It is always exciting to learn more about the world. You always want to know more about people from other countries - that is the reason why people like traveling around the world. Are people in other countries different from the natives of yours? You, probably, ask yourself this question. The answer is both yes and no. No - as all people are alike in their nature. Yes - as each nation has its own history, culture, traditions and customs. Saudi Arabia is not an exception. The information you get from Arab news is sometimes contradictory. You cannot form your own opinion just from Arab news - lacking the knowledge of history and culture, alongside with other peculiarities, your view of the country can be false. Below are the facts about Arabian region you may find curious enough.
It is reasonable to start with the basic facts, which you may get from Arab news. The capital city of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh; it is also the largest city in the country. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, with the economy oil-based. The prices for oil are extremely high now, and the country possesses a significant budget to support its citizens and develop the tourism industry - the other main source of welfare of the country. The government controls the major economic activities, and the country's budget is formed from petroleum export (nearly 3/4 of the total budget). Arabia is also the key member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries; that is why the world petroleum prices depend on how much barrels per day have been excavated by Saudi Arabia. The latest Arab news tell that the excavation of oil is to be cut, which fact will certainly strike the world oil market.
The Saudi monarchy is the central institute of the government. The country is ruled by the sons and grandsons of the first Arabian king - Abd Al Aziz Al Saud. The constitution of Saudi Arabia is based on Qur'an. Saudi Arabia is the cultural centre of Arab region. The two main Islamic holiest cities are located in this country - Mecca and Medina. Five times a day Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets all over the country. Islam itself has the same monotheistic roots as Judaism and Christianity, but these religions are banned here.
The folk dances of the natives are very exciting, for example, a ritual dance Ardha. This is a sword dance based on ancient Bedouin traditions. Drummers are beating out a rhythm, and a man is reading chants, while the other men are dancing with swords shoulder to shoulder. Saudi Arabian dress is symbolic, it resembles the people's past and the traditions of centuries. Men traditionally wear very long woven shirts made of wool or cotton and camel-hair cloaks over the top when it is chill, which sometimes occurs in the desert. Women's clothes are decorated with different jewels, such as coins, sequins, metallic thread, and appliques; still, Arabian women should also wear a long cloak and veil when leave home, to protect their modesty. Foreigners do not need to wear such attire, but, anyway, they are strongly advised against frivolous dress.
Saudi Arabia has dozens of 5-star hotels, sand beaches and resorts. It is a nice country to start your trip around Arab region. You can also visit the United Arab Emirates, Algiers and more. Now, when having the basic idea of Saudi Arabia, you can pack and start right now.