Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, a country located in the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its historical and religious significance for Muslims around the world. As the birthplace of Islam and home to the two holiest sites in Islam, Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for Muslim travellers seeking a spiritual travel experience.

Halal tourism has gained significant popularity in recent years, with more and more Muslim travellers seeking destinations that cater to their unique cultural and religious needs. Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for halal tourism, with the country making significant efforts to promote itself as a halal and Muslim-friendly destination.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has implemented a number of initiatives to promote halal tourism, including the launch of the “Saudi Seasons” initiative, which features a range of events and activities designed to promote tourism in the country. The initiative includes events such as the “Jeddah Season,” which features concerts, art exhibits, and cultural events, and the “Riyadh Season,” which features sports events, entertainment shows, and cultural festivals.

In addition to these initiatives, Saudi Arabia has also implemented a number of policies and regulations to ensure that the needs of Muslim travellers are met. These include regulations around halal food and beverage offerings, prayer facilities, and accommodations that are sensitive to the needs of Muslim travellers.

Must See

Saudi Arabia offers a range of cultural and religious attractions that Muslim families, couples, and solo travellers should not miss.

Visit the Holy City of Mecca – Mecca is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. It is home to the Kaabah, the most sacred site in Islam, which Muslims face during their daily prayers. Muslim travellers should plan a visit to Mecca during the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many Muslims.

Explore the Islamic Heritage Sites in Medina – Medina is the second holiest city in Islam and the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad. The city is home to a number of Islamic heritage sites, including the Prophet’s Mosque, the Quba Mosque, and the Al-Baqi Cemetery. Muslim travellers should take the time to explore these sites and learn more about the history of Islam.

Visit the Masmak Fortress in Riyadh – The Masmak Fortress is a historical landmark in Riyadh that played a significant role in the unification of Saudi Arabia. The fortress has been restored and converted into a museum, showcasing the history and culture of the region.

Explore the Historic City of Jeddah – Jeddah is a vibrant coastal city that is home to a number of historic landmarks, including the Al-Balad district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The district features a range of traditional buildings and architecture that reflect the history and culture of the region.

Visit the Al Wahbah Crater – The Al Wahbah Crater is a stunning and breathtaking natural wonder located near the city of Taif. For more adventurous travellers, this is a place to hike and explore the volcanic crater, even if you are travelling with children.

Cuisine

Saudi Arabia is known for its rich culinary traditions and diverse halal food scene, offering a range of dishes and dining experiences that cater to the unique needs and preferences of Muslim travellers.

One of the most popular dishes in Saudi Arabian cuisine is Kabsa, a rice-based dish that is typically made with chicken or lamb, spices, and vegetables. Other popular dishes include Mandi, a spiced rice and meat dish, and Shawarma, a popular street food made with thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and sauces.

In addition to these traditional dishes, Saudi Arabia also offers a range of international cuisine options, including Middle Eastern, Asian, and Western cuisine. Many restaurants in Saudi Arabia are halal certified, ensuring that Muslim travellers can enjoy their meals with peace of mind.

Some of the most popular dining destinations in Saudi Arabia include Al-Nakheel Restaurant in Riyadh, which is known for its traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine, and the Globe Restaurant in Jeddah, which offers a range of international cuisine options.

Many fast food chains, including McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King, have halal certified outlets in Saudi Arabia, offering Muslim travellers a familiar and convenient dining option. If you want halal Japanese food in Saudi Arabia, look no further than Nobu in Riyadh and Sushi Yoshi in Jeddah. Indian cuisine is a favourite among many Muslim travellers, and Saudi Arabia is home to a range of halal Indian restaurants. Popular Indian restaurants include the India Palace in Riyadh and Zafran Indian Bistro in Jeddah.

Islam

Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia, with over 95% of the population being Muslim. As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is home to some of the holiest sites in the Islamic faith, including the cities of Mecca and Medina.

Mecca is home to the Masjid al-Haram, which is considered the holiest mosque in Islam and the largest mosque in the world. It is the site of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of performing it.

In addition to the Masjid al-Haram, there are a number of other important mosques in Saudi Arabia that are worth visiting. The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, also known as Masjid an-Nabawi, is the second holiest mosque in Islam and the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad.

Quba Mosque is located in Medina, Saudi Arabia and is considered to be the first mosque ever built in Islam, as it was constructed by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions upon their arrival in Medina after the migration from Mecca.

Muslims consider the Quba Mosque to be a highly virtuous and blessed place, as the Prophet Muhammad used to visit it regularly and encouraged his followers to do the same. It is said that performing two rak’ahs of prayer in the mosque is equivalent to performing an Umrah, which is a minor pilgrimage to Mecca. Its significance as the first mosque built in Islam and its association with the Prophet Muhammad make it a unique and meaningful destination for Muslim travellers.

In Islam, praying in any mosque is considered a virtuous and rewarding act, as it is a means of getting closer to Allah and strengthening one’s faith. However, there are certain mosques that hold special significance and offer greater rewards for worshippers.

Performing the five daily prayers in Masjid al-Haram is considered highly virtuous as each prayer is believed to be multiplied in reward by 100,000 times. The rewards of praying in Masjid al Nabawi is better than 1000 prayers in any other Mosque.

Overall, praying in Masjid al-Haram, Masjid al-Nabawi, and Quba Mosque is highly recommended in Islam. These mosques hold significant religious and historical significance for Muslims, and praying in them is a unique and meaningful experience for Muslim travellers.

Best Time To Go

The weather in Saudi Arabia is generally hot and dry throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 50°C. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid travelling during the summer months from June to August, when temperatures can reach their highest levels, making it uncomfortable to move around.

The busiest time to travel to Saudi Arabia is during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Millions of Muslims from around the world visit Mecca and Medina during this time, making it crowded and difficult to navigate. For those not attending the Hajj pilgrimage, it is best to avoid travelling to Saudi Arabia during this time to avoid the crowds.

Regardless of when you visit, Saudi Arabia is a great halal destination for Muslim travellers whether you are looking for spiritual rejuvenation, a relaxing holiday with your family, or a meaningful honeymoon for you and your spouse.