Saudi Arabia

Written by a female Middle East expert, Bradt s Saudi Arabia is the first English-language travel guide from a mainstream publisher that focuses exclusively on the Kingdom, which has now opened for general tourism as part of rapid political, economic and social reforms. With detailed advice on what to see and do, listings for accommodation and restaurants, guidance on cultural etiquette and advice for women and other diverse travellers, this book provides the practical information adventurous tourists need to explore this new, exciting destination. Saudi Arabia will appeal to adventure travellers, offering activities ranging from pristine, world-class scuba diving to mountain-trekking. With dramatic scenery including a desert that stretches for hundreds of kilometres (where you can camp like a Bedouin) and several accessible nature reserves, visitors looking for undisturbed landscapes are spoilt for choice. Culture vultures will appreciate pre-Islamic rock art, Nabatean heritage, Mada in Saleh (the sister city to Jordan s Petra in Jordan) and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites rarely visited by international tourists. Particularly after sundown, when Saudi Arabia truly comes alive, urbanites can explore the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, where shopping opportunities range from traditional souqs to top-end malls where the wealthy go to see and be seen. Gastronomists can enjoy varied cuisine, from fine dining worthy of a Michelin star to traditional meals served on the floor, shared by all and eaten by hand. This guide dispels misinformation by providing an unbiased, up-to-date and comprehensive resource that accurately reflects what Saudi Arabia now offers visitors from all backgrounds. Most outsiders know little about the Kingdom other than from typically negative media coverage, so may be pleasantly surprised at its rich history and youthful population eager to extend hospitality to guests respecting their culture and traditions. A comprehensive guide combining detailed travel information about the entire Kingdom (from the Northern Borders to Asir, and from Hejaz to Eastern Province) with a chapter explaining some of the main practices of and reasons for the hajj and umrah pilgrimages, plus contextual insights covering cultural etiquette, reforms and women travellers, Bradt s Saudi Arabia is the perfect companion for people who thrive on off-the-beaten-path travel.

Chapter 1 Background Information At a glance, Geography & geology, Climate, Natural history & conservation, History, Archaeology, Government & politics, Economy, People & culture (inc Religion, Language, Education), Art & architecture, Cinema, Music, Sport 34 pp
Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies & consulates, Getting there & away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Gay & lesbian travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Import restrictions, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating & drinking, Public holidays & festivals, Shopping, Arts & entertainment, Photography, Media & communications, Business, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively 58 pp
PART 2 THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Riyadh History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Orientation, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Sports & activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 4 Central Region – Najd Riyadh, Qassim & Ha'il Provinces
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Orientation, What to see, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Sports & activities, Other practicalities
Chapter 5 Northern Region – Shammar Jouf (Jawf) & Northern Borders Provinces
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Orientation, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Sports & activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 6 Western Region - Northern Hejaz Tabuk & Medina Provinces
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Orientation, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Sports & activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 7 Western Region – Southern Hejaz Mecca Province & Jeddah
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Orientation, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Sports & activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 8 Southern Region – Asir Asir, Najran, Jizan & Bahah Provinces
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Orientation, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Sports & activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 9 Eastern Region – Sharqiyah Eastern Province
History, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Orientation, What to see, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Sports & activities, Other practicalities
Chapter 10 Hajj & Umrah Mecca & Medina
Appendices