saudi Arabia’s image and
reality will surprise even seasoned travelers. With detailed information on what to see and do
accommodation and restaurant listings guidance on cultural etiquette and advice for women
visitors (who can travel more freely than popularly believed) this book provides advice
essential for tourists keen to explore this exciting destination. Saudi Arabia will appeal to
adventure travelers offering activities including pristine world-class scuba diving and
mountain-trekking. With dramatic scenery including a huge desert where you can camp like a
Bedouin plus many nature reserves undisturbed landscapes abound. Culture vultures will
appreciate pre-Islamic rock art Nabatean heritage Mada’in Saleh (the sister city to Jordan’s
Petra in Jordan) and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites rarely visited by international tourists.
Urbanites can explore Riyadh and Jeddah where shopping opportunities range from traditional
souqs to top-end malls. Gastronomists can enjoy varied cuisine from fine dining worthy of
Michelin stars via fast-food chains to traditional communal meals served on the floor. All in
a country where everyday life is safe and hassle-free with theft and robberies almost unheard
of and social media embraced enthusiastically (albeit with the limits of Saudi sensitivities
and sensibilities). This comprehensive guide dispels misinformation by providing an unbiased
up-to-date and comprehensive resource that accurately reflects what Saudi Arabia now offers all
visitors. Most outsiders know little about the Kingdom other than from typically negative media
coverage so may be pleasantly surprised at its rich history and youthful population eager to
extend hospitality to guests respecting their culture and traditions. Combining detailed
travel information about the entire Kingdom (from the Northern Borders to Asir and from Hejaz
to Eastern Province) with a chapter explaining some of the main practices of and reasons for
the hajj and umrah pilgrimages plus contextual insights covering cultural etiquette reforms
and women travelers Bradt’s Saudi Arabia is the perfect companion for people who thrive on
off-the-beaten-path travel.
