'Al-Mamlaka
al-Arabiya as-Saudiya'
Travel warning
There is an ongoing high threat of terrorism in
Saudi Arabia. Following terrorist attacks in May and June 2004,
it is suspected that terrorists are scheduling further attacks,
including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners
in Saudi Arabia. All necessary steps to protect safety and to guarantee
strict security precautions should be undertaken. It should also
be remembered that Islamic law
is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia. Travellers should visit 1
of the following government websites or call the telephone numbers
provided for the latest risk assessment:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Website: www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Tel: +44 (0)870 606 0290.
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Website: www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp
Saudi Arabia occupies 4 5ths of the Arabian
peninsula. Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, the Gulf of Oman,
Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen border it. The red
sea lies to the west. Riyadh (Ryad), the royal capital, is a modern
city constructed on the site of the original town. Apart from the
fort and a few traditional Najdi palaces near Deera Square, minute
trace of the old town remains.
The west coast is a centre for
trade, but of equal significance is the concentration of Islamic
holy cities, including Mecca and Medina. The region also includes
the city of Jeddah, until recently Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic
capital, which remains the most important commercial and cultural
gateway to Saudi Arabia. Mecca is the spiritual centre of the Islamic
world.
Places of significance to Muslims include the Kaabah
Enclosure and the House of Abdullah Bin
Abdul Muttalib, which was where Muhammad was born. Priority
has been given to the preservation of the ancient city of Jeddah,
however leisure facilities have increased and the corniche has a
‘Brighton’ feel about it. The main meat meal of the
day is lunch, usually either kultra (meat on skewers) or kebabs
served with vegetables and soup. |
