TOURISM IN SAUDI ARAB

Tourism in Saudi Arab

Table of content

Religious tourism3

Festivity tourism4

Nature tourism6

Historical tourism8

Al-Masjid al-Haram9

Kabba in Saudia Arab9

Black Stone in Saudi Arabia9

Media House10

Monuments tourism10

Al Bathaa10

Riyadh Zoo11

Masmak Fortress11

Riyadh Museum11

Al Thumairi Gate11

Madain Saleh cemetery12

Conclusion12

Tourism in Saudia Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country that occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula and has both Persian Gulf and Red Sea coast lines. Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to developing tourism as part of its overall economic diversification strategy (Lacey, 2004).

Religious tourism

After performing prayers or pilgrimages people found their spiritual peace and enjoyed the amenities of life within the limits of respect for Islamic and human values. It is essential to give examples and facts which are not known to non-Muslims. First there is the Kaaba in Mecca, visited during Hajj and Umrah, and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, which houses the tomb of our great prophet Mohammed (Lacey, 2004).

The concepts of religious tourism began to develop after the issuing of Islamic Tourism Magazine (ITM). It was through ITM & ITW that this strange new concept was promulgated. There were lots of questions about it at first, but it soon became the theme of exhibitions, tourism activities were organised around it and universities began a study and analysis of the meanings of Islamic Tourism, and its human dimension, and to evaluate every aspect of its meanings and prospects. This included research on religious tourism and its historical aspects and an assessment of its activity and economic performance. There was a consensus among interested persons, and experts on this issue, given its importance and priority and the multiplicity of its profits at all levels (Abderrahman, 1988).

Religious tourism is one of the most important resources particularly in Saudi Arab which has a rich and diverse heritage. This permanent wealth and treasure exceeds oil, has attracted millions of Muslim visitors throughout history and will attract hundreds of millions of Muslims and non- Muslims, in future (Abderrahman, 1988).

Saudi Arabia is the country best placed to carry the banner of Islamic (religious) Tourism and chart the course, because of the privilege that God gave it with the Kaaba towards which all Muslims turn for prayers. It is the land that received the message of Muhammad. There is also history, the tombs of the elite of Ahl Al Bayt (family of the prophet), his companions, and those who followed them across generations. Saudi Arabia has a precious treasure such as the region of Al Baqia and other sites, if only they were restored (Jones, 2007).

Festivity tourism

Saudi Arab has been making incessant efforts to promote tourism in order to attain the avowed objective of economic diversification and growth. It has organised a number of events and festivals to attract tourists all over the world.The results provide interesting insights into an assessment of festival tourism provided by the tourists for policy makers willing to expand the tourism sector in the vibrant and diversifying economy of the Saudi Arab (Jones, ...