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Archive for May 26th, 2009

Discovering The Charm Of Saudi Arabia

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

Saudi Arabia is a Middle East country that occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula and has both Persian Gulf and Red Sea coast lines. Its surrounding countries are Jordan to the northwest, Iraq to the northeast, Kuwait and Qatar to the east, United Arab Emirates to the south east, Oman and Yemen to the south. There is a veil hung over Saudi Arabia that distorts the reality that resides behind it. This is partly a two way process, since Saudi Arabia does not permit tourist visits and exercises strict Islamic principles those non Muslims might shy away from. Similarly, much media reportage of Saudi Arabia focuses solely on these Islamic based laws and equally focuses on its expanse of hot and repetitive desert, its archaic customs in dated cities.

Lift the veil, however, and you will find that many conceptions of Saudi Arabia are misconceptions. Saudi Arabia has many areas of beautiful oases and dramatic mountain tops, beaches and rivers. Its cities, although having no nightlife, do have plenty of cafes and restaurants. There are also shops galore, from the souk to the huge department store. Indeed, Saudi Arabias major cities are generally very modern, with amenities of a high standard. And as long as you respect and abide by the viewpoints and customs of the country, you will find that you are treated cordially.

Saudi Arabia has a desert climate. In Jeddah it is warm for most of the year. Riyadh, which is inland, is hotter in summer and colder in winter, when occasional heavy rainstorms occur. The Rub al Khali seldom receives rain, making Saudi Arabia one of the driest countries in the world. There is a good range of hotel accommodation throughout the country. Accommodation is generally easy to find, except during the pilgrimage season when advance reservations are recommended. Service charges are fixed at 15 percent for deluxe and first category hotels and at 10 percent for all others. Hotel charges double in Mecca and Medina during the pilgrimage season, and increase by 25 percent during the summer months in resort areas such as Abha, Al Baha, Kamis Mushait and Taif.

Local food is often strongly flavoured and spicy. The most common meats are lamb and chicken, beef is rare and pork is proscribed under Islamic law. The main meat meal of the day is lunch. Foreign cooking is on offer in larger towns and the whole range of international cuisine, including fast food, is available in the oil-producing Eastern Province and in Jeddah. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan will incur strict penalties. Restaurants have table service. There are no bars. Alcohol is forbidden by law and there are severe penalties for infringement. It is important to note that this applies to all nationals regardless of religion.

Today, Saudi Arabia is becomes one of the popular tourist places in Middle East County. The number of visitors will be increase day by day to visit the different types of places in Saudi Arabia. So all Saudi Arabia Hotels provides you with best facility to staying hotels with very cheap rates. Saudi Arabia hotel provide the best room services and lodging ability to our customers in very cheap rates and most importantly the satisfaction.

Knowing More About Saudi Arabian Culture

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

As we all know the Islam is one of the biggest religions in the world. The people who follow Islam are spread all over the world. Saudi Arabian culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam. Islam’s two holiest sites, Mecca and medina are located in the country. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country. The weekend begins on Thursday due to Friday being the holiest day for Muslims. All Muslim countries have a Thursday-Friday or Friday-Saturday weekend.

The public practice of any religion other than Islam, including Christianity and Judaism, the presence of churches, and possession of non-Islamic religious materials is not allowed except in Aramco compounds in which many expatriates attend church services. Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage is celebrated at the annual Jenadriyah cultural festival. The ancient Arab tradition of hospitality continues unchanged to the present day.

Traditions and craftsmanship : The interlinking spheres of mathematics and astronomy are equally important aspects of the Arabian culture heritage. The word “algebra” is derived from Arabic word “Algebra”. Navigation and cartography were direct developments of these numerate skills. Similar attributes of outstanding craftsmanship are shown in the development of intricate workmanship in precious metals and even in household goods. It was in the settled communities such as Jeddah, Makkah that these skills flourished.

Both town dwellers and bedouins, however, shared one ancient Arab tradition: That of hospitality. Even today, in the home, or on Saudi flight, drinking Arab coffee. The method of preparation is traditional, each step is an almost ritually observed process. The poetic tradition of the bedouin is a further example of complex and beautiful art form. Poetry promulgated the virtues and merits of their tribes such as the obligation to respect social values. Generosity, hospitality and courage were, to them, a matter of honor and failure to adhere to this unwritten code was regarded as a great insult.

Despite the great pace of growth the Kingdom has witnessed over the last two decades, traditional culture and social values have been maintained steadfastly and the rich heritage of the Kingdom protected and enhanced. However, secret negotiations are rumored to be taking place between the Vatican and Saudi Arabia regarding authorization to build Catholic Churches in the Kingdom.  In Saudi Arabia culture, women’s attire must not be form fitting, must not attract attention, and must not be worn out of vanity. Moreover, although women must cover all but their hands and faces, some choose to  also wear veils and gloves.