About
WELCOME
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to ancient and living cultures spread across a landscape of amazing geographical diversity and unique monuments, including the heart of Najd, the peaks of the Sarawat Mountains, Tihama, the dunes of the Empty Quarter, volcanic lava fields (Harrat), the edges of the Golden Nufud and the Arabian Gulf coastline. The Kingdom is perfectly positioned at the heart of civilisations, cultures and world trade routes, connecting Asia, Africa and Europe.
As you explore our diverse land, you’ll encounter metropolitan business cities, world-class tourism and entertainment attractions, internationally significant natural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Hegra, At Turaif District in Ad Diriyah, Historic Jeddah, rock art in the Hail Region (Jubbah and Shuwaymis), Al Ahsa Oasis and Hima Cultural Area in Najran. These landmarks will guide you on a journey that gives you a glimpse into the lives of the numerous ancient civilisations who have contributed to our historical legacy, as well as a front seat to witness the significant cultural transformation that is still happening in the Kingdom today.
The Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to preserve our country’s heritage and promote its rich culture while working towards Vision 2030 to establish a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. This work involves restoring our cultural and heritage sites, as well as protecting and rehabilitating our important ecosystems including beaches, nature reserves and islands, and making these invaluable cultural and natural treasures accessible for all to appreciate.
We take pride in sharing our precious country with you, and wish you a safe and enlightening trip.
His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud
Minister of Culture, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia - A nation rich in natural wonders
Saudi Arabia’s land area of approximately two million square kilometres is divided into 13 regions, but for the purpose of this off-road guide, we have split the Kingdom into six areas.
Riyadh, located in the region of the same name, is called the ‘garden city’, for its position at the junction of two fertile valleys. It is home to 7 million of the Kingdom’s inhabitants and is the seat of government. The holy sites in Al Madinah and Makkah are cherished throughout the world, and Dammam and Jeddah are its main seaports and global gateways. The country borders the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen on the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula, as well as Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait in the north.
A rocky central plateau called the Najd accounts for about a third of the country’s landscape. The Najd, or ‘uplands’, is home to the Tuwaiq Mountains, as well as numerous wadis. It is bordered by three major deserts – the great, red Al Nufud al Kabir desert in the north; the world’s largest area of continuous sand, the Rub’ al Khali, or ‘Empty Quarter’, in the south; and Ad Dahna, a narrow belt down the eastern side of the Najd joining the two.
With 2,640km of coastline – the Red Sea to the west and the Arabian Gulf to the east – Saudi Arabia has beaches, lagoons, archipelagos and coral reefs. It also features several mountain chains. The Shammar range, in Hail Region, is home to twin peaks, Aja and Salma, around which local legend abounds. The Sarawat Mountains, which extend down the western coast leading into Yemen, includes the subranges of Hijaz and Asir, which is home to the 3,015m-high Jabal al Soudah.
Vision
A flourishing of arts and culture across Saudi Arabia that enriches lives, celebrates national identity and builds understanding between people.
Mission
To support and enable a vibrant Saudi Arabian culture that is true to its past and looks to the future by cherishing heritage and unleashing new and inspiring forms of expression for all.
The Ministry of Culture has a central role to play in each of the three main strategic pillars of Vision 2030: helping to create a vibrant society, thriving economy and ambitious nation.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made and care taken to ensure the accuracy of information, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. As with all advice, opinions, directions etc., use common sense, know your limits and use the descriptions with extreme caution. Explorer Publishing & Distribution accepts no responsibility for any accidents, injuries, loss, inconvenience, disasters or damage to persons or property that may occur while you are using this website. The fact a route is mentioned does not necessarily mean it is always passable or safe. You are responsible for determining your own limitations based on the conditions you encounter.
