10 Interesting Facts About Saudi Arabia

It was in 1932 that Saudi Arabia; the intriguingly fascinating country that we know of today, came into being. King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud took efforts to unify the many tribal regions of the Arabian Peninsula into a single Kingdom, and came to offer one of the biggest wonders in tourism to the world.

Since then, Saudi Arabia has never failed to amaze us; whether it is the country’s trailblazing leadership in the global energy realm, its endless shimmering sandy deserts that evoke wanderlust in many a traveller, or its signifying role as the birthplace of Islam, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has an undeniable influence in the world’s view of tourism.

If you are looking for an eye opening vacation experience in Asia this season, consider these facts a sign to book a Saudi Arabia tour package. Because at the end of this list of 10 interesting facts about Saudi Arabia, you will undoubtedly want to book cheap flights to Riyadh, and pay a visit!

Saudi Arabia Has Been Ruled By One Royal Family For Over 90 Years
Saudi Arabia is Home to The World’s Largest Airport
The World’s Largest Sand Desert is in Saudi Arabia
Some of The Most Fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites Are in Saudi Arabia
The Arabian Oryx, Which Was Once Declared Extinct Is Now Alive in Saudi Arabia
The Al Habala Village in Saudi Arabia Can Only be Accessed By Cable Cars
Saudi Arabia is Home to a Volcanic Field With Ancient Stone Gates Proving Habitation in The Neolithic Period
Saudi Arabia’s Food is Globally Recognized
Saudi Arabia Has a Mega Project Underway Centered Around Sustainability
Saudi Arabia is The Birthplace of Islam
Wrapping Up: Facts About Saudi Arabia
FAQs
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Saudi Arabia Has Been Ruled By One Royal Family For Over 90 Years

Imam Abdullah bin Saud Palace, At-Turaif , Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/VD Image Lab

Ever since King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud unified the Arabian Peninsula back in 1932, Saudi Arabia has been ruled by the Al Saud family, and no other.

King Fahd initiated Saudi Arabia’s modernization journey through various economic reforms and infrastructure developments. Later, King Abdullah furthered the initiative through more groundbreaking reforms from 2005 to 2015, one of which was the revolutionary right for women to vote in the municipal elections in Saudi.

Today, Saudi Arabia is ruled by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, along with the support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, together continuing their journey to modernize the country as per Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia is Home to The World’s Largest Airport

The interior of King Fahd International Airport, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Mousamjm

Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport in Dammam City, is the largest airport in the world. With an area of 9080 acres of land, the airport exceeds the size of its neighbouring country Bahrain.

Named after King Fahd Ibn Abdulaziz, the country’s former ruler, the airport is known for its ultra-modern services and facilities for travellers. Serving the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia including cities like Dammam, Jubail, Dhahran, and Khobar, the airport features sleek modern infrastructure, including an 80-meter tall control tower, various world-class cafes and dining options, and changing tables for children.

The World’s Largest Sand Desert is in Saudi Arabia

Lakes in the Empty Quarter desert in Saudi Arabia
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Slim Segi

Saudi Arabia is home to 80% of the area of the Rubʿ al-Khali, or the colossal Empty Quarter spanning 650,000 sq. km, the rest of which is shared by Oman, the UAE, and Yemen. It is the largest desert in the Arabian Peninsula and boasts sand dunes up to 250 m high. The entire desert is known to shine bright in hues of red and orange under the sun, due to its feldspar composition. Besides its size and striking shades, it is also known for its shallow blue lakes.

Also Read: Umrah on a Layover? Saudi Arabia’s Free Transit Visa Has a Catch, & More

Some of The Most Fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites Are in Saudi Arabia

Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Hyserb

Saudi Arabia claims a special spot in the world when it comes to ancient historic sites and facts. Some of its intriguing cities like Hegra in Al Ula, and Diriyah are home to fascinating historic regions and structures that make them UNESCO recognized World Heritage Sites. While Hegra houses intricate tombs cut into massive rocks, Diriyah offers stunning mudbrick houses featuring unique architecture, ancient walls, and streets exuding rich history. A walk through these places will leave you feeling more intrigued and inspired than any other country.

The Arabian Oryx, Which Was Once Declared Extinct Is Now Alive in Saudi Arabia

Arabian Oryx standing in the desert dunes in the Middle East
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Eva Sonne Yardley

The Arabian Oryx – a species of antelopes was declared extinct in 1972; a result of severe hunting and poaching. However, thanks to the efficient conservation efforts by many private reserves and zoos in Saudi Arabia, the animal came back into existence in the 1980s. With around 1220 Arabian Oryx left in the world, much of which are in the Rubʿ al-Khali desert, in 2011, their status was changed from endangered to vulnerable.

The Al Habala Village in Saudi Arabia Can Only be Accessed By Cable Cars

Saudi Arabia's historic hanging village of Al Habala — Saudi Arabia’s historic hanging village of Al Habala
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Offthecouchexperience

Al Habala – an abandoned village in Asir, located around 61 km from the city of Abha in Saudi Arabia was built over 370 years ago by the Khatani Tribe. The group settled in this hard-to-reach village to avoid invasions of the Ottoman Empire. The only way they could get to the region was through rope leaders. After being abandoned by the tribe in the 1990s, the village became accessible via cable cars, and it remains to be the only way even today.

Take unique Saudi Arabia tour packages to visit this interesting site; you can explore the region’s culture, tour its villages, visit the Al Habala Park, and more while you’re here.

Book your accommodation at one of the best hotels in Riyadh and take day tours to visit interesting villages like these outside the city.

Saudi Arabia is Home to a Volcanic Field With Ancient Stone Gates Proving Habitation in The Neolithic Period

A volcanic landscape with multiple mountains and lava fields. Harrat Khaybar, KSA.
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Magdalena Eliza Mrowka

Harrat Khaybar is a volcanic field located in the Hezaz province of Saudi Arabia. It is last known to have erupted in the period 600-700 AD.

In 2022, ‘The historic scoria cone of the Jabal Qidr’ – a part of the volcanic field was recognized by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) as an important Geological Heritage Site.

The more interesting part is that many archaeologists have discovered more than 400 man-made stone gates in the region, proving inhabitation in the Neolithic period.

Also Read: Saudi Beyond Mecca: 6 Beautiful Places to Visit in KSA

Saudi Arabia’s Food is Globally Recognized

Chicken kabsa - homemade arabian rice, Saudi food. — Chicken kabsa – homemade arabian rice, Saudi food.
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/hussein farar

If not for anything else, you must visit Saudi Arabia for its food. The country’s culinary experiences are world-renowned for being exotic, and worth exploring. Some of its foods, like Kabsa – its national dish, is known for its hearty and comforting quality.

Moreover, KSA’s coffee culture is highly regarded and respected all over the world. In fact, Arabic Coffee is much sought after by tourists.

The food in Saudi Arabia, particularly Riyadh, is so globally popular that Time Out magazine declared Riyadh as one of the world’s best cities for food in 2025.

Saudi Arabia Has a Mega Project Underway Centered Around Sustainability

Saudi Arabia's NEOM City Project — Saudi Arabia’s NEOM City Project
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/choi yurim

KSA is currently building a high-tech city called NEOM in the Tabuk Province, as part of its much-anticipated and planned mega project, launched in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. It includes groundbreaking elements and revolutionary facilities such as “The Line” – a 170 km linear city, a ski resort, a tourist island, and more.

The entire project, many parts of which have already started opening, focuses on innovation with a strong grip on sustainability – one among the very few kinds in the world.

Saudi Arabia is The Birthplace of Islam

A sight from Mecca, Saudi Arabia's holy city — A sight from Mecca, Saudi Arabia’s holy city
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Daimasala Abdullah

Back in 610 CE, Prophet Muhammad is believed to have received revelations and callings that led to the formation of Islam as a religion and lifestyle, in what is now Saudi Arabia. Many places in the country, such as the Al Ula region and its ancient Nabatean tombs contain artifacts that date back to pre-Islamic times, standing testimony to this fact.

Even today, Saudi Arabia’s governance is based on Islamic laws (Sharia), which are primarily derived from Sunni Islam theories and teachings. The Quran – the Islamic holy book, is recognized as the constitution of the Kingdom

Furthermore, because the country is home to two of the most coveted holy cities in the world – Mecca and Medinah, Saudi Arabia also officially holds the title of “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques”.

Also Read: Dubai Tourist Visa Rejections: Top Reasons Why Dubai Tourist Visas Get Rejected

Wrapping Up: Facts About Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, clearly, holds more than just intriguing desert secrets and destinations. It is an entire world bearing hidden proofs and landmarks that illustrate life from ages ago. And that is why Saudi Arabia tours are increasingly becoming popular from many countries including India.

Book cheap flights to Jeddah or Riyadh and visit Saudi Arabia’s promising destinations like Al Ula, Diriyah, and Abha to witness some of the country’s best kept geological secrets. Before you book your Saudi Arabia travel packages, be sure to apply for your Saudi Arabia visa with a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries to avoid hassles.

FAQs

What is unique to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia holds several unique attributes and elements that make it a popular tourist destination.

Some of these unique attributes include its status as the birthplace of Islam, being home to the coveted holy cities of Mecca and Medina, its ancient historic landmarks that indicate life from long-gone ages like the Neolithic period, its oil reserves, and its rich culture marked by the cuisine and hospitality of the people.

Why visit Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is one of the most popular tourist destinations because of its unique cultural and historic attractions. A visit to the country would not just be an interesting journey, but would also serve as a deep dive into the culture and history of KSA.

While cities like Riyadh and Jeddah offer a rich insight into the modern life of Saudi, other places like Hegra showcase the country’s historic significance. Many destinations also provide a wholesome experience of Saudi Arabia’s culture, including food and its bustling souks.

In every way, a trip to Saudi Arabia promises fun, insight, and depth, making it an unforgettable journey.

What is best to buy in Saudi Arabia?

Some of the best things to buy in Saudi Arabia include dates, gold jewelry, oud-infused scents, handwoven rugs and carpets, camel milk products including chocolates, traditional clothing like Abayas and Thobes, and frankincense and myrrh.

There are also other specialty items like Dallah coffee pots – Saudi Arabia’s traditional coffee pots, intricately designed prayer mats, prayer beads, and zamzam water – blessed water from a spring in Mecca.

What is the ghost city in Saudi Arabia?

Al Ula is widely known as the ghost city in Saudi Arabia. It was once the capital of the ancient Lihyan kingdom, and for the same reason, many of its stone structures and ruins are more than 2000 years old.

What is NEOM famous for?

NEOM is a well-planned high-tech city project in Saudi Arabia that aims to be the epitome of innovation and sustainability. Its elements are designed to harness the best of technology and creative innovation while being grounded in sustainable development.

It is one of the country’s much-anticipated mega projects that is a means to diversify Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy.

Is NEOM open to tourists?

Yes, some parts of the high-tech city NEOM are open to tourists, such as Sindalah – luxury island resort on the Red Sea designed to be a world-class destination for vacations, beauty, and avant garde infrastructure.

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