Understand
Saudi Arabia, a country known for its unique political structure, is one of three nations in the world named after its royal family. The Saudi family, originally sheiks of Nejd, were faced with adversity when they were driven out of their homeland by a neighboring dynasty. Forced to seek refuge with their relatives in Kuwait, the Saudi family never gave up on their dream to reclaim their land. In a bold and daring move, young Abdulaziz Ibn Saud and his army returned to Riyadh, the capital city, in 1902, with the support of the local population who were fed up with the corrupt and abusive rule of the invaders. What followed was a remarkable 30-year campaign of conquest led by Abdulaziz. The regions that united under his leadership eventually formed the modern nation of Saudi Arabia. The discovery of oil in the 1930s brought about a massive transformation, catapulting Saudi Arabia into economic prosperity. This newfound wealth attracted the attention of the United States, who saw an opportunity to outshine the British colonialists. In times of crisis, Saudi Arabia has shown solidarity and generosity. When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia offered refuge to the Kuwaiti royal family as well as 400,000 refugees. Additionally, they allowed Western and Arab troops to deploy on their soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. However, Saudi Arabia still faces challenges such as a growing population, unemployment, aquifer depletion, and an economy heavily reliant on petroleum output and prices. This has prompted the government to take decisive action to address these concerns.
Get in
In the past, traveling to Saudi Arabia was known for its strict regulations, but the country has recently made efforts to open up to tourism. Now, visitors from fifty-two different countries can apply for an eVisa or obtain a visa on arrival, making it easier to explore this desert kingdom. However, there are still some restrictions that tourists should be aware of. While wearing an abaya and headscarf is no longer compulsory for women, it is important to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. For women under 30, traveling to or transiting through Saudi Arabia requires a male guardian. Additionally, non-Muslim visitors are not permitted to visit the city of Mecca and the city center of Medina. Despite these restrictions, Saudi Arabia offers a unique and fascinating experience for adventurous travelers.
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