The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Arab country and the largest country of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Jordan on the northwest, Iraq on the north and northeast, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates on the east, Oman on the southeast, and Yemen on the south. The Persian Gulf lies to the northeast and the Red Sea to its west. It has an estimated population of 27.6 million, and its size is approximately 2,150,000 square km (830,000 square miles).
The Kingdom is sometimes called "The Land of The Two Holy Mosques" in reference to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest places in Islam. In English, it is most commonly referred to as Saudi Arabia .The Kingdom was founded by Abdul-Aziz bin Saud, whose efforts began in 1902 when he captured the Al-Saud’s ancestral home of Riyadh, and culminated in 1932 with the proclamation, and recognition of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is the world's leading petroleum exporter and petroleum exports fuel the Saudi economy.[2] Oil accounts for more than 90 percent of exports and nearly 75 percent of government revenues, facilitating the creation of a welfare state,[3][4] which the government has found difficult to fund during periods of low oil prices.[5] Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly expressed concern about the state of human rights in Saudi Arabia, although these concerns have been dismissed by the Saudi government.
ABHA
The city of Abha lies in the southwestern part of the Arabian peninsula. The region abounds in mountains, valleys and fertile plains. It has a generally moderate climate, heavy rainfall, green pasture and agricultural plateaus.
Abha is engulfed by clouds and is surrounded by dense forests.
To ancient Egyptians, this region was known as the land of spices and incense.
To utilize the region's touristic and aesthetic potential, several parks have been established, most important among which is the Aseer National Park. It groups small parks in Al Qara'a, Al Souda, Al Wardeh, Dalafan, Al Jarrah and Al Hassab. The area also includes the Grand Tourist lake Project and Al Hebla Park, which has been provided with a cable lift service. Abha has a modern airport and more than 56 gardens that are continuously open to the public.
Visitors are particularly attracted by the Al Miftaha art village at the King Fahad Cultural Center. Here they find art works by Saudi painters and sculptors. Also available are archaeological items, handicrafts, local honey, hand-woven products and souvenirs. The open theater presents entertainment by various popular groups.
The city of Abha also includes the famous Shada" archeological palace which dates to the year 1250H, and contains numerous archeological artifacts.
Abha has been beautified and prepared to receive tourists. Available in the city are 5-star hotels, furnished tourist villas and fashionable motels. Visitors can spend their time moving between mountain parks amidst a hospitable Arab atmosphere.
AL-AHSA
The largest oasis in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ahsa is an area that extends from the Arabian Gulf to the Dahwa and Oman deserts, and forms the border with Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman. Covering an area of 2,500 kilometers in the southern part of the Eastern Province, it is home to more than 600,000 people, who mainly inhabit Al-Ahsa's four major cities: al-Hofuf, Al-Mobarraz, Al-Oyoun, and Al-Oman. It also contains fifty scattered villages which nestle among its palms. King Faisal University was established in this area in 1974 91494H), and it contains a general hospital, a number of government and private hospitals as well as a sports complex. Its central oasis, Al-Ahsa, boasts two million palm trees. The Ministry of Agriculture has set up a factory to process its rich output of dates, amounting to five tons daily. There is varied agricultural production in this area, including rice, corn, citrus and other fruit. Springs and brooks that abound in the region serve as an ample source of irrigation. There is also heavy livestock activity here, with 200,000 head of sheep, 50,000 head of goats, 12,000 head of cattle and 15,000 head of camels. There are more than 15 extensive poultry farms that produce more than 100 million eggs and 30 million table chickens annually.
Industry in Al-Ahsa
Petroleum is the main industry in the region, absorbing twenty percent of the work force. Factories turn out cement, plastic as well as the long Arab coat, or "mislah." There are various small industries as well. Because of its massive industrial and agricultural development, commerce has thrived here. Employment in markets, hotels and government and private banks absorbs sixty percent of the population.
Archeological riches in Al-Ahsa
In the long history of this region, inhabitants have included the kanoomites, Jun Hermites, Tasmis and Banu Abdul Qais.
An impressive number of historical sites give witness to the area's importance:
1.The Juwana mosque is considered to be the second mosque build under Islam, the first being the mosque of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
2.Al-Aqeer Seaport is situated on the Arabian Gulf in eastern Al-Ahsa. It has lost its focal role as a fishing and transport site, and is now an outing place for people of the region.
3.Al-Kabeer Mosque was built by Imam Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud, the great-grandfather of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was built on the pattern of the Cordova mosque in Southern Spain.
4.Qasr (Castle) Ibrahim was built during Ottoman rule. It is located prominently in Al-Hofuf city.
5.Al-Oyan (springs), like those in Umm Sabaa and Najran (in other parts of the Kingdom), provides curative mineral water at a steady rate.
6.Qarah mountain in the village of the same name offers visitors cool air in the summer months.
7.Samoud Palace was built during Ottoman rule in the city of Al-Mobarraz.
AL-KHOBAR
Al-Khobar city is one of the three main cities in the Eastern Province, the others being Dammam and Dhahran. These three cities form a closely joined triangle which has existed for centuries. In the past, Al-Khobar was a small port on the Arabian Gulf, inhabited mainly by fishermen. With the discovery of oil, it was transformed into an industrial port. In time, it has become the commercial hub of the Eastern Province. Based on a city plan dating back to 1942 (1361H), the city is neatly divided into residential squares evenly transected by roads. Such careful organization is indicative of its important role in the national economy. Along with its industrial port, the city still serves small ships carrying passengers and goods. It is the center of the area's export-import activity, and is a transit point for goods that are distributed throughout the Kingdom. It contains branches of all the country's major banks as well as fine hotels, some along its picturesque corniche. It is developing into an important industrial city, with factories turning out industrial gas, dairy products, carbonated water, tissue paper and ready-made garments.
The King Fahad Causeway
On the southern outskirts of Al-Khobar passes the King Fahad Causeway which links the Kingdom to Bahrain. Inaugurated in 1986 (1407H), the bridge runs for twenty-five kilometers. Equipped with all necessary facilities, the causeway serves to facilitate the flow of traffic between the two countries and to strengthen relations between them.
Health services in Al-Khobar
The city has numerous hospitals, the most prominent being King Fahad University Hospital (500 beds) and the Al-Khobar General Hospital (50 beds). It is also served by private hospitals, government hospitals and quarantine centers.
Tourism in Al-Khobar
With its gardens, picnic spots and kilometers of beaches, Al-Khobar has become a vacation center. Among its attractions are Half Moon Bay, Sunset Beach, and Al-Azizia beach, five kilometers from the city center. The King Fahad Coastal Town consists of gardens, amusement halls, zoological gardens, and a manicured corniche.
Alkhobar Corniche
AL BAHA
Al Baha city is situated between Makkah Al Mukarramah and the Aseer region, in south-western Saudi Arabia. It is surrounded by a number of cites, including Taif on the north, Beesha on the east, Abha on the south and the Red Sea coast city of Al Qunfuda on the west. This tourist city is situated in an area characterized by natural tree cover and agricultural pleateaux. Due to its location above sea level, Al Baha's climate is moderate in summer and cold in winter. In the past the area has been known variously as Ghamid and the Zahron region. Tribes in the region trace their origin to the famous pre-Islamic state of Saba whose rule extended to areas presently known as Syria and Lebanon. Historians also report that they established the famous state of Akoum, in Abyssinia. The Al Baha region is among the most important tourist areas in the Arab world, boasting fresh air, dense forests, beautiful valleys. Due to its location at 2500 meters above sea level, the area attracts visitors looking for a moderate climate and pristine, scenic views. Visitors from inside the Kingdom and nearly countries are particularly attracted to the area by its more than 53 forests, which include:
1.The Raghdan forest, which covers an area of 600,000 square meters. five kilometers from Al Baha City, it has been provided with children's playgrounds and other amenities.
2.The Amdan forest is 55 kilometers to the north of Al Baha city. It abounds in olive trees, Ara'r shrubs and other natural vegetation.
3.The Wadi Feig forest is 8 kilometers from Al Baha city. It is encircled by a green valley littered with apricot, pomegranate and grape orchards.
4.The Wadi Al Ageeg forest is 40 kilometers from Al Baha and abounds in various fruit trees and tall lotus trees. Al Baha airport is in Ageeg city.
5.The Al Kharrara water fall is 30 kilometers to the south of Al Baha. Its scenic view attracts a large numbers of visitors.
To attract visitors, the area has been provided with many hotels, motels and parks in addition to historical fortresses that speak volumes about the history of this part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al Baha is the headquarters of the Governor, local councils and branches of governmental departments. Receiving the state's special attention, the city of Al Baha abounds in educational, tourist and health institutions. The "Pearl of Resorts" is the name given to Al Baha by the fascinated visitors who become acquainted with the city.
DAMMAN
Dammam City is an important Saudi port on the Arab Gulf. The largest town in the eastern region, it has expanded to the city limits of two other modern towns, Al-Khobar and Dhahran. Near Dammam are located the most important centers in the world for the production and refining of petroleum. The population of Dammam is greater than a million. The most important features of the city are :
~King Fahd International Airport
~King Fahd Park
~The Coastal Sports Center
~Half Moon Beach
~Alkhleej Makarim Village
DHAHRAH
Dhahran city is noted for housing the largest oil company in the world, the government-owned ARAMCO. King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals, a scientific and technological research center, is logically located here. Most of the city's 60,000 inhabitants are employed by the Airport, the University of Petroleum and Minerals or ARAMCO. A minority are in business, which complements institutional activity.
HAIL
The city of Hail is situated in the Shammar mountain region, west of the Al-Odairie valley, also known as the Hail valley. It has special historic significance. It is also a transit point for pilgrims heading towards Makkah Al Mukarramah from Iraq and Syria.
The city extends in the shape of a bow around the Shammar mountain. It is surrounded to the west by the Aja and the Umm-Al-Riqab mounts as well as the Salma mount to the north and east.
Hail has been transformed into a modern city, having undergone comprehensive development. It is now linked via modern expressways to Riyadh, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al Madinah Al Munawarah and Jeddah.
There are more than thirty gardens in the city and twenty-five landscaped areas, covering an area of 1,735,163 square meters. The city's public parks include Al Rasuf, Ugdah, Janeiri and Ghar Al Majma in addition to Hail's public park and Mashar Park, which includes a 65-square-meter artificial lake and a 300-meter-high waterfall.
Hail's cultural center includes a number of halls for artistic exhibitions, a permanent exhibition center and a popular museum in addition to a theater, public library and other halls for meetings and lectures.
The city contains several historic palaces and fortresses, some dating the Ottoman era in addition to ancient Thammadi artifacts, the historic Zubaida Route and a host of ancient lakes and wells. Hail is also known for its agricultural products, including vegetables, fruit, wheat and barley. Hail City is the provincial capital and headquarters of the Governor, local councils and branches of governmental departments.
JEDDAH
Jeddah is the second largest city after Riyadh, it is the main port of the Kingdom on the Red Sea and main gate through which most of the pilgrims arrive by air and sea to perform Umrah, Haj or to visit the two holy mosques. Area inhabited is more than 1,500 km, and population is more than one and half million. Jeddah is an industrial and active commercial center, with modern features, squares and courtyards. It is an important tourism center, with an eighty kilometer long beautiful corniche on the Red Sea coast. Jeddah also comprises the King Abdul Aziz University, King Abdul Aziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port. King Fahd Fountain is located inside the Red Sea, near the coast, is an outstanding feature of the port of Jeddah particularly during the night when it sends beautiful colored water up to two hundred and sixty meters.
The name Jeddah meaning the "Ancestor of Women" is attributable to the tomb in the city which is believed to belong to Eve. Today, it is not however possible to see that interesting place since the Saudi Arabian government had the tomb destroyed for the reason that it would instigate perversions in the religion. Jeddah which gained importance during the Ottoman rule, was incorporated into the Kingdom of Hejaz and later came under the British control. It joined the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1927.
JIZAN
Jizan is located in southwestern Saudi Arabia, Jizan covers an area of 40,000 square kilometers, including some 5,000 villages and cities. The city of Jizan is situated on the Red Sea coast. Attached to it are 100 islands, including the important island of Farasan. Jizan is the third most important seaport on the Red Sea.
The area's tourist landmarks include: Buqa'at Al Farar, Buqa'at Marouh, Buqa'at Heran, Al Meriah and Al Makhafa in addition to the Al Absiyah Fortress antiquities and the agricultural plateaus of Shat Al Sabaya.
The region's historical cities include: Asir city, Qalaat Abi Arish, Upper Jizan, Jabal Jahfan and Qalaat Alasilki, which was formerly the headquarters of Turkish rulers.
A visit to the Jizan region must include the Farasan islands in the Red Sea, which form an archipelago with nearby pearl-rich islands. These islands are situated in the southeastern part of the Red Sea and to the southwest of Jizan city.
Farasan island itself is surrounded by some 90 islands to which thousands of birds migrate annually from Europe and other parts of the world. Gazelles are also found in large numbers in these islands.
Located on an ancient caravan route, Jizan city is currently witnessing tremendous economic, educational, cultural and healthcare development. It is famous for its scholars, poets and men of letters and is the headquarters of the Governor, local councils and branches of governmental departments.
JOUF
Jouf is Saudi Arabia's northern gateway, linking Syria and Iraq with the Arabia peninsula. It is the cradle of the Nabatean and Assyrian cultures. Jouf's region covers an area of 58425 square kilometers, ranging from plateaux to valleys and fertile plains.
The provincial capital is Skaka, the seat of the Governor, the local council and branches of various governmental departments. Skaka city is located at the northern tip of the Greater Nufud desert, spreading over an area of 27 square kilometers. The history of Skaka dates back more than 5000 years. The numerous Arab archeological monuments of the city's past. The city of Skaka is famous for its hand-woven carpet industry. To the west of Skaka is the city of Domat Al Jandal, with its numerous orchards and agricultural fields, which are surrounded by high mountainous slopes. Domat Al Jandal is famous for the manufacture of swords, daggers and carpets. The region also produces large amounts of wheat and has 230,000 date palms.
Jouf is one of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia's richest regions in terms of antiquities. Archaeological monuments include:
1. The Za'abal fortress, which was built in the 7th Century BC.
2. Al Sa'ee Hill, which resembles the Palmgric-type of fortress. It has stone pillars known as Al Rajajeel (men), so named because they resemble the shape of a group of men. They date to the 4th century BC.
3. The Omar Ibn Al Khattab Mosque in Domat al Jandal. It was built in the 17 Hijri year when the Caliph Omar was on his way to Bait Al Maqdis.
4. Marid Fortress which is 2000 ft. high and dates to 2000 BC.
5. Taima City, situated 264 kilometers to the southeast of Tabouk city. Its most ancient inscriptions date to the Assyrian era. Taima was mentioned in cuneiform writing during the era of the last Babylonian King who built a palace in Taima similar to his palace in Babylon. Taima is surrounded on three sides by an archeological perimeter wall which protected it against invaders. It was built in the 6th century BC during the era of King nepotein.
6. The Al Hamra palace, on the city's western side, dates to the 7th Century BC.
7. Al Ablaq palace is located on the southwestern side of the old city and is surrounded by a high fence linked to the city's perimeter wall.
JUBAIL
This massive industrial complex on the Arabian gulf, along with Yanbu, its twin on the Red Sea, stands as a symbol of the government's vision of Saudi Arabia's future development. The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu was established to plan and administer all installations in these two "cities." An ancient center of the Eastern Province and a caravan junction, the city of Jubail was famed for pearling. Located near the oil producing area, it was found suitable as the site of the world's largest petrochemical complex. Jubail industrial city has been divided into five zones:
1.The Industrial Zone has nineteen main factories with 136 ancillary installations, and produces steel, aluminum, plastic and fertilizers under the supervision of the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). This zone covers an area of 8,000 hectares, or approximately eighty kilometers. In catering to diverse needs, SABIC leases fully developed and fully equipped industrial sites at nominal rents.
2.The Residential Area is composed of eight localities built on an adjacent island linked to the mainland. There are 40,000 inhabitants. The area has the capacity to accommodate 375,000 people in modern up-to-date houses.
3.The Airport Area, covering an area of 250 kilometers, has the capacity to receive all types of aircraft and handles the transportation of passengers and freight.
4.The Picnic Zone, situated to the West of the industrial zone, covers an area of 204 kilometers. To the residents of the city, it is an invaluable recreation area. It encompasses verdant sites, playgrounds and facilities for water sports. The zone is set among abundant trees and rare plants.
5.Al-Batwah Island is affiliated with Jubail Industrial city. A picnic site with a park and a zoo, it features plant nurseries, fishing sites and a marina.
The main projects in Jubail as well as Yanbu supervised by SABIC are the following:
1.The Saudi Iron and Steel Company (Hadeed)
2.The Saudi Methanol Company (Al-Razi)
3.The Jubail Fertilizer Company (Samad)
4.The Jubail Petrochemicals Company (Kemya)
5.Saudi Petrochemicals Company (Sadaf)
6.The National Methanol Company (Ibn Sina)
7.The Arabian Petrochemicals Company (Petra-Kemya)
8.The Oriental Petrochemicals Company (Sharq)
9.The National Industrial Gas Company (Gas)
10.The National Plastics Company (Ibn Hayyan)
11.The Saudi-European Petrochemicals Company (Ibn Zahr)
12.The Saudi Chemical Fertilizer Company (Ibn Al-Bitar)
SABIC's investment in these projects amounts to SR33.5 billion. The Saudi Consolidated Electric Company (SCECO) supplies Jubail Industrial City with 6,000 megawatts of electricity. Communication links within the Kingdom and abroad have been effected through microwave axial cables and a telex network.
King Fahd Industrial Port
Jubail has a complex of ports for different import and export needs. The largest is King Fahd Industrial Port, situated north of the industrial corridor. Nine kilometers in length, it is made up of nine berths, two storage yards and numerous service platforms. It contains a marine loading station for tankers that is four kilometers in length. A berth is reserved for petrochemical products and one station for the loading and unloading of iron ore.
MADINAH
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah is the second holy city to Moslems after Makkah Al-Mukkaramah. It has also got many other names such as Taibah, Yathrib, the City of the Messenger, and Dar Al-Higra (i.e. Home of Immigration). It is the city whose people supported Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) when he immigrated to it from Makkah. It comprises the Mosque of the Prophet, his grave, the Islamic University, King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran and many archaeological Islamic features.
~The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah~
MAKKAH
Makkah Al-Mukkaramah which has many other names such as Umm Al-Qura, Al-Balad Al-Amen (Secure City) and Al-Balad Al-Haram (Holy City), is the first holy city for Moslems. In Makkah, Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) was born, the Revelation was descended to him with the Holy Quran, and from it propagation for Islam was launched. In the center of the city there is the Holy Mosque inside which is the Holy Qabaa, The Maqam of Prophet Ibrahim, the Stone of his son Ismaiel (May God bless them), Zamzam well which water has been pouring through hundred of years, and Safa and Marwah where Moslems make Saie. Near Makkah are the other holy shrines of Mina, Muzdalifa, and Arafat where Mount Arafat is located and where pilgrims spend the day of Arafah every year as the main ritual of Haj (pilgrimage).
~Holy Mosque in Makkah~
NAJRAN
Najran is one of the Kingdom's most modern cities. Being the capital of Najran region, it is the headquarters of the Governor, local councils and branches of various governmental departments. Najran city is surrounded by orchards and trees and encircled by a range of rocky mountains, the highest of which is the 1450-meter-high Abu Hamdan mountain. The area abounds in scenic views, particularly the Abi Al Rashras valley, one of the city's most important tourist landmarks, where water gushes through rocks to irrigate surrounding verdent areas. Other tourist attractions are the Wadi Nahouqa and Raoun mountain.
Being an agricultural city, Najran is famous for its beautiful gardens and public parks. Peaches, apricots, apples, grapes, lemons and oranges are grown on a wide scale.
The 73-meter-high Najran dam is one of the region's tourist attractions, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy scenic views on both sides of the dam. Historical artifacts available in the area include rock drawings and inscriptions, particularly in the city of Al Okhdood, south of Najran city. This large sand-covered fortress gives the impression that it once possessed high perimeter walls built with giant stones similar to those used in building the famous Egyptian pyramids. Najran's landmarks include the "Rass" stone, a 2-meter-high granite stone.
Najran is also famous for its numerous popular festivals and folklore dances. It is a tourist city with a moderate climate, orchards and scenic views.
QASEEM
Situated in central Saudi Arabia, the Al Qaseem region is bordered on the north by the Hayel region, on the east by Al Zulfi, on the south by the Al Washam region and on the west by the Al Madinah Al Munawarrah region. It has a total area of 80,000 square kilometers and a population of 1.5 million.
The history of al Qaseem region dates back to the 9th Hijri century. Due to its important location at the junction of major trade routes, the region witnessed a wide range of historical events. Many revolve revolve round the Zubaidah route, which begins in Iraq and ending in Makkah Al Mukaramah; it has been used by Haj caravans. Zubaidah; wife of the Caliph Haroon Al Rasheed, dug wells along this route to supply pilgrims with water.
Buraidah is one of the Al Qaseem region's most important cites. It is the headquarters of the Governor, the Local Council, branches of governmental departments, a branch of King Saud University and a branch of Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University in addition to a number of colleges and institutes. King Khaled Urban Center is one of Buraida's most important landmarks. It contains exhibits, museums and a special area for popular festivals. The Prince Abdullah Sports City is also one of Buraidah's features. 160,000 square kilometers in area, it contains playgrounds and a football stadium with a capacity of 20,000 spectators. Buraidah's public park covers an area of 49,000 square kilometers. It has a swimming-pool, fountains, artificial water falls, children's playgrounds and rest places for visitors. Buraidah's three-storeyed water tower is one of the city's tourist and aesthetic landmarks. The top floor contains a 1,000 square-meter reception hall with a balcony overlooking the city from all directions. The tower is surrounded by a 45,000 square-meter green area. Unaizah is the second largest city in the Al Qaseem region with a population of more than 120,000. It is famous for its date palms, libraries and agriculture. It possesses about 500,000 date palms and cultivate wheat orange, lemon, pomegranate, grapes and mandarin oranges. Unaizah's numerous libraries include the National library, the Al Salihiya Library, the Unaizah Cultural Club's Library, the Ibn Salih Cultural Center Library and the Women's Library.
Near Unaizah and in the middle of the desert there are several fish farms producing more than 1,000 tons of fish annually.
QATIF
An oasis city, Qatif is the center of one of the most important fishing and agricultural areas in the Kingdom. Its inhabitants are mainly fishermen, farmers, businessmen and government employees. The Qatif area contains a population of 300,000 people scattered over distinct regions. The villages are inhabited by farmers, and the coastal areas by fishermen. There are vast desert expanses that are sparsely inhabited. The city contains more than thirteen schools for boys and girls, a 300-bed general hospital, health centers and a 40-bed specialist hospital. There is a Health Institute for boys and nursing institute for girls. Fishing is dominant: Qatif is the main supplier of fish to the Eastern Province. The agricultural section produces dates, wheat, barley, vegetables, fruit and poultry. Business and oil also figure into the area's accounts.
RIYADH
Capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh city is the seat of government; ministries, embassies, diplomatic missions, as well as It contains educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical, commercial and social organizations.
Riyadh city population exceeds two million, and the total inhabited area is more than 1,600 km. Riyadh also contains two university "cities," King Saud and Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University, in addition to military and security colleges, specialized institutes, information, cultural information and cultural centers, sports facilities and stadiums, literary Centers and public libraries.
The Municipality of the city has 17 branches in various quarters. The main features of Riyadh are:
1. Qasr Al-Hukm Area
This area contains the Riyadh city hall, with its striking combination of contemporary and traditional architectural styles.
2. The Diplomatic Quarter
This is a verdane quarter located in the northwest; it contains more than 90 foreign embassies, missions, and international organizations, in a setting of walks, gardens, sports facilities and malls.
3. The Ministry of Information Complex
This broadcasting nerve center contains the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting station and television studio. It is capped by a 176 meter tower of Ornate design.
4. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Complex
This offers to a breathtaking example of contemporary Islamic architecture.
5. The Ministry of Interior
This example of massive modern design hovers over one of the city's central areas.
6. King Fahd Stadium
Designed in a shape of a large round Arabic tent, this lavish stadium contains a football field accommodates 80,000 fans.
Other notable features of the city are Riyadh Water Tower, The National Museum, The Zoo, The King Fahd National Library, King Khalid International Airport, The Equestrian Club and the 93 kilometer ring road encircling the city.
TABOUK
Situated in northwestern Saudi Arabia, Tabouk is the provincial capital and headquarters of the Governor of the Tabouk region, local councils and branches of various governmental departments.
It is spread over an area of 104,000 square kilometers. The region's ancient history dates back to 1500 BC. It is believed that the region of Tabouk was the land of Madyan and Dadan mentioned in the Holy books. It was known by the name "Taboo" when, with the town of Al Ola, it was the capital a prosperous state in the region.
During the prosperous Saudi era, Tabouk has became famous for its agricultural products, particularly flowers. The region's flower exports to Europe include gladiola, lilies and statices. Tabouk's historic monuments include the mosque in which the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, performed his prayers during the battle of Tabouk. There is also the Tabouk fortress and the Hijaz Railway Station (the line used to link Al Madinah Al Munawarrah with Damascus during the Ottoman Era). Al Bidaa is an important archeological town of glorious history. Its rich civilization is reflected in the numerous caves carved in the mountain. There are also important archeological sites in Al Khuraibah, Rawwafa, Al Muwailih, Al Muzim and Taima. These include historic palaces and fortresses, wells, resting places and water wells.
TAIF
The City of Taif is located in the western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is administered by the Emirate of Makka Makkah Al-Mukkaramah regions.
Taif, with its deep rooted history that dated back to thousands of years is famous for its gardens and good quality agricultural production on top of which are grapes, pomegranates and honey. The elevation of the city by about two thousand meters above sea level, makes it one of the important resorts in the Kingdom. A modern net work of roads link Taif to Makkah Al-Mukaramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah and Riyadh. The most important of these roads are Taif-Riyadh and Taif-Makkah-Jeddah road which passes through the high Hada mountains, and is one of the most outstanding achievements in the technology of road construction. Thousands of vacationers from the Kingdom and other Arab Gulf states spend the summer season in Taif resort to enjoy its green scenery and beautiful parks, the largest of which is King Fahd Park with a total area of 175 square kilometers. There are also other resort sites near Taif such as Al-Shifa and Al-Hada.
Taif now covers a total area of about eight hundred hectares, whereas the area of the city did not exceed two and half square kilometers in 1951, which indicates the great expansion which the city of more than three hundred and fifty thousands population has witnessed.
The Archaeological Features in Taif
Taif region is rich in archaeological sites that date back to pre-Islamic era. Pictures and writings found on a lot of monuments indicate their date and history. The most famous of these historical features was Souk (market) Okaz which played a distinguished role in the history of Arab poetry before Islam. The Souk was a forum for poetry debate in one of the richest era in the history of Arab literature and culture. Other important archaeological features in the city include many pre-Islamic fortifications, and Islamic mosques such as the Mosque of the Prophet's Companion (peace be upon him) Abdullah Ibin Abass,The Mosque of Al-Koaa, The Mosque of Adas and The Mosque of Al-Sanousi. Taif also contains a number of historical palaces such as the Palace of Ismaiel, The Palace of Bahawat and The Palace of Shubra which were all built in the local construction style for which the western region of the Kingdom was famed. There are many archaeological embankments in the city of which we cite the Embankment of Wadi Ikrimah on which rocks were found some archaeological writings.
YANBU
Yanbu was established thousands of years ago when early Egyptian traders crossed the Red Sea, establishing land routes into Jordan, to the north, and Jeddah, to the south. This area is referred to as Old Yanbu, the historical part of the town. Modern Yanbu is a short distance away.
This city was developed along with Jubail in the Eastern Province as an industrial city. Built on a smaller scale than its eastern cousin Yanbu comprises petrochemical & non hydrocarbon facilities plus a refinery & also the terminal of the East-West pipeline.
