Saudi Arabia, a vast country covering much of the Arabian Peninsula, is a land rich in ancient deserts, rolling dunes, historic ruins, and profound cultural heritage. In the northern region, you'll find Madain Saleh, an ancient site of rock-carved tombs dating back to the 1st century. To the southeast lies the 'Empty Quarter,' one of the largest deserts in the world. However, Saudi Arabia’s most significant attractions are Mecca and Medina, the holiest cities in Islam. While non-Muslims are prohibited from entering these sacred cities, all physically and financially able Muslims are required to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. The experience is deeply rewarding, with Mecca’s Great Mosque, the largest in the world, encircling the Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred site, where up to four million people can pray simultaneously. Medina’s Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque, said to have been built by the Prophet Muhammad himself, also houses his tomb. Riyadh, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, offers a more relaxed atmosphere, welcoming all visitors to enjoy its lively café scene, mud-brick palaces, and a wide range of shopping options from traditional souks to luxurious malls. The port city of Jeddah boasts a charming old town, a beautiful waterfront, and a series of beach resorts. Hotels and resorts are plentiful here, as well as in Riyadh and other major cities like Buraidah in the central region and Dammam on the east coast. In Mecca and Medina, accommodations are exclusively available for Muslims.