Saudi Arabia is considered as one of the most conservative nations across the globe. With its modernization and opening of tourism sector, below are some of the things you can do here. I have jotted down the top 10 things you cannot dare to miss during your visit to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
1) Shawarma
Let us roll with the first one, literally! Shawarma it is. One cannot simply come to the
kingdom of Saudi Arabia and not have a Shawarma. Though not originally discovered
in Saudi Arabia and not the native dish of Saudis, it has been topping the food
chart since ages; without a doubt. Reason why I have placed it on number one in
the ‘to do list’ is simply because of its availability at every corner of the city and that not even a single person would not like it. Like absolutely no one!
Shawarma wrap
Shavings cut from a block of meat
on a rotating split, it was originally invented in Turkey during the times of
Ottoman Empire. Saudi Arabia adopted it and since then it has been its
signature and patent dish.
As a snack, a starter or a dinner
meal grabbed by a pepsi or a mixed fruit drink, this is the most beloved food item. Found in almost all the cities in the country, the most authentic one can be found at Yamal Al Shaam, Mama Noura and
Maccoy’s. My personal favorite would be from Maccoy’s in Rawdah on Hasan Bin
Ali street. The complementary fries with mayonnaise just does it for me.
2) Kabsa and drinks (qahwa with dates).
Saudis love to feed and feast.
Their love for food and socializing can be seen in their gatherings. With large
chunks of meat on a huge dish of rice, it is enough to feed 100 to 200 people
at a time.
Not just for its gatherings, Saudi
Arabia is also famous for its restaurants. From world’s top notch best
restaurants to the most local of the local food places, Saudi Arabia has it
all.
Let us stick to the local food,
the soul of every country. Kingdom, as such doesn’t have anything of its own.
Apart from the types of rice and meat dishes which can be named on finger
tips, it's the dishes from across the world which makes it famous. Pakistani
cuisines to Indian to Filipino to Turkish to Egyptian to Lebanese to Syrian to
Moroccan to Italian or any other.
It is impossible to try them all on a short visit to the kingdom. Romansia, Shawaya house and Saudi restaurant are some of those few restaurants which cannot be missed at all! Even if you are running out of time, these are a must have.
Jareesh, Haneeth, Hininy,
Madfoon, Saleeq, Mandi and Jalamah are the local food items which are
of Saudi origin. The kingdom is famous for its Kabsa, Mandi and Madfoon the
most.
Anatolia Turkish Grill restaurant
Not to miss, qahwa with dates is
an everyday thing. Available at all times, it is the most common gesture you
will see. From work places to hotels to homes, qahwa and dates are the best
combination you can find in Saudi homes.
The traditional way of serving qahwa and dates
Saudi girls serving dates and qahwa at an event
3) Albaik
Dating back to 1974 when it was
first opened by renovating a warehouse; Shakkour AbduGhazalah, developed the
18 secret herbs and spices recipe in the 80s and by 1986 he had registered a
trademark in Saudi Arabia.
The first Albaik restaurant was opened
in Makkah in 1990. Soon after, the Albaik spicy chicken was introduced and since
then has been the most beloved chicken for the residents of Saudi Arabia. With more
than 40 branches in Jeddah, 8 in Makkah and 3 in Madinah, it has extended to Riyadh, Taif, Yanbu and Al Qunfudhah.
It has the record of serving
maximum people at a time. Besides serving the most liked and affordable chicken
to its eaters, its fish nuggets have made a special place at the dine ins in the recent past.
4) Jenadriyah
Festival
Haya tour during the festival (courtesy - Google)
Dating back to 1985, this
festival draws the attention of many. It receives nearly a million visitors
every year. Located on the outskirt of Riyadh, Jenadriyah has been the most
prominent place and face in the recent times. The festival is celebrated during the
early months (February and March) of the Georgian calendar.
Saudis dancing during the festival (courtesy - Google)
Jenadriyah, also known as
‘Rowdhat Souwais’ holds multiple events ranging from camel racing, horse
racing, folk poetry, traditional costumes, dances and many more.
A western couple during the festival (courtesy - Google)
This is a must go place when in
the kingdom. A different feel altogether.
Saudi women clicking during the festival (courtesy - Google)
5) Diriyah
Old Diriyah
Royal Palace
Being the old capital of the country,
Diriyah or even Dariyya is the home to the rulers Saudi Arabia’s Al
Saud family since the early 19th century. From the sand palaces and
old mud houses to the much talked about Wadi Hanifa, this is an amazingly
significant place to visit. Diriyah has played an important role in the
reformation of the country.
The old palace of King Abdul
Aziz, the founder of the kingdom still exists in the area.
The present King, Salman Bin
Abdul Aziz also lives in Diriyah and most of the delegates he receives are
taken here as a gesture and introduction to the kingdom’s heritage and culture.
Historical Diriyah
6) Tahlia
street (Jeddah and Riyadh) and malls in the kingdom.
Prince Mohammed Bin AbdulAziz
street, nicknamed as Tahlia street is the fashion hub of the country’s capital
as well as the city of Jeddah. From Prada to Gucci to Versace to Cartier to
Chanel to Louis Vuitton to Giorgio Armani to Dolce and Gabbana and the list
goes on and goes. The best and the most expensive cars, bikes and food joints
can be found here. Many upscale shops and boutiques are here since ages. It
wouldn’t be wrong to call Tahlia street as the wealthiest district of Saudi
Arabia.
This street is the destination
for the football fans, driving up and down, waving club scarfs and sounding
their car horns to celebrate victory is a common scene on this street.
Visiting Tahlia just for the sake
of it wouldn’t be a regret at all!
On the other hand, the malls in
the kingdom have taken a special place over the years. Nakheel mall to Panorama
to Riyadh Gallery, all are the finest and largest shopping hubs. The all women’s
mall, yes, you read that right, Royal mall is famous for the latest Abaya collection.
Riyadh Gallery
Kingdom Tower
Panorama Mall
7) Buggy
bikes – Thumamah
A Saudi lady riding a buggy (courtesy - Google)
One outdoor activity that is the
most famous among the residents of the kingdom is going to a nearby desert for
some quad biking. Quads, four wheelers, sand buggies, whatever you call them is
a blast to drive. On a 20km stretch, Thumamah sand dunes outside Riyadh is a
popular place for renting quads on the weekends. For families, they have tents
and private yards for rent.
Camel rides and horseback rides
are an add on.
8) Causeway
and the other highways; long drives
Connecting the eastern province of the country with the
neighboring island of kingdom of Bahrain, the Fahad causeway is 25km long. Been
3 decades since it opened, it is still one of the most beautiful experiences
one can have.
With water beneath the bridge, the long drive with the view above
the water is astounding. One cannot have enough of it in one go.
With the finest highways across
the country, Saudi Arabia has the best road connects. Highway 65, also known as
Qassim Highway connects the capital city Riyadh with Buraidah, Hail and Sakakah
in the northwest. It goes down to Al-Kharj in the southeast and goes up to
Qurayyat to the Jordanian border. Stretching for1200 kilometers, the highway
intersects at the junction of highway 40 in Riyadh and highway 60 at Buraidah.
9) Camel
Meat/Milk/Laban
The national animal of the
kingdom is also the most commonly used animal for feasting. Camel meat dish is
one of the many dishes of Saudi gatherings. Camel milk/laban can be found in
the deserts. Shawarma made out of camel meat is also liked by many. A must for
all the non-vegetarians out there.
10) Religious
visit to Makkah and Madinah
Makkah
Saudi Arabia is the custodian of
the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Makkah, the heart of Islam has been
secured and protected by the Saudi government. One doesn’t need a reason to
visit Makkah and Madinah. Although crowded with hundreds and thousands and
millions of people, the peace and tranquility is incomparable
As they say, New York doesn’t sleep,
they haven’t seen Makkah yet. Indeed!
Madinah
Praying behind Sheikh Sudais and Sheikh Shuraim is the best feeling ever. There can be no better sound to the Quranic recitation. Such an exotic feeling in itself. The aesthetic beauty and exquisite of the
place is incomparable. This is simply a no-miss even if you are in the kingdom for just a while.
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