Must See

'Asir

The southern region of 'Asir is home to some amazing landscape and wildlife and is the only part of the kingdom where there is significant wild vegetation - mostly evergreen bushes and palms. Leopards, honey badgers, baboons, mongooses, gazelle and other traditionally African species inhabit the more remote areas. Highlights of the area include the ornate ruins of the ancient cities of Shiban and Timna, the great dam and temple at Najran and the recently excavated ancient caravan city of Qaryat-al-Faw.

Hofuf

Hofuf is one of the major cultural centres of Shi'ite Islam in Saudi Arabia, and is located in the middle of the great Al-Hasa oasis. The city has a strong Turkish influence and the local area is extraordinarily pretty. Legend places Hofuf as the burial place of Majnoon and Laila, the star-crossed pair of the most popular love story in the Arab and Muslim world.

Jeddah

This ancient city has gone through a period of rapid expansion, and continues to grow, whilst still preserving its historic past. Ottoman architecture is being painstakingly renovated, while leisure facilities and amusement parks spring up simultaneously. Hotels and restaurants have a cosmopolitan feel, and provide a base for sailing, swimming and snorkelling holidays. Obhir Creek, located 50 kilometres further north, is another good area for this.

Mecca

Note: Non-Muslims may not enter Mecca or the immediate area; police are stationed to ensure that they turn off onto a specially built ring road, known locally as the 'Christian Bypass'.

Mecca is the spiritual centre of Islam, the birthplace of Muhammad, and the city that all Muslims must face during their five daily prayers. Every Muslim who can afford and is fit enough to visit, is obliged to make a pilgrimage (or Hajj) to the city at least once in their life. Although there are concerns over overcrowding (many have died due to crushing), the pilgrimage remains a magnificent sight and the completion of the symbolic ritual acts performed at the Hajj are what many Muslims strive towards.

The significant sites are the Kabbah Enclosure, the Mountain of Light, the Plain of Arafat, and Muhammad's birthplace - the House of Abdullah Bin Abdul.

Riyadh

Riyadh (Ryad), the royal capital since 1932 has today become a modern city of glass and steel, on the site of the first town captured by Ibn Saud in 1902. The Musmat Fort that he stormed still stands (a spearhead embedded in the main door is said to be the one with which he killed the Turkish governor), and there are a number of traditional Najdi palaces close to Deera Square. Though little else remains of the old town, travellers will pass through it as it still contains the essentials, such as bus stations.

Head to the camel market for a scent of the exotic, and if travelling in April or May take in one of The King's Camel Races, which celebrates the traditional desert sport of Bedouin tribes. Over 2,000 camels and riders and 25,000 spectators attend the races, which take place on a track that stretches for 14 miles.

Ta'if

Located on the slopes of the Al-Sarawat mountains, Taif's mild climate has made it the country's official summer capital. Driving to the city, you'll pass along an amazing corniche road (road on a ledge) that winds down the sheer cliffs of the Ta'if escarpment to the hot coastal plain. In between the stunning cliff-tops you'll be able to catch a glimpse of a number of pink palaces.

About 40 km north of the city is the remains of a Turkish fort; legend has it that Lawrence of Arabia fought here in 1917. Many battles were fought at the site as can be seen by the graves around the area.