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Country Guide > Middle East > Saudi Arabia | |
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Western & Southern Regions The west coast is a centre for trade, but of equal importance is the concentration of Islamic holy cities, including Mecca and Medina, which attract pilgrims from all over the world. The region also includes the city of Jeddah, which was until recently Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic capital and remains the most important commercial and cultural gateway to the country. The spiritual centre of the Islamic world, forbidden to non-Muslims. Places of significance to Muslims include the Kaabah Enclosure, the Mountain of Light, the Plain of Arafat and the House of Abdullah Bin Abdul Muttalib, where Muhammad was born. The second-holiest city in Islam and also forbidden to non-Muslims. Although the city has grown phenomenally, priority is being given to the preservation of the ancient city. The ragged, coral-coloured Ottoman buildings are being renovated. Leisure facilities have increased and the corniche has a ‘Brighton’ feel about it. There is an amusement park and a wonderful creek allowing both sailing and snorkelling. Its hotels and restaurants are cosmopolitan and there are good fish and meat markets. Perched on top of a 900m (3000ft) cliff at the edge of the plateau above Mecca, this resort town enjoys a milder climate than much of the country and was for a long time the official summer capital. It is noted for its pink palaces and for the astounding modern corniche road that winds down the sheer cliffs of the Taif escarpment to the hot coastal plain. Other important towns in the Hejaz include Khaybar, Hanakiyah, Usta, Wadi Fatima and Yanbu. A range of coastal mountains and the only part of the kingdom where there is significant wild vegetation, mostly palms and evergreen bushes. Millet, wheat and dates are grown using largely traditional methods. The inhabitants are darker than other Saudis, being in part descended from African slaves. Baboon, gazelle, leopard, honey badger, mongoose and other ‘African’ species inhabit remoter areas. Unique to Asir are the ancient gasaba towers, phallus-shaped and of unknown purpose. Places to visit include the ancient caravan city of Qaryat-al-Fau, currently being excavated; the great dam and temple at Najran; and nearby, amidst orchards of pomegranates, limes and bananas, the ornate ruins of the ancient cities of Timna and Shiban. |