CAPITAL RIYADH - POPULATION 28.2 MILLION - AREA 1,960,582 SQ KM -OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ARABIC
Whether tourists will be arriving in Saudi in 2009 depends very much on whether it remains on many foreign offices' no-go lists. Tourist visa might remain elusive but are not as impossible to obtain as they once were, and those who make the effort to get here never fail to be impressed by the wealth of activities. Don't miss Habalah, a deserted village with incredible views from its cable car, gasp at the wonders of ancient Petra-like Nabatean city Madain Saleh, and dive the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. While non-Muslims will have to skip Mecca and Medina, a visit in February will ensure access to the colorful two-week Al Jenadriyah culture and heritage festival near Riyadh.
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