Everything from Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, occupying most of the Arabian Peninsula, is a vast desert country with important Red Sea and Persian Gulf coastlines. It has a population of about 36 million. The capital, Riyadh, is a modern business hub. The birthplace of Islam, it is home to the religion’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina.

Founded in 1932 by the Al Saud family, it is an absolute monarchy governed by a conservative interpretation of Sunni Islam. Its economy is dominated by the world’s second-largest oil reserves, which have funded rapid modernization. Recently, the kingdom has launched an ambitious “Vision 2030” plan to diversify its economy and open up socially, promoting tourism and reducing its reliance on oil.

Saudi Arabia is a country in the region Sandalsand has defined as the Middle East and Africa. There are introductions to this region and other regions in the Destinations menu.