Saudi Arabia opens to Israelis: the must-see attractions

Saudi Arabia opens to the West, and even to Israelis for pilgrimage and business. So what's there to see? From the world's largest desert oasis, through Red Sea festivals and visiting the world's oldest mosques to prehistoric sites and nature walks to green peaks. Attractions not to be missed by neighbors

Saudi Arabia opens to Israelis: the must-see attractions

Video: Jeddah tower built in Saudi Arabia and will be the highest in the world

On calmer days, it may have been the headline on the news sites. But with the plethora of political and political events popping up one after the other, she passed under the news, according to which Interior Minister Aryeh Deri signed an order allowing Israelis to visit Saudi Arabia. This is for the purpose of observing the pilgrimage team for Muslims, and also for attending business meetings and finding investment.

And anyway, Saudi Arabia seems to be opening up to the world recently - and world tourists are starting to discover it. This is in part thanks to four fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

With a vast area of ​​about 2,150,000 square kilometers, this kingdom is considered the largest country in the Middle East. It is also ranked 13th in the world in terms of its size. The natural landscapes are diverse, and include vast deserts, virgin beaches and impressive mountains.

As part of its opening to the world, this year Saudi Arabia will host several festivals in the spirit of local culture, and even an international film festival, to be held this March near the Red Sea coast. Named Red Sea International Film Festival. Sound a little familiar? Still, neighbors.

This openness comes against the backdrop of the "2030 Plan" launched in the country, which aims to reduce reliance on oil industry revenues and introduce a different face to the world in the tourism, economic and cultural fields.

For the first time: Israelis will be allowed to visit Saudi Arabia

Which of us will be visiting soon? Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital (Photo: shutterstock)

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital (Photo: ShutterStock)

Jeda: An oasis in front of the Red Sea

This port city, off the coast of the Red Sea, served as a capital until 1982. Today, it is a life-changing crucible of various cultures of animals living together. Here you will find a sea of ​​outdoor cafes with countless hookahs and backgammon boards. They are populated by Saudis, Egyptians, Yemenis, Somalis and those who are not. Don't give up on the big market, too, with spices you didn't even know existed. And of course, Jeddah is the gateway to Mecca.

Muslims believe that in Jeddah Burial Farm, and the historic area of ​​the city was declared a few years ago a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the near future, the "Jeddah Tower", which is expected to be the world's tallest building, will be inaugurated. An important cultural and economic one that, on the one hand, kisses the sea, and on the other offers simple access to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Miles in the Air: The tallest building in the world built near the Red Sea

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Mecca: Most Holy to Muslims (and to our Father Abraham)

Of course, a visit to Saudi Arabia without marking "vi" on Mecca is not really a visit to Saudi Arabia. Here, where it is believed that Muhammad was born, the city was considered the most important for Islam. Here stands the Ka'aba building - the place where Muslim believers from all over the world turn to it during prayer.

Incidentally, according to the belief, the Ka'bah was built by none other than Abraham our father, along with his son Ishmael. In Ka'aba lies the "black stone" - the same sacred stone that is believed to have fallen from the sky in human days and farm.

This complex also houses the El Haram Mosque, the most important mosque for Muslims. Outside of the Kaaba area, you will find that Mecca is a very modern, multicultural and vibrant city.

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Al-Medina: The world's oldest mosques

If Mecca is the holiest city for Muslims, then a country stands second. Here, in the western part of Saudi Arabia, close to a million and a half people live, including three of the world's oldest mosques. The Mosque of Cuba is believed to have been built by Muhammad himself. The other two are the Al-Qiblahain Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.

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Mountains: steep beaks and peaks

Welcome to the ridge where the highest peaks of the Arabian Peninsula rise. Mountains of Asir, in the southwest of the country, are declining in relative abundance, making them a fertile, green and spectacular space. And despite the beauty of these mountains, only a few tourists from the world who come to Saudi Arabia bother to visit this pearl, which is just a touch away from the Yemeni border. This ridge is also home to about half a million species of monkeys in Bon Madras (Baboon Egypt), as well as eagles and rare lizards. In short, a real safari.

And do not have to plow everything by foot or jeep - a cable car was recently inaugurated here in the picturesque village of Rigal al-Ma
Also in the area: A spectacular canyon channel, Wadi Khabbala, whose steep slopes inhabit small villages.

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Do not store: millions of date trees

The desert to Ahsa, in eastern Saudi Arabia, is surprising in size, and especially in the abundance of green hues it offers to viewers from nearby summits. No less than 2.5 million Tamar trees occupy the site, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, only 60 km from the Persian Gulf shores, there are fascinating archaeological remains from ancient times, mysterious caves and a lake. lovely.

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Ancient Paintings: Rock Art in the Kaal District

"Rock Art" is the nickname given to this archaeological site in the northern state of Kaal. Here, too, it is a World Heritage site, where a wealth of rocks show off in previous paintings, featuring animal and human characters. The two most prominent sites are Jabel al-Manjour and Jabel Umm Seaman, and both are surrounded by breathtaking desert scenery. The paintings were engraved here some 6,000 years ago, and animals can be identified as leaves, horses and camels. You can also find paintings depicting battle scenes. These were painted in a later period, some 3,000 years ago.

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Al Hajer: Petra's competitor

Another breathtaking archaeological site that many consider competing for Petra, Jordan. This site is located in the northwest of the country, where the Nabateans operated about 2,000 years ago. Yes, the same migrating tribe that also operated in our wilderness. The most important sprouting communities in the world, with dozens of impressive and decorated tombs, as well as a water pumping venture, are El Hajir's first Saudi Arabia site declared a World Heritage Site (2008).

Saudi Arabia recently decided to invest huge amounts of money in developing and promoting the site to put it on the regional tourism map.

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