Advertisement
Published: February 14th 2019
Edit Blog Post
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may be almost entirely covered in deserts and sand dunes, but trust me when I say that this country has so much more to offer. You might think it strange that a female fashion designer and author finds such beauty in the very strict Saudi Arabian Kingdom. However, the rich culture and landmarks you get to see will make you fall in love at first sight. This visit has definitely allowed me to experience a whole new world that will always add to the guiding force of my life’s journey. Still, I won’t pretend that the rules for foreign travelers, especially women, can be a bit off-putting. However, if you familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations before you embark on your trip, you’ll be left with the most incredible experience of your life.
Tourism in Saudi Arabia
It’s important to mention that there is no tourist visa for Saudi Arabia. Essentially, you can visit the country for business purposes or as a guest of a local resident. You have probably already heard that women need permission to enter or leave the country from their male guardians, but that rule doesn’t apply to
foreign ladies. In my experience though, you may still have to go through some checkups and delays at the airport. Make sure that all your papers are in order. You can also opt to
download some useful Muslim apps to help you manage your time there better and to stay informed regarding the local religious and cultural customs.
Things to pay attention to
You are free to bring any devices that you want but make sure that your phone and/or camera doesn’t have any photos that may violate the Saudi Arabian law. Of course, alcohol, drugs and pork are absolutely forbidden – you can’t bring these into the country. You can have your own medicine, but remember to pack your doctor’s prescription as well. Also, try to resist the temptation when it comes to photography. Government buildings cannot be photographed and you definitely can’t snap photos of random people on the street.
The dress code
This is the obvious question and a very important one for women who want to travel to Saudi Arabia. And no, I didn’t have to wear Abaya or cover my head. But considering the country’s standards, you should still try your best to be decent in public. This means that you should refrain from showing too much skin. Baggier clothes are recommended but you’re not limited to black, so feel free to dress stylish as I did.
The beauty of Riyadh
The capital of Saudi Arabia won’t leave you indifferent. There are so many attractions to see that even my adventurous spirit felt tired at some point. Take the time to check out the local cuisine because every renowned restaurant in Riyadh is definitely worth it. Kingdom Centre was undoubtedly my favorite. As a fashion designer, I got more than I could have hoped for. This amazing building has more than 160 amazing stores, with great places to dine as well. Four Seasons Hotel is a must visit, too. The National Zoo and Museum, as well as Al Maktaba Park and Al Musmak Castle are the jewels of Riyadh. The ancient castle is a truly splendid sight to see.
Other amazing places to visit
If you want to check out the most iconic Islamic place on Earth, Al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina is considered to be the world’s holiest mosque, built by the Prophet himself. Moreover, if you’re in for exploring the scenery that feels completely other-worldly, Madain Saleh is a piece of breathtaking nature that you simply have to see to believe. The same goes for the famous
Edge of the World. As you stand there, it truly feels like the horizon expands endlessly. Another place worth visiting is Al Soudah. It is the country’s mesmerizing national park that offers camping sites and many entertaining activities. And if you want to see something truly spectacular, Wahba Crater (volcanic crater) won’t leave you disappointed.
The trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had a lot to offer to a fashion lover and writer such as myself. The fact that I am a woman didn’t prevent me from indulging in the fascinating sights that this country has to offer. As long as you’re careful and keep the basic rules of conduct in mind, the beauty of this world inside the world will exceed all your expectations.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.047s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 10; qc: 18; dbt: 0.0164s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 984.9kb