KSA
Jeddah
For centuries, Jeddah has been a meeting point for traders, travelers and pilgrims in the Red Sea. It is a major port, an important commercial center and the second largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, famous for its wealth of restaurants, cafes and shopping districts and for its comparatively liberal social life. But to many the city is more important because it is a gateway for millions of pilgrims on their way to the holiest places in Islam: Mecca and Madina. It is a grand city with history, personality and tons of opportunity.
Riyadh
The Saudi Arabian capital, sprawling Riyadh is a mix of historic monuments and ultra-modern skyscrapers. On a plateau surrounded by desert, it is one of the Middle East’s richest cities, so there are several 5-star hotels in Riyadh.
Riyadh translates to “the Gardens,” a reference to the area’s past that dates back to the 14th century, when the land was revered for its fertile soil, many canals and trees. Today, Riyadh Province, also known as Al Wosta, is home to the country’s capital: a modern metropolis with a thriving financial and business center and a growing cultural scene. It’s a city rich in history, boasting myriad forts, palaces and museums, and some of the country’s most colorful souqs. It’s also home to the country’s oldest university, King Saud University, plus one of the world’s modern and tallest skyscrapers, Kingdom Centre, which is a perfectly sculpted building looking strangely like a bottle opener.