christian tourism in saudi arabia

Share full article

Supported by

Saudi Arabia Wants Tourists. It Didn’t Expect Christians.

In a fluid new age for the conservative Islamic kingdom, evangelicals have become some of its most enthusiastic visitors.

A man helps guide a woman down a rocks, with another man at her back.

By Vivian Nereim

Photographs by Iman Al-Dabbagh

Vivian Nereim has reported from inside Saudi Arabia since 2015. For this article, she and the photographer Iman Al-Dabbagh spent five days traveling through Saudi Arabia with a Christian tour group.

The caravan of five Toyota Land Cruisers raced across Saudi Arabia’s rocky desert, weaving onto a highway so new it was not on the map. At the cleft of sea that splits the kingdom from Egypt, they stopped on a barren beach. Fifteen tourists spilled out and gathered around Joel Richardson, a Kansas preacher.

As the sun dipped below the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula — hazy across the water in Egypt — Mr. Richardson asked the group to imagine standing on the other side at the moment of the biblical Exodus, fleeing from Pharaoh’s army with Moses, when the sea ripped in half.

He opened a Bible, donned his glasses and began to recite. “Who among the gods is like you, oh Lord?” he said. “Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”

Two Florida retirees, a Colorado pharmacist, an Idaho bookkeeper and an Israeli archaeologist listened intently.

Jebel al Lawz

Site of Neom

These were not the visitors Saudi officials expected when they opened the country’s borders to leisure tourists in 2019, seeking to diversify the oil-dependent economy and present a new face to the world. First would come the adventurers, they thought — seasoned travelers searching for an unusual destination — and then the luxury market, with yacht owners flocking to resorts that the government is building on the Red Sea coast. No one in the conservative Islamic kingdom had planned for the Christians.

Yet Christians of many stripes — including Baptists, Mennonites and others who call themselves “children of God” — were among the first people to use the new Saudi tourist visas. Since then, they have grown steadily in numbers, drawn by word of mouth and viral YouTube videos arguing that Saudi Arabia, not Egypt, is the site of Mount Sinai, the peak where Jewish and Christian Scriptures describe God revealing the Ten Commandments.

Mainstream biblical scholars vigorously dispute this. But that does little to dampen the pilgrims’ enthusiasm as they embark on what is, for many of them, the trip of a lifetime, hunting for evidence that they think could prove the truth of the Exodus.

“It makes something tangible that you have believed in your whole life,” said Kris Gibson, 53, the Idaho bookkeeper on Mr. Richardson’s trip, who had never traveled beyond the United States and Mexico before she boarded a plane in February to Saudi Arabia.

For decades, nearly all of the tourists who entered Saudi Arabia were pilgrims going to Mecca, the birthplace of Islam. Openly practicing other religions was effectively forbidden. Synthetic Christmas trees were smuggled in and sold as contraband. People accused of “witchcraft” were executed .

The country’s religious dogmatism began to ease early in the 2000s, when tens of thousands of Saudis studied in the United States. Then, in 2015, a new king elevated his 29-year-old son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, into the line of succession.

Prince Mohammed declared that he would turn the kingdom into a global business hub. He unleashed a cascade of social changes, stripping religious police of their powers, loosening dress codes and lifting a ban on women’s driving.

He also oversaw an increase in political repression , silencing almost every Saudi voice that might challenge him. In 2018, Saudi agents in Istanbul murdered and dismembered the Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a critical exile. An American intelligence assessment determined that the prince probably ordered the killing, a charge he denied.

Since then, Prince Mohammed has defied attempts to isolate him, deploying Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth in new ways to cement the country’s influence, including this month’s surprise deal between a Saudi-backed golf league and the PGA Tour.

As Saudi Arabia traverses this fluid new age, once-unthinkable events have become commonplace , giving daily life the texture of a surreal dream.

Few Saudis would dare to speak of full religious freedom; atheists — and even Muslims who question the tenets of Islam — can face imprisonment . But religious taboos are shifting rapidly. Buddhist monks attended an interfaith gathering in the kingdom last year, and Jewish visitors recently planted date palm trees in Medina, Islam’s second holiest city. An American-Israeli man turned up in the capital, Riyadh, with a website proclaiming himself “chief rabbi of Saudi Arabia.”

The kingdom is changing so fast that people are often unsure what has official approval and what is an accident. Government entities did not respond to requests for comment about Christian tours. Some Saudis privately expressed bemusement, though, and expanding tourism is a priority as the country diversifies its economy.

There is also a more subtle incentive. Saudis have long been portrayed in North America and Europe through tropes that brand them as backward and barbaric. They view tourism as a way to redefine the narrative and showcase their culture: its hospitality, its generosity, its spiced coffee and deep-fried sweets.

“When you think of Saudi Arabia from the States, you certainly don’t think of this,” said Ms. Gibson, strolling through a canyon filled with palm trees.

‘How Beautiful’

When Ms. Gibson told a friend she was going to Saudi Arabia, he called her crazy. She worried about offending Saudis — wearing the wrong thing, eating with the wrong hand — but once she arrived, no one seemed to care.

“I’m just absolutely shocked at how beautiful it is,” she said. “Because, you know, in my head I’m thinking, nothing but sand.”

Israel and Egypt have local Christian populations and long ago welcomed Christian travelers, drawing millions of people a year, many of them American evangelicals. Saudi Arabia is a nascent market. But several tour companies now offer packages geared toward Christians.

Like most similar journeys, Mr. Richardson’s tour — costing $5,199 per person — covered an area that Prince Mohammed chose for a science fiction-inspired mega-project , Neom, where he plans to build a linear metropolis composed entirely of two parallel skyscrapers.

Neom’s planners promise to preserve archaeological sites. Still, some Christian tourists worry.

“I wanted to see it in its pristine nature,” said Michael Marks, 52, the pharmacist from Colorado, who accelerated his plan to visit because of the project.

Like many Christian tourists, Mr. Marks became interested in the kingdom through the story of Ron Wyatt, an American nurse who popularized the idea that Saudi Arabia was the location of Mount Sinai.

Biblical archaeologists typically place Mount Sinai in Egypt, although there are other theories. A minority points to writings by the Roman historian Flavius Josephus suggesting that Jebel al-Lawz, a mountain in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is the site. There is also local lore that Moses spent time in the area. “No historical or archaeological evidence support these stories,” Saudi archaeologists wrote in a 2002 paper.

In the 1980s, Mr. Wyatt smuggled himself into Saudi Arabia and was arrested for entering illegally. He made a series of dubious claims, including that he had discovered the remains of ancient Egyptian chariots under the Red Sea.

Nevertheless, his ideas — initially on the fringe of evangelical beliefs — spread. Several years ago, Ryan Mauro, a self-described security analyst and Fox News commentator, narrated a popular YouTube video, “Finding the Mountain of Moses,” in which he said: “The Saudis have been hiding the evidence of the Exodus.”

Such conspiratorial assertions are often coupled with Islamophobia, but Saudi officials appear to see little conflict in courting conservative American Christians . For one, they are relatively inured to prejudice against Muslims; declarations by Donald J. Trump, like “I think Islam hates us,” did not dent his warm ties with Prince Mohammed when he was president.

But also, links to these groups offer a new source of soft power, coveted as an alternative way of connecting to Americans even when formal U.S.-Saudi ties are rocky. In 2018, weeks after Mr. Khashoggi’s murder, the prince hosted a delegation of American evangelical leaders in Riyadh.

Evidence in the Desert

Mr. Richardson led his first tour to the kingdom in 2019, when the tourist visas were first available. A bearded man with a dry sense of humor, he was raised nominally Catholic in Massachusetts. As a teenager, he was a “very successful hedonist,” he joked.

But in the early 1990s, he came across a tent revival meeting in Tennessee and became an evangelical. “The Holy Spirit just spoke to me and said, ‘Your entire life is just a complete lie,’” he said.

He became fascinated by end-times prophesies, and in two books published more than a decade ago, argued that the Antichrist will be Muslim, describing Islam as a “totalitarian ideology” with “satanic origins.”

Asked how he reconciles his writing with what he calls a love of the Middle East, he said his perspective has changed, describing himself as a “conservative libertarian” who now has more of a live-and-let-live attitude.

On one of their last days in the kingdom, he took the tourists to a Bedouin camp, where their hosts milked a camel, pouring the frothy liquid from a silver bowl into cups for them to drink. Inside a tent lined with burgundy carpets, they dipped dates into fresh goat butter and feasted on meat and rice piled on platters the size of chandeliers. “This is such a privilege, that we get to be at the forefront of all this,” he said, praising the cultural exchange.

That pleasure alone is not what brings him to the kingdom; nor is profit from the tours, which are costly in a country where tourism is still new. Like many of the tourists, he is driven by an urge to uncover proof of the Bible’s stories, to walk where he believes they happened. The scenes of the Exodus fill him with awe. Finding signs that it occurred “would be the single greatest sacred biblical step forward in the past couple of thousand years,” he said.

“In my opinion,” he said, “all the evidence is sitting right out there in the desert.”

As they planned their journey, Luis Torres, 54, and his wife, Elinette Ramirez, 55, wanted to mark the occasion. They printed shirts with an image of a mountain crowned in flames with the GPS coordinates of Jebel al-Lawz.

To get there, the group drove for hours and hiked through a golden-brown canyon. “I want to give everyone time to reflect and pray,” Mr. Richardson said.

As a child, Ms. Ramirez had struggled to connect to the Bible’s stories. Now, she and her husband had traveled all the way from Puerto Rico to see the peak they believed was the mountain of God.

The sun beamed, sending rays floating into the valley, as they lifted their palms to the sky. “Hallelujah! Christ is coming!” they sang. “The trumpet will sound soon and the heavens will open up.”

When the time came to leave, Ms. Gibson lingered. She swayed as she gazed at the valley, wrapped in thoughts of the divine.

“All the majesty,” she said, her cheeks wet with tears. “I just got overwhelmed.”

Ahmed Al Omran contributed reporting from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Charo Henríquez and Isabel Kershner contributed translations.

Vivian Nereim is the Gulf bureau chief. She has more than a decade of experience in the Arabian Peninsula and was previously a reporter for Bloomberg News covering Saudi Arabia. More about Vivian Nereim

Senior/Lead Pastors
Admin/Exec Pastors
Outreach Leaders
Children’s Ministry
Youth Ministry
Women’s Ministry
Tech Ministry
Small Groups
Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast
ChurchLeaders Podcast Network
The Exchange

Chuck Swindoll, 89, Moves to Founding Role at Stonebriar; Jonathan Murphy Named Successor

Dallas jenkins gives season 4 update on first day of filming ‘the chosen,’ season 5, ‘in a christian worldview, every child is a wanted child,’ dr. jeremiah johnston declares ahead of prestonwood’s chosen conference, florida pastor accused of collecting dead person’s social security benefits for nearly 12 years, experts call for vatican judicial reforms to promote transparency and a fair trial, biblical sites in saudi arabia now open for u.s. tourists.

As part of its recent modernization efforts, Saudi Arabia is opening the Kingdom’s doors to non-religious visitors from 49 nations, including the U.S. Tourist e-visas are available within minutes, officials say, and visitors are exempt from some social restrictions. Though “modest clothing” is still required, women won’t need to wear the head-to-toe abaya or be accompanied by a man.

Until now, only businesspeople, their families, and Muslims on pilgrimage have been allowed into Saudia Arabia. On Twitter , the Kingdom boasts about its “rich traditions and warm-hearted people.” Tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb says, “Visitors will be surprised…by the treasures we have to share—five UNESCO World Heritage Sites , a vibrant local culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.” He also encourages investors to join the “fastest-growing tourism sector on earth.”

Although Saudi officials hope to attract 100 million visitors and 1 million new tourist-sector jobs by 2030, some experts are skeptical. The Kingdom first “needs to raise its profile as a possible holiday destination,” says Jim O’Brien, who owns a U.K.-based travel company. “For years it has been very closed to visitors, so this may take some time.”

Factors such as regional competition, global connectivity, security, and geopolitical risks will be key, says economist John Sfakianakis. Because so many Muslims journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia already has a solid network of air travel and hotels.

The Timing Behind the Move

Welcoming foreigners is part of Vision 2030 , the reform program of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman . He’s been trying to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil. Meanwhile, bin Salman has faced concerns about human rights violations, including the Yemen crisis and the 2018 murder of dissident journalist Jamal Kashoggi .

The tourism announcement comes just weeks after a delegation of American Christian evangelical leaders met with bin Salman and other Saudi officials. The leaders, who traveled to the Kingdom last month as “ambassadors for Christ,” says they were building relationships and encouraging continued reform. Support for Israel is important for many evangelicals.

The September visit, which occurred during the week of the 9/11 anniversary , was “in defiance of those that aim to derail reform in the Kingdom through an embrace of hate and fear rather than courage and moderation,” according to the group.

Biblical Sites and Other Attractions to Visit

Saudi Arabia is much more than just desert, with archaeological and architectural wonders and several biblical sites of interest. Some people, including YouTuber Ryan Mauro , believe the “real” Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments , is Saudi Arabia’s Jebel al-Lawz mountain . An ancient well is believed to be the meeting place of Moses and his wife, Zipporah. And Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, is believed to have visited the ruins of Dedan, Wadi Tayyib, and Tayma.

Living Passages , an Idaho-based travel company, launched its “ first-ever Christian tour of rare sites ” in Saudi Arabia. Author Joel Richardson , who led a group to “Jethro’s Caves in the Land of Midian,” says, “This portends to be the most significant new archaeological site in modern history.” The sold-out tour, which cost $9,000 per person, also includes a stop at the Split Rock of Horeb , from which God provided water for the Israelites. “We’re tremendously blessed that the Saudi government is allowing us to visit the Kingdom to see some of its rich historical and geographic treasures,” says Richardson.

Saudi Arabia’s World Heritage Sites include Al-Ahsa , the world’s largest oasis, featuring 2.5 million date palm trees; Mada’in Saleh , an ancient city with well-preserved tombs and cave drawings; and Masmak Fortress in Riyadh, a site key to Saudi Arabia’s formation as a Kingdom of different tribes. Other attractions include the Red Sea coast, palace complexes, King Fahd’s Fountain , the Jubbah rock carvings , the Al Wahbah crater (which has its own salt field), and the Jeddah Tower , billed to be the world’s tallest building upon its completion in 2020.

Guidelines for Tourists

Although some social restrictions are being eased for foreign visitors, they’ll need to pay close attention to Saudi Arabia’s strict codes. Female tourists, though not required to be completely covered, still must cover their shoulders and knees in public. Men shouldn’t wear shorts or go shirtless in public. Guidelines for “modest clothing” also apply at beaches.

Christians are advised against bringing Bibles and any non-Islamic materials into Saudi Arabia. Officials have indicated that having a Bible for private worship may be okay, but the Kingdom’s religious police could report you for displaying one in public. Bringing a large quantity of Bibles into Saudi Arabia could result in “ severe penalties .”

‘10,000 Reasons’ Singer Matt Redman and Wife Release Documentary Shining Light on UK Pastor’s Abuse

Kirk Cameron Discusses Connection to ‘Quiet on Set’ Predator, Says He’s ‘Taking Back Children’s Entertainment’

‘God Is Faithful!’—Pastor Confirms His Teenage Son Was Found Safe

Actor Alan Ritchson Doesn’t Understand Why Christians Support Trump—‘Trump Is a Rapist and a Con Man’

OJ Simpson Dead After Battle With Cancer, Once Said He ‘Could Have Been a Better Christian’

Our Mission
Privacy Policy

Skip to main content
Skip to after header navigation
Skip to site footer

The Halal Times

Global Halal, Islamic Finance News At Your Fingertips

Saudi Arabia’s Drive for Tourists Opens Unexpected Doors to Christian Visitors

Welcome to Saudi Arabia’s drive for tourists, where ancient heritage meets modern allure. In a thrilling journey across Saudi Arabia’s unforgiving desert, five Toyota Land Cruisers embarked on a freshly paved highway, uncharted on maps. This expedition led them to a desolate beach at the sea’s inlet separating the kingdom from Egypt. Among the adventurers were fifteen tourists who rallied around Joel Richardson, a preacher hailing from Kansas.

In the waning light of a setting sun, with the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula merely a silhouette across the water in Egypt, Richardson evoked the biblical Exodus. He prompted the group to envision being on the other side with Moses, escaping Pharaoh’s army as the sea tore apart.

With a Bible in hand and glasses on, Richardson recited verses of praise for the divine. Among his audience were two retirees from Florida, a Colorado-based pharmacist, an Idaho bookkeeper, and an Israeli archaeologist. This motley crew was not exactly the type of tourist Saudi officials anticipated when they opened their borders to leisure tourism in 2019. The aim was to diversify their oil-reliant economy and project a new global image.

Instead of the predicted adventurers and luxury travelers, the conservative Islamic kingdom found itself playing host to Christians. These visitors, including Baptists, Mennonites, and self-proclaimed “children of God,” were among the first to utilize the new Saudi tourist visas. Their ranks have been growing steadily, attracted by the idea that Saudi Arabia, not Egypt, is the site of Mount Sinai, where the Ten Commandments were revealed according to Jewish and Christian Scriptures.

Read this: Is The Tourism Sector In Saudi Arabia Sustainable?

Such claims have met with pushback from mainstream biblical scholars, but this hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of the Christian pilgrims. For many, this journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue evidence they believe could validate the truth of the Exodus.

Before 2019, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector was dominated by Islamic pilgrims visiting Mecca. Open practice of other religions was largely forbidden, arriving Christian tourists a significant departure from the norm. The transformation was set in motion in the early 2000s, with a wave of Saudis studying in the United States and social changes triggered by the rise of Prince Mohammed bin Salman .

Despite these changes, religious taboos persist, and many are uncertain about what’s officially permitted and what isn’t. However, the consensus is clear: increasing tourism is a priority for economic diversification. From a cultural perspective, Saudis view tourism as a chance to challenge Western stereotypes about them and showcase their unique cultural heritage.

In this rapidly evolving landscape, Saudi Arabia has started to attract Christian travelers with its newly launched tours. The Richardson-led tour, priced at $5,199 per person, covers an area selected for the mega-project Neom, a futuristic city planned by Prince Mohammed. Yet, some Christian tourists express concern about the preservation of archaeological sites due to such development.

For many Christian tourists, their interest in Saudi Arabia is linked to the belief that it houses Mount Sinai, although this claim is disputed by many experts. Regardless of the scholarly debates, these tourists remain fascinated by the prospect of exploring their faith’s roots in this unexpected landscape.

The mixture of adventure, religious exploration, and cultural exchange forms an alluring cocktail for many Christian tourists. For them, Saudi Arabia offers an opportunity to make tangible their long-held beliefs. And for some, the prospect of finding signs of the biblical Exodus in the Saudi desert is nothing short of miraculous.

As they explored Saudi Arabia, many tourists were overcome with emotions tied to their faith, manifesting a deep connection to the biblical stories they had only read about before. Indeed, for many of these tourists, the desert of Saudi Arabia has become a hallowed ground, teeming with the promise of divine encounters. Embark on an unforgettable adventure and witness Saudi Arabia’s drive for tourists, a destination that promises to leave you awe-inspired and wanting more.

About Hafiz M. Ahmed

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry gets boost from unlikely source: Christians

Evangelical christians were among the first to take advantage of the saudi kingdom welcoming foreigners in 2019 and their numbers keep growing, according to the new york times share this article.

For many decades, almost all tourists to Saudi Arabia were Muslim worshippers traveling to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city. Many of them went there to participate in the annual pilgrimage, known as the Hajj. The spiritual journey that started this week is required of all capable adult Muslim believers at least once in a lifetime.

The practice of any other religion in public aside from Islam was strictly forbidden. However, that has begun to change rapidly in recent years.

According to a New York Times article , “Buddhist monks attended an interfaith gathering in the kingdom last year, and Jewish visitors recently planted date palm trees in Medina, Islam’s second holiest city. An American-Israeli man turned up in the capital, Riyadh, with a website proclaiming himself ‘chief rabbi’ of Saudi Arabia .”

In addition, the Saudi Kingdom has been pouring billions of dollars into its tourism industry in recent years in an attempt to diversify its oil-based economy. In 2019, the Kingdom first opened up to foreign tourists and began offering electronic visas to almost 50 countries.

In a turn that was unlikely anticipated by the Saudis, the Times report indicated that “Christians of many stripes — including Baptists, Mennonites and others who call themselves ‘children of God’ — were among the first people to use the new Saudi tourist visas.”

The number of Christian tourists has seen a steady rise, the study noted. Evangelicals seem to be leading the trend, touring the nation where synthetic Christmas trees used to be “smuggled in and sold as contraband.”

The report explains that the surprising Evangelical attraction to the country could be the result of viral YouTube videos , claiming that Saudi Arabia is the site of the “real” Mount Sinai.

The biblical mountain is where the Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God, according to the Book of Exodus. While mainstream archaeologists believe it to be Jabal Musa in Egypt, in the middle of the Sinai Peninsula, some argue it is Jebel al-Lawz in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

This idea gained traction initially as a marginal Evangelical belief, thanks to an American nurse named Ron Wyatt. In the 1980s, Wyatt infiltrated Saudi Arabia and was arrested for it. The Times report mentioned Wyatt’s “series of dubious claims,” including one stating that he discovered debris from ancient Egyptian chariots under the Red Sea.

Combining interest and adventure, several Christian tourism companies are offering to visit both mountains — in Saudi Arabia and Egypt — as part of their travel packages to the region.

Last year, the London-based World Travel and Tourism Council reported that Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sectors are expected to have the fastest growth in the Middle East over the next decade, with the potential of surpassing neighboring Dubai in the near future.

Jump-starting tourism to the Kingdom has been a strategy led by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS), who took the reins of the Saudi economy in 2015. Along with a series of social reforms, he introduced his ‘Vision 2023’ — officially defined as a “unique transformative economic and social reform blueprint that is opening Saudi Arabia up to the world.”

The long-term plan is to overhaul the Saudi economy from its dependency on the oil industry, then to modernize it and develop the Saudi nation. The Saudi aspiration is to drive the tourism sector so that it will contribute 10% to the national income, as opposed to 3%, and add a million more jobs.

The jewel in the crown is expected to be MBS’ mega-project, known as the futuristic city Neom . The high-tech metropolis will lie near the Strait of Tiran, close to the Jordanian border and not far from the borders of Egypt and Israel.

By his own demeanor, the Crown Prince has been an exemplar of his vision for the country. Ever since taking the helm as the official successor of his father King Salman, he has met with several Evangelical delegations . ALL ISRAEL NEWS Editor-in-Chief Joel Rosenberg has met with MBS on two occasions , including once following the murder of Saudi Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Tal Heinrich

We are non-profit.

Also On All Arab News

Iran can’t win in response to Israeli killing of IRGC leaders

Explosion Targets Hezbollah Official in Damascus

Jeddah Historic District thrives with over 2.5 million visitors during Ramadan

Egypt calls for exercise of utmost restraint, communicates all parties to contain iranian-israeli escalation.

Jordanian Air Force shoots down dozens of Iranian drones flying toward Israel

Sisi attends eid celebrations with families of martyrs.

Sign up for All Arab News Weekly Updates

More news by countries.

Saudi Arabia

Privacy Overview

New Terms of Use
New Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Choices
Closed Caption Policy
Accessibility Statement

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions . Legal Statement . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper .

Saudi Arabia opens tourism to ancient biblical sites: 'The atmosphere is changing'

Fox News Flash top headlines for Oct. 14

Fox News Flash top headlines for Oct. 14 are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com

As Saudi Arabia increasingly opens up to tourists, a travel group in the country started offering this week a "first-ever Christian tour of rare sites," promising participants a close-up look at a controversial location believed to be the real Mount Sinai — the mountain where, according to the Bible, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

Saudi Arabia, which has been closed for tourism the last several decades and has a dismal record on human rights, decided to give tourist visas on the heels of the second delegation of evangelical leaders from America, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last year and earlier this year.

IRAN HAS WORLD’S ‘FASTEST-GROWING CHURCH,’ DESPITE NO BUILDINGS - AND IT'S MOSTLY LED BY WOMEN: DOCUMENTARY

"The atmosphere in Saudi Arabia is changing," said Rhonda Sand, owner of U.S.-based travel company Living Passages . "They are hard at work developing the country for Western tourism."

Living Passages is taking a group of 25 people this week through "Jethro's Caves in the land of Midian," believed to be ancient Midian. The tour will be led by Joel Richardson, the author of "Mount Sinai in Arabia: The True Location Revealed."

“This portends to be the most significant new archaeological site in modern history," Richardson told Fox News. “We're tremendously blessed that the Saudi government is allowing us to visit the kingdom to see some of its rich historical and geographic treasures.”

KIM KARDASHIAN, KIDS BAPTIZED AT ARMENIAN CHURCH AS KANYE WEST CONFIRMS HE 'GOT SAVED' THIS YEAR

Richardson, who said this is one of the most faith stirring experiences of his life, explained tourists will be flocking to see the historical mountain and other sites covered in a short documentary, "Finding the Mountain of Moses: The Real Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia," by Ryan Mauro, who will also be leading a tour in February.

ANDREW BRUNSON, PASTOR IMPRISONED IN TURKEY FOR CHRISTIAN FAITH, TELLS 'GOD'S SIDE OF THE STORY'

Most notably, the group is visiting the Jebel al-Lawz mountain in the ancient land of Midian. Early Jewish, Christian and Bedouin traditions have long attested this site to be the real Mount Sinai. The controversial theory contests the traditional location in the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula. On the north-west side of the mountain is the Split Rock of Horeb — a massive stone several stories tall, split down the middle, with evidence of water erosion at its base.

The Split Rock of Horeb in Saudi Arabia, believed to be the rock that Moses struck from which water flowed out of for the Israelites. (Living Passages)

This week tourists will visit the town that has an ancient well, held to be where Moses met his wife Zipporah, daughter of Jethro, after fleeing Egypt. The group will explore the ruins of Dedan, Wadi Tayyib – along the Red Sea coast – and Tayma, where Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar may have occasionally stayed.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ALL-NEW FOXBUSINESS.COM

Beyond the historic sites, the kingdom is hoping to increase international tourism with new museums and first-class hotels — and even a smart city in the northwest called Neom, set to be fully functinal by 2025.

Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

Christian Travel for the Intrepid Berean

The Biblical Destination Experts

7 Churches of Revelation
Israel & Jordan
Saudi Arabia
Petra & Jordan with Arabia
South Africa Safaris
Europe Reformation
Custom Individual Travel
Christian Singles Travel
Red Sea & Arabia
Footsteps of Paul
Seven Churches of Revelation
Joel Richardson
Frank Turek
Eli Shukron
Steve Cioccolanti
Dr. Miles Jones
Dr. Yohannes Zeleke
Available Travel Itineraries
Christian Travel Blog
Christian Travel Brochures
Custom Group Tours
Red Sea Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Saudi eVisa Requirements
Safety, Cancel for Any Reason Insurance
Learn of the Exodus
Testimonials
Our Travel Assurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveler Testimonials

Opened Biblical Sites in Saudi Arabia Now Available for Privately Chartered Tours with Christian Tour Operator

Print Friendly

Coeur d’Alene, ID – Living Passages, a Christian tour operator in the United States of America began offering tours to reach Exodus sites soon after Saudi Arabia opened Biblical sites. These sites had previously been closed for decades.

These tours arrived on the coattails of the second delegation of U.S. Evangelical leaders hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. After these meetings, the Prince agreed to open Saudi Arabia sites to tourists.

Living Passages took its first groups to Saudi Arabia in October of 2019 just two weeks after the official opening of the sites.

Two privately chartered, luxury yacht cruise itineraries opened for registration on February 23 rd , 2020, and more tours are in the books. The groups will be among the few who have been able to see places the Israelites traveled firsthand since the sites were recently opened. The cruises will take place in early 2021 .

How is Saudi Arabia Preparing For Western Tourism?

Saudi Arabia has signed memorandums of understanding totaling 100 billion riyals ($26.6 billion) with regional and international investors to begin construction of infrastructure for tourism.

“The atmosphere in Saudi Arabia is changing. They are hard at work developing the country for Western tourism,” says Rhonda Sand, founder of Living Passages. “Upon our initial visit, we observed construction of critical infrastructure to sustain tourists. Not only are the accommodations beautiful, the untouched landscape is breathtaking!”

Beyond the historic sites, there are new museums, first-class hotels and an international airport that are being prepared for a flow of international tourists. The government is developing the northwest corner of Saudi into a smart-city called Neom. The mega-city in Tabuk will border both Egypt and Jordan and is on track to open by 2025.

Author Joel Richardson , who traveled as a leader with Living Passages on one of its early ground tours to Saudi Arabia, said it was exciting to be there on the ground floor.

“What we have experienced here has been truly, truly nothing short of stunning,” says Richardson.

Which Newly Opened Biblical Sites Will Be Highlighted?

The groups will visit the Jebel al-Lawz mountain in the ancient land of Midian. Bedouin and Jewish traditions have long attested this site to be the real Mount Sinai. The controversial theory contests against the traditional location on the Sinai Peninsula. Near the mountain is the Split Rock of Horeb – a massive stone split in two with water erosion around the base.

“That experience alone is completely life altering, to see some of the archaeological sites around the mountain” says Richardson. “All I’ll say is that the mountain sells itself … If you were creating a movie set for the story of Mt Sinai, you couldn’t create a better set. It’s stunning.”

Traveling via cruise will allow the group to get close the Israelites’ crossing areas, see the land of Avaris (Goshen), where the Israelites originated, and see Cairo. This is in addition to many of the desert sites outlined in Numbers Chapter 33.

Other sites on the itinerary include the Caves of Jethro in the town of Al-Bad’, believed to be the capital of ancient Midian. The town has an ancient well, held to be where Moses met his wife (a daughter of Jethro) after fleeing Egypt. The groups will explore the ruins of Dedan, Wadi Tayyib along the Red Sea coast, and Tayma (where Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar may have lived).

Booking is now open for Living Passages’ upcoming cruises to Saudi Arabia in early 2021.

About Living Passages

Living Passages is a Christian tour and cruise company located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Living Passages specializes in travel that explores non-traditional authentic Biblical locations around the world. Each tour is led by world-renowned scholars and acclaimed authors. Owner Rhonda Sand has been offering unique travel experiences for over 25 years. Saudi Arabia is the latest location addition to Living Passages’ international destinations.

Pin It on Pinterest

Free Magazine
Free Prayer Calendar
Weekly Updates

Christian Tourists Risk Arrest if Bibles Are Displayed in Saudi Arabia

10/19/2019 Saudi Arabia (International Christian Concern) – Adherence to strict Saudi Arabian rules include restrictions on open Christian practice. New tourist regulations allow for one Bible to be brought into the country for personal use only. More than one or any public display of the Bible will bring harsh punishment, even for tourists.

Conversion from Islam to Christianity is considered a crime in Saudi Arabia and Christians who live and practice their faith there are in constant danger of imprisonment or violence.

In the past, Saudi Arabia has only granted visas for business or pilgrimage purposes, but as of September 27 th , the country is accepting visa applications for tourists. According to the BBC, Tourism Minister Ahmad al-Khateeb heralded this as a historic development that gives more people access to “five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty.”

Al-Khateeb also commented on whether foreigners would be expected to adhere to their strict societal rules by saying, “We believe our friends and our guests will respect the culture, but definitely it is modest and it will be very clear.”

Saudi Arabia is designated as a Tier 1 Country of Particular Concern by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom because of its systematic, government-sponsored persecution of religious minorities. Christians visiting Saudi Arabia are highly at risk for the same imprisonment and violence as the country’s residents at this time despite the government’s claims that they are working toward greater protections for religious minorities.

If Saudi Arabia truly wants a tourist industry that brings people from across the world to admire its beauty and culture, it must first extend full citizenship and human rights protections to its religious minority residents living in fear.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected] .

FACEBOOK FEED

Read more: www.persecution.org/2024/03/13/presidential-candidates-sign-commitment-for-peace-with-religious-l... ... See More See Less

Read more: https://www.persecution.org/2024/03/13/presidential-candidates-sign-commitment-for-peace-with-religious-leaders-in-mexico/

Comments: 1

1 Comment Comment on Facebook

Two years after receiving an official initiation from President Joko Widodo, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Indonesia in early September. President Widodo invited the pope to visit Indonesia, home to 242 million Muslims, in June 2022 as part of efforts to promote religious tolerance. ... See More See Less

Pope Francis Set to Visit Indonesia in September - International Christian Concern

www.persecution.org

Comments: 0

0 Comments Comment on Facebook

Christian tourists at risk if they display their Bible in public in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourists for the first time with the launch of a tourist e-visa on 27 September, but Christian visitors should be aware that displaying a Bible in public, or taking more than one Bible into the country, could place them at risk of arrest.

The new regulations for tourists state that a Bible may be brought into the country provided it is for personal use only. Bibles must not be displayed in public and anyone found bringing a large number of Bibles will face “severe penalties”.

The ruins of an ancient church building, probably dating from the fourth century, were discovered in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s. No visitors are allowed to the site

Saudi Arabia follows a strict Wahhabi interpretation of Islam and it is impossible for anyone living in the country to openly practise Christianity. There are hundreds of thousands of Christians from other nations, such as the Philippines, other parts of Asia, or African countries, who are living and working in Saudi Arabia. But they must meet in private homes to worship, and risk harassment, arrest and deportation if they are caught doing so. Saudi citizens who convert to Christianity face risk of execution by the state for apostasy if their conversion becomes known.

Christian convert in Saudi Arabia acquitted of theft, faces further charges

Saudi convert to Christianity faces two court cases amid threats of violence

Related countries.

Saudi Arabia

Select your region:

Starting Up
Growing a Business
Inspiration
For Subscribers
Write for Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur Store
United States
Asia Pacific
Middle East
South Africa

In Focus: Religious Tourism In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Prior to 1946, around 60,000 pilgrims visited Mecca annually; that's a 500x expansion in annual pilgrims to be witnessed in 84 years, should Vision 2030's target of 30 million pilgrims per year be realized.

Aug 18, 2022

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

This article is a part of Bringing The World To Saudi , a special report sponsored by Saudia and developed by Entrepreneur Middle East in partnership with Lucidity Insights.

Hajj and Umrah are religious pilgrimages performed by Muslims from all over the world. Hajj is an annual six-day pilgrimage to Mecca made by over two million Muslims each year; Islam requires every financially and physically able Muslim to make the journey once in their lifetime. Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of year; over 19.1 million pilgrims completed Hajj in 2019.

Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages have taken place over centuries, with the first Umrah pilgrimage recorded to have taken place in 629 CE. Islamic scholars have said that the first Hajj was led by Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, himself in 632 CE, the year of his death. Hajj is the world's largest single annual human gathering today, with nearly 2.5 million pilgrims descending on Mecca together at once, over a one-week period each year. Prior to 1946, around 60,000 pilgrims visited Mecca annually; that's a 500x expansion in annual pilgrims to be witnessed in 84 years, should Vision 2030's target of 30 million pilgrims per year be realized.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is responsible for all pilgrim-related activities, coordinating with over 30 government entities to support the sector, which has over 350,000 people employed by it. In 2020 and 2021, the Ministry cancelled Hajj pilgrimages for non-domestic Muslims due to the health and safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. This proved to be a grave disappointment for Muslims worldwide, and it also had significant economic repercussions on the Saudi economy. Religious tourism contributed the vast majority of the 3% tourism contribution to Saudi Arabia's GDP in 2016. The pandemic has reminded the Kingdom that diversification of not only its economy as a whole, but especially of its tourism sector, is vital for long-term sustainability; it has also highlighted the importance of developing its domestic tourism infrastructure and opportunities.

Related: Driving Economies: Breaking Down The Significance Of The Global Tourism Industry

In 2019, the Doyof Al Rahman Vision Realization Program (DARP) was launched under the umbrella of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, in order to create a seamless and memorable pilgrim experience program, from airport arrival, to customs, to hotel stay, and transport and logistics throughout. The goal of the program is to upgrade and deliver a distinguished experience for all pilgrims coming to the Kingdom, removing any unnecessary hassles so that they can focus on their personal spiritual journeys. This includes facilitating an e-visa process as well as a seamless arrival into the Kingdom with adequate transportation and logistics to both accommodation and the pilgrim's journey to and from the Two Holy Mosques and holy sites. The pilgrim's journey mapped out in the DARP program also includes initiatives to ensure rituals are performed safely, access to comprehensive health coverage, and ability to extend stays to discover Saudi Arabia's cultural and heritage sites.

DARP has already made strides in implementing several key initiatives that have supported a better pilgrimage experience in the Kingdom, such as, but not exclusive to:

The e-visa process has reduced visa processing times from 14 days to 5 minutes
Minimized Saudi immigration wait times with pilgrims now spending an average of only 15 minutes as part of the Makkah Road Initiative, which helps to streamline processes
Launched a comprehensive health insurance for pilgrims to cover health-, travel-, and accident- related issues
Protecting and investing in the restoration and development of 40 Islamic holy sites and mosques across the Kingdom
In March 2022, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah hosted a two-day conference devoted to the development of Hajj and Umrah services titled Transformation Toward Innovation , aimed at exploring opportunities to enhance services provided to pilgrims

It is the intention of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to implement technological advancements wherever it may help to facilitate a better pilgrimage experience, or enhance health, safety, and security. In line with this, there have been several pilot projects, testing the efficacy in distributing digital wristbands and contactless access cards to pilgrims that securely store digital identity information, necessary permits, visa and health information, and immigration documentation. Some of the piloted technologies have also included digital contactless payments functionalities to facilitate easier payments and access throughout the pilgrimage, as well as geotagging for traffic monitoring and safety.

In interviews conducted about such schemes, it was said that contactless ID cards had higher success rates in many of the pilot programs, as many pilgrims had taken off, lost, or accidentally exchanged their wristbands with someone else when washing before prayer. The aspiration in the future is that every pilgrim will get a RFID wristband or contactless card that helps keep all of these important documents and information securely, while also providing easy payment and access to their transportation and accommodation. Indeed, it is a technologically advanced vision of how an integrated visitor experience could be in the Kingdom.

Other programs that have been piloted include the Pilgrimage without a Bag program. This program assists in transporting pilgrims' bags to their accommodation so that it is waiting for them when they arrive. Improvements in food services have also been rolled out, expanding the provision of readymade meals at holy-sites. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have also invited young Saudis to volunteer to be assistants, encouraging them to help pilgrims in need of support. There was also a crowd management program that built six transmitting stations and installed 350 sensors placed throughout Mina and at Jamrat Bridge. This network will gather and analyze data about overcrowding and movement of pilgrims. Crowds and movement will also be monitored on high-definition cameras, and the collected data is analyzed at a dedicated crowd-monitoring center.

In line with another Saudi Vision 2030 target of becoming a 70% cashless economy by 2030, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) along with the Ministry of Commerce ran a point of sale (POS) system implementation drive across the country, including Mecca and Medina, a region where POS penetration has historically been amongst the lowest in the Kingdom. A POS Machine Implementation Enforcement Program was rolled out in 2019, and was finished in 2021. The implementation of POS systems is meant to both facilitate easier payment transactions for pilgrims and tourists visiting the region, while also cracking down on money laundering and tax evasion by small merchant businesses after the country implemented VAT in 2018. Hajj Bank Cards have also been issued by several local banks, allowing pilgrims to deposit money onto them when they arrive into the kingdom, so they don't have to carry around cash with them.

In 2018, it was announced that King Abdullaziz International Airport (KAIA), Saudi Arabia's largest airport in terms of passenger traffic, would begin looking at expansion works for a new US$7.5 billion passenger terminal dedicated to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. KAIA handled 31.15 million passengers in 2016, some 3.5% more than in 2015. The masterplan envisages increasing capacity up to 42 million passengers a year by 2025, and 80 million passengers annually by 2035. The new Hajj terminal will be able to process over 7,000 arriving and departing passengers an hour, and will be able to accommodate 80,000 passengers at any one time. The new wing would also cater to the specialist dietary and religious needs of the travelling pilgrims. However, the KAIA construction project was temporarily put on hold during the pandemic.

A new international airport in Taif has been under construction since 2019, with it also becoming an increasingly popular summer resort destination in the Kingdom. The current Taif Airport, with the capacity to handle just over half a million passengers each year, is 30km east of Taif city and 70km from Mecca; though classified as a small regional airport, it does handle a few international flights as well. The new airport to be constructed 120km from Mecca will have a six million passenger capacity when finished, and is expected to help relieve the pressures on KAIA to cater to all 30 million pilgrims expected to travel to Mecca annually, by 2030.

Related: Revealed: Saudia's Transformation To Become "The Wings" Of KSA's Vision 2030

Most Popular Red Arrow

I designed my dream home for free with an ai architect — here's how it works.

The AI architect, Vitruvius, created three designs in minutes, complete with floor plans and pictures of the inside and outside of the house.

This Dad Started a Side Hustle to Save for His Daughter's College Fund — Then It Earned $1 Million and Caught Apple's Attention

In 2015, Greg Kerr, now owner of Alchemy Merch, was working as musician when he noticed a lucrative opportunity.

This Startup Wants to Grow Your Side Hustle For You, While Cutting You a Monthly Check

OpenStore gives Shopify owners two interesting options: Sell and walk away with a generous payout, or take a vacation while they do the work.

9 Ways Memes Can Rev Up Your Business Marketing

Memes are here to stay. Brands are growing engagement with well-timed meme-marketing strategies.

Bring the Fun to Work with This $40 Xbox Accessories Bundle

Includes cables, charger base, a gaming headset, and more.

10 Tips to Motivate Employees Without Resorting to Money

Nothing is better for the bottom line than employees who are motivated to work for psychic benefits.

Successfully copied link

Tourism Ambitions Transform Saudi Arabia

The global opening and new embrace of arts and entertainment are indicative of broader trends as the kingdom navigates its "post-oil" future.

Saudi Tourism Plans are Ambitious

The Saudi leadership has audacious aspirations for the tourism sector, striving to make it the number two industry behind hydrocarbons. In a country, which apart from the critical religious tourism sector, had no tourism visa before 2019 and whose Tourism Ministry was established only in 2020, there is certainly room for growth. Still, Saudi Vision 2030 set a seemingly fanciful target of 100 million domestic and international visits a year. For comparison, the number one country for tourism, France, received 90 million international visitors in 2019. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Saudi General Authority for Statistics , in that last full year before the coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia had 17.5 million visitors, including 9.5 million religious pilgrims for both hajj and umrah, a number the Saudis would like to see increase to 30 million by 2025.

Competition both internationally and regionally will challenge the Saudi aim of explosive growth for the industry. And the new headwinds for tourism in the context of the pandemic and increasing green consciousness may perpetuate the country’s reliance on its domestic market long starved of entertainment and destinations. Still, the Saudi government is putting money behind this realization. Half of the giga-projects spearheaded by the Public Investment Fund are in tourism, and the futuristic technology city of Neom also has tourist elements. In addition, a sizeable number of the companies created under the Public Investment Fund are active in the tourism and entertainment industries. At the 2021 Future Investment Initiative the Saudi tourism minister stated that Saudi investment in the industry would surpass 1 trillion dollars over the next 10 years.

The pandemic postponed the kingdom’s global opening, but the associated fiscal constraints did not appear to curb the commitment of the leadership to forward its tourism agenda. Contracts for roads, bridges, and airports for the entertainment city south of Riyadh, Qiddiya, and the high-end Red Sea coastal development proceeded in 2020 despite austerity measures. And the budget for the Diriyah Gate Development Authority heading the expansion of this heritage and arts site north of Riyadh was doubled from $20 billion to $40 billion.

Saudi Tourism is About More Than Just Tourists

The tourism and entertainment sectors represent an engine for economic diversification and job creation for the kingdom’s youth population. But they go well beyond that. The blueprints for the new tourist sites reveal multifaceted plans for land development. Much as Dubai fronted infrastructure and turned its territory into foreign investment opportunities, the Saudi leadership is looking to open up vast expanses of land, some of it remote and relatively unpopulated, for development. Most of these new tourist sites – on the Red Sea coast or in Riyadh’s northern and southern areas – are akin to new cities, with multiuse development plans incorporating hotels, restaurants, arts and entertainment venues, and housing.

One prime example is the Diriyah Gate Development Authority . This historic location of the Al Saud dynasty and first Saudi state is centered on a UNESCO heritage site. But around this historic core are plans for numerous art and history museums, more than 20 hotels, varied retail spaces, over 100 restaurants, offices, and residential housing for a permanent population of 100,000. This will include arts and educational districts hosting the kingdom’s modern art museum, a new university focused on tourism and hospitality, and numerous facilities for hosting international sporting events, such as the Formula E race . The property development extends into the surrounding regions with plans to plant a million date trees in the Wadi Hanifa and transform the nearby Safar Valley into “ Riyadh’s own Beverly Hills ,” complete with a golf course designed by Greg Norman.

As these initiatives materialize, they are reshaping the kingdom in novel ways that reach beyond the narrow economic sphere to the geopolitical and sociocultural realms.

The New “Post-Oil” Geography and Geopolitics

Aside from the Riyadh region, most of the major new tourist sites sit alongside the western coast, from the Red Sea resorts and ultra-high-end development Amaala and inland to Hegra, the Nabataean archeological site, and natural desert formations of Al-Ula . Adding in Neom , this marks a significant geographical shift – a Saudi Arabia that is more Westward facing as it departs from the historic development of the oil economy centered in the East. This, in part, contributes to Saudi Arabia taking a more active lead in Red Sea political governance. It has already colored Saudi relations with Red Sea neighbors Egypt and Jordan. Indeed in 2016, Egypt was thrown into a short political crisis as President Abel Fattah al-Sisi acceded to Saudi claims over the two Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir, which now fall within Neom’s environs. Neom also features prominently in hints of a potential Saudi opening to Israel, with frequent reports of Saudi interest in capitalizing on Israeli investment and technical know-how to develop the futuristic city.

The tourism investments and new forays into arts and entertainment also form an important element of Saudi Arabia’s global repositioning, with its cultural orientation less narrowly focused on the Islamic world and more publicly engaged with urban development. This affords new means of cultural cooperation, such as the Saudi partnership with the French government to work with French cultural institutions in developing Al-Ula. Such agreements, as well as more outward investments (such as the new focus on international sports epitomized by the purchase of the English football team Newcastle United ), provide the means to project soft power through popular appeals and the alignment of financial and institutional interests.

Beyond a Religious Political Economy

The diversification of the economy into tourism and entertainment has had a profound impact on social life in the kingdom. The limitations once imposed by the Saudi religious establishment – the sanction against pre-Islamic sites and historical commemoration as well as the prohibitions against music, dance, and gender mixing – have dissipated in line with the broader opening. There are certain to be further liberalizations as beach-based tourism and cruises come online, with persistent rumors that even alcohol will be allowed in specified enclaves. This rapid social change is disorienting for many and unevenly applied, but there is little question of the direction as the kingdom seeks to create a more open environment to attract foreign investment and visitors. The changes also target the Saudi population itself, tapping into the energy, talents, and spending habits of the new generation.

Arts once disparaged or neglected are now being actively cultivated through the Ministry of Culture, which also holds the heritage portfolio. The Saudi leadership has also established 11 different commissions in film, fashion, theater, and the culinary arts, among others, in the service of the national cultural strategy to promote culture as a way of life, enable it to contribute to the economy, and create opportunities for international exchange. These commissions are cultivating a distinctive Saudi cultural output that contributes to a more localized tourist offering. The promotion of the palaces of Diriyah as a national icon similar to the Greek Acropolis and Roman Colosseum, the directive to the kingdom’s restaurants, cafes, and roasters to distinguish Saudi coffee from Arab coffee – both are indicative of this new more national approach.

Questions and Directions

In looking to the future of this industry, huge questions remain unanswered. Will the Saudi state continue to find and commit the capital to develop the sector, and will the private sector and foreign investors respond? Will the Saudi offerings be distinct and compelling enough to compete in the regional and global tourism market? How will the Saudi leadership manage the contradictions inherent in the rapid social change and integration of new tourist appeals with its base in religious tourism? Will the local and regional security environment cooperate? The latter is particularly noteworthy, given the Houthi drone strikes on Abha’s airport and the concerning, unexplained detonation of an explosive device injuring a member of a French team in the Dakar rally.

Still, while uncertainties remain, the promotion of tourism and entertainment as leading elements in the kingdom’s diversification strategy is already suggestive of profound changes within the kingdom. The Western tilt in geography and geopolitics, the global opening and national posturing, and the new embrace of arts and entertainment are indicative of broader trends as the kingdom navigates its “post-oil” future. All of this marks a step away from the distinctive religious-political economy and pan-Islamic global positioning previously pursued by the Saudi state.

is a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.

Erdogan Politically Wounded But Still Turkey’s Dominant Power

Opposition success in Turkey’s local elections is an unprecedented rebuke to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While his constitutional power and dominance of the judiciary remain intact, Erdogan is probably in his final term and will find domestic and foreign initiatives somewhat more complicated.

Rise of Captagon Trafficking in the Gulf

As Syria’s reintegration into the region continues, a holistic, long-term approach is needed to tackle the Captagon crisis plaguing the Middle East.

India’s Balancing Act in the Middle East

Amid escalating tensions over the Gaza war, India is increasing engagement with varied actors in the Middle East.

Through its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.

Can Christians Bring Bibles Into Saudi Arabia?

Today, Saudi Arabia has flung its doors wide open to visitors and tourists. It has also backed off on limiting what travelers can and can’t bring into the kingdom. With that in mind, I wondered if today Christians would be allowed to freely enter the kingdom with their bibles without having them confiscated as was the case in the past.

So, I made some inquiries here at the local Saudi immigration office. Here is what I discovered.

So, Can Christians Bring Their Bibles Into Saudi Arabia?

Today, Christians are permitted to bring bibles into Saudi Arabia without fearing confiscation as long as they are for personal use and not for distribution. However, public worship, preaching Christianity, and evangelistic activities promoting any other religion other than Islam are strictly prohibited.

Despite the change in attitude, residents and visitors to Saudi Arabia still live in fear that if they are caught possessing bibles they will be severely punished.

This is simply no longer the case.

I know from my own personal experience and the experiences of other Christians that they are free to carry personal copies of the Holy Bible.

However, serious problems will arise if you are caught carrying a number of bibles, and it is clear that your intention is to distribute copies of those bibles to other people with a view to converting them to Christianity.

Christians Are Allowed To Carry A Bible And Will Not Be Searched

I have lived in the kingdom for many years and have never encountered a Christian expat resident, a visitor, or tourist who had been searched and had their bible confiscated.

The simple fact is that in 99.99% of cases, it will not happen today especially with the recent opening of the country to mass tourism and the introduction of the Saudi tourist eVisa.

Read more about the Saudi tourist eVisa, what it is, who can get it, and how to apply in the following link The One-Stop Guide to the Saudi eVisa for Tourists.

The Rules And Expectation For Visitors To Saudi Arabia

The expectation and conditions for expat residents, visitors, and tourists in Saudi Arabia are that they

……abide by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic laws and regulations, respecting social values and traditions at all times. (Quote) Saudi Embassy Notice

This means that before arriving in KSA, visitors undertake to learn about the Islamic laws regulating public and social life in the kingdom and agree to respect local customs and traditions.

What Would Happen If I Bring Copies Of The Holy Bibles To KSA For The Purposes Of Distribution?

The Saudi government takes a dim view of foreigners using their time in Saudi Arabia to preach Christianity and involvement in any evangelistic activities either openly or in private social circles.

First, any quantities of bibles in your possession would be confiscated. Next, you would be detained, imprisoned, tried, fined, and then deported.

Your personal choice to practice as a Christian is fully respected in Saudi Arabia. However, the religious law in the country does not allow for the freedom to promote Christianity to others.

This means that openly sharing or inviting others to Christianity is not recognized nor is it a right protected by the law in the public realm.

In fact, preaching and evangelizing are severely restricted.

Today, this also includes spreading and inviting others to the various other schools of Islam other than the officially recognized one. Only government-sanctioned groups are allowed to do so.

The Punishment For Proselytizing About Christianity In Saudi Arabia

As a visitor to the kingdom, it is likely that you would be detained by the police, (not religious police) imprisoned for a few weeks, tried, fined, and deported back to your country of origin.

Why Is Preaching Christianity To Others Prohibited In Saudi Arabia?

According to the Islamic Sharia and state law, preaching Christianity to Muslims might lead them to apostatize, (give up their religion) an act which is punishable by death if he/she were not to recant.

Islam is the official state religion in the kingdom which is based on the Islamic Sharia law . Saudi citizens and by default their children are Muslim.

Those Muslims who intentionally leave Islam are considered apostates and under the Sharia law , leaving Islam is both socially unacceptable, and punishable by death.

Today, however, the Saudi state does not execute apostates, rather they imprison them for long periods. Saudi citizens and other non-Saudi Muslims are not free to change their religion.

However, expats and foreign Christian visitors are completely at liberty to practice their own religion in a personal way as long as they do NOT engage in activities that seek to persuade Muslims to change theirs.

What Happens To Muslims Who Convert To Christianity in Saudi Arabia?

There have been a few instances of Saudi Muslims who converted to Christianity. According to the Islamic Sharia, such individuals should receive capital punishment.

However, the state today does not execute individuals for the crime of apostasy. The punishment for leaving Islam is long-term imprisonment and a compulsory program of behavioral therapy.

Can Christians Build Churches in Saudi Arabia?

Until the present day, there are no functioning Christian churches in Saudi Arabia. The state prohibits them.

Christians are still expected to hold prayer meetings in the privacy of their own homes and not in public.

The CPVPV or Saudi religious police no longer carries out raids on Christians engaged in private prayer meetings in their homes as was the case in the past.

However, in 2018, I remember reading a number of press reports indicating that Christian churches were being planned for construction in the very near future.

Also, in 2018 the first Christian mass consisting of Egyptian Copts was held in Riyadh under the auspices of and in the presence of the Crown Prince Mohammed.

Christianity In Saudi Arabia Arrived Before Islam

Before Islam, Christianity existed in the kingdom. It came as a result of the old Arab merchants who had been in Jerusalem and had heard the Christian gospels preached there.

There are still remains of ancient Christian churches that once existed that were built between the 4th and 7th century AD.

One such example is the ancient Assyrian Jubail Church near Al Berri . Today, it is abandoned, fenced off, and mostly ignored except by a handful of Christian residents who continue to venture out to visit it.

Who Are The Christians In Saudi Arabia?

Most of them are foreign expats; Filipinos (800,000) with the remainder being Indian, Arab, Asian, and Western.

It suggests that just under 5% of the 40 million people living in the kingdom are Christian.

I believe it is unlikely that these statistics are accurate. I have lived many years here and have met and come to know a lot of born Christians, but very few of them are practicing.

By contrast, in Egypt, it was easy for me to see and meet regular church-going Coptic Christians.

There they constitute about 15% of the total population of 102.3 million.

Are Christians Allowed To Celebrate Easter, Christmas and Saints Days In KSA?

Christians in Saudi Arabia are allowed to celebrate Easter, Christmas, and any other religious festival in the privacy of their homes.

It is no longer permissible for anyone to interfere with these practices as long as it occurs in private.

However, under the Islamic Sharia law and according to Saudi state law, Muslims are only allowed to participate in two annual celebrations.

They are Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha . These events are sanctioned by the state and Muslim citizens, expats and visitors alike are allowed to celebrate these religious events in public or in at home.

To read about the two Islamic Eids and to understand the differences between the two, click through to inside Saudi’s How Are The Two Islamic Eids Different? -A Sheikh Weighs In

I am A Christian Living In Saudi Arabia And Want To Meet Up With Other Christians For Prayers And Worship. Can we?

Christians in the kingdom are free to meet up with other Christians for prayer and worship as long as they meet in private.

Until recently, religious Shaikhs actively discouraged Christian prayer meetings in the kingdom.

Also, the CPVPV or Saudi religious police would routinely carry out raids, detain and prosecute Christians known to be participating in prayer meet-ups.

In 2013, 53 Ethiopians were arrested DNA deported for praying together at a private residence.

Today, this is no longer the case. Mosque sermons are moderated and the powers of the CPVPV are almost non-existent.

To know why the CPCPV lost its powers in 2016, read inside Saudi’s What happened To The Mutawa Or The Saudi Religious Police?

Are Christians Harassed, Discriminated Against Or Killed For Being A Christian In KSA?

Religious minorities in the kingdom have never been harassed, persecuted, or killed. In the past, however, Christian religious activities were monitored and prosecuted by the state.

Today, ordinary Saudis and other Muslims treat Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and other religious denominations with equality and the utmost respect.

I have asked many Saudis whether religion affects his/her treatment of non-Muslims.

In every case, they all answer that a person’s religion should not determine how he should be treated rather it is his/her individual behavior and personality that determines their treatment of them.

The Saudis who responded would like it very much if the non-Muslim converted to Islam. However, they were unanimous in the belief that non-Muslims should be treated respectfully and not discriminated against just because they are not Muslim.

References And Useful Links

53 Ethiopian Christians Arrested For Praying In A Private Home- Asia News

Can Christians Bring Bibles Into Saudi Arabia?

Salam Allekum! Hi there! Thanks for reading. Contact the Editor Mohammed Francis directly at [email protected] with any questions or queries.

Mohammed Francis

I am a UK national, a college teacher, father of 3, writer and blogger.

Are there Christian Churches in Saudi Arabia?

Table of Contents

As Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country, many people wonder if there are any churches and a Christian population in Saudi Arabia. Well, there had been some churches in Saudi Arabia.

Christian population

None of the Saudis are Christians and the Christian community is limited to the expats only. There are around 1.2 million Christians currently residing in Saudi Arabia which makes up around 4.4% of the total population.

First church in Saudi Arabia

Najran located on the southern tip of Saudi Arabia was the first Christian city in the entire region. Hanyan or Hannan had converted their families to the Christian faith and had founded the first church in the 5th century.

8 tourist places to visit in Najran

Christian Massacre

In the year 520 A.D. the King of the Himyarites, King Yusuf desired to convert the entire region to the religion of Judaism and laid siege.

When the siege ended, the forces of King Yusuf murdered all the Christians in Najran who had refused to convert their religion. In entirety 20,000 Christians were killed for not giving up their faith.

This has been narrated in Surah Al Buruj of the Holy Quran as well. You can visit the site where the massacre took place.

Al-Okhdood Archeological City Location .

Al-Ukhdud Archaeological Site - historical place to visit in Najran

Oldest Christian church

Jubail Church is said to be a 4th-century church building from the Church of the East .

In February 1986, a young man from Jubail decided to put his new 4WD through its paces on the sand dunes west of the coastal city and finally discovered the 4th-century church. He was not even aware that he had discovered the oldest church in Saudi Arabia.

7 tourist places to visit in Jubail .
Jubail Church Location .

Jubail Church - oldest church in Saudi Arabia

Christians Safety

Saudi Arabia according to reports is one of the safest countries in the world to live as a Christian.

No active church

There are no operational or functioning churches in Saudi Arabia for Christians to go and worship. It is not allowed to practice any religion except Islam here.

Christmas Celebrations

Christians can only celebrate the religious occasions of Easter and Christmas in the privacy of their own homes.

How Christmas is celebrated in Saudi Arabia?

No Saudi Christian

There is not a single Saudi who is a Christian, all are Muslims.

Christian symbols are banned

All outward displays of Christian celebrations or religious symbols have been banned in Saudi Arabia.

List of Prohibited Items not to bring in Saudi Arabia

The preaching of Christianity

Preaching to non-Christians or attempting to convert any Muslims to the Christian faith will be severely punished under the Sharia Law which is practiced and implemented in Saudi Arabia.

For the latest updates, you can join our ✅ WhatsApp group or ☑️ Telegram Channel .

Never pay the full price🏷️; join the 📢 Saudi Coupon Codes group and get sales updates and discount codes in one place.

Saudi Arabia offers first-ever Christian tour for tourism!

As Saudi Arabia increasingly opens up to tourists, a travel group in the country started offering this week a “first-ever Christian tour of rare sites,” promising participants a close-up look at a controversial location believed to be the real Mount Sinai — the mountain where, according to the Bible, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

The atmosphere in Saudi Arabia is changing,” said Rhonda Sand, owner of U.S.-based travel company Living Passages . “They are hard at work developing the country for Western tourism.”

Living Passages is taking a group of 25 people this week through “Jethro’s Caves in the land of Midian,” believed to be ancient Midian. The tour will be led by Joel Richardson, the author of “Mount Sinai in Arabia: The True Location Revealed.”

“This portends to be the most significant new archaeological site in modern history,” Richardson told Fox News. “We’re tremendously blessed that the Saudi government is allowing us to visit the kingdom to see some of its rich historical and geographic treasures.”

Richardson, who said this is one of the most faith stirring experiences of his life, explained tourists will be flocking to see the historical mountain and other sites covered in a short documentary, “Finding the Mountain of Moses: The Real Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia,” by Ryan Mauro, who will also be leading a tour in February.

Watch: Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane perform Umrah after moving to Saudi

Kuwait prints 100,000 Qurans in Swedish in Response to the Quran burning incident

Allahumma Anfani Bima Allamtani Dua for Studying in Arabic and meaning

Allahumma Anfani Bima Allamtani Dua for Studying in Arabic & Meaning

Berlin to allow Muslim Teachers to Wear Hijab

Nadia Kahf becomes first hijab-wearing judge in USA

Muslim population in Spain increased 10 times in the last 3 decades

Saudi Arabia is admitting general tourists for the first time. Here are 22 things that could get you arrested or fined, like dabbing, carrying a Bible, or wearing shorts

Saudi Arabia is finally open for mass tourism after the launch of a new tourist visa on September 27.
The country is full of wonder, with five pristine UNESCO heritage sights, Red Sea beach resorts, and futuristic cities like Riyadh.
But the kingdom's laws are complicated, and tourists can easily fall foul of them and receive a hefty fine, or worse.
Here's what to look out for.
Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

On September 27, Saudi Arabia launched a brand-new tourist visa that lets tourists explore the country for 90 days.

It's a landmark moment for the kingdom and its stop-start tourist industry, which hopes to process 100 million tourists a year by 2030.

But the legal system in Saudi Arabia is tricky to navigate and full of pitfalls for tourists unfamiliar with life on the Arabian Peninsula or the government's version of Shariah, or Islamic law.

In September, Saudi Arabia rolled out 19 new public-decency laws , some of which, if violated, are punishable with a maximum $1,600 (6,000 riyal) fine or, in severe cases, imprisonment.

Here's what you need to know.

No dabbing.

The viral 2017 dance move was prohibited by the Saudi Interior Ministry's National Commission for Combating Drugs because of its association with drug culture.

It happened after the Saudi TV host and actor Abdallah al-Shahani was filmed dabbing at a music festival in Taif and later arrested.

Dancing at concerts — a new entertainment experience for Saudis in itself — is also prohibited.

In October 2019, a woman was charged with violating publish morality after a viral video showed her "shuffling" in her abaya and niqab at a concert in Riyadh.

Source: راصد المشاهير , al-Weeam

No wearing shorts.

In September's new public-decency laws, men were advised not to wear shorts and to "dress modestly."

The US State Department advises male visitors to dress conservatively when visiting Saudi Arabia and not go without a shirt.

While the country is moving toward more a relaxed dress code, recently saying female travelers won't have to wear a long cloak called an abaya, it's best to err on the side of caution.

Women are still required to cover their shoulders and knees in public, the public-decency decree states.

Source: The National , Arab News

Getting drunk on the flight over, or bringing in alcohol, could land you in serious trouble.

Alcohol of any kind is banned in Saudi Arabia. Those who break the law are subject to hundreds of lashes, deportation, fines, or imprisonment.

You may be able to access alcohol on the flight over, but if you are deemed to be intoxicated at customs, you risk arrest.

Don't bring in a drone without approval.

Importing drones for commercial or personal use is prohibited without approval from the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation.

So, if you're a photographer hoping to get aerial shots, best call ahead.

Source: US State Department

Don't cut in line.

The new public-decency laws say a fine of 50 riyals, or $14, will be incurred by anyone who jumps in front of someone in a queue.

Source: Arab News

You can't bring any pork into the country.

Islam prohibits consumption of pork, and as the birthplace of the religion, Saudi Arabia adheres to this principle with gusto.

This includes pork-flavored chips and snacks.

Strangely, it's forbidden to bring products containing frog meat into the kingdom too.

Gambling is in principle illegal.

While many Saudis play poker and gamble online using VPNs, the punishment for gambling can be as harsh as a six-month jail term.

Source: Blue Abaya

Being gay or transgender is illegal.

In March 2017, two transgender people were shoved in bags, beaten with sticks, and tortured to death, according to human-rights activists with the Blue Veins group.

Sex-reassignment surgery is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Source: UK government , The Independent

Playing loud music in public is taboo and a finable offense.

It's especially important to observe this rule during each of the 20-minute prayer times, which happen five times a day.

The fine for playing loud music is 500 riyals, or $133, outside prayer time and 1,000 riyals during prayers.

No public displays of affection.

The new public-decency code explicitly warns against public displays of affection, so be wary where your hands are.

The maximum fine for PDA is 3,000 riyals, or $800.

Lighting a barbecue or smoking a Shisha pipe in public areas.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs announced in November that those lightig barbecues or shisha pipes in public would be slapped with a minimum fine of 100 Riyals ($27.)

Spitting in the street.

Spitting in the street is punishable with a 500 Saudi riyal ($133) fine, according to a new law from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.

Any narcotics are illegal in Saudi Arabia, and many drug offenses are punishable by death.

Bringing a Bible into the country, or having any non-Islamic religious items on your person, can land you in trouble.

The government has hinted that personal Bibles can be brought into the country for private worship.

But waving one around in public may see the religious police report you to authorities.

Photographing a Saudi without his or her explicit permission is illegal.

The fine for taking someone's photo without permission is 1,000 riyals, or $266.

Taking up seats and utilities reserved for elderly and disabled people is a finable offense.

The fine for sitting in a priority seat is a 200 riyals, or $53.

Photographing government buildings is illegal, for national security reasons.

It's illegal to subject women and children to pranks or anything that "can scare them or put them in danger."

The advisory was included in the new set of public-decency laws in September.

It's illegal to hold two passports in Saudi Arabia.

Second passports will be confiscated by the immigration authorities if they're discovered.

Source: UK government

Be careful with outward Valentine's Day displays

Valentine's Day, a Christian occasion, has never really been permitted in Saudi Arabia, and it was formally banned in 2008.

Though, last year the ban looked to have eased, with small red tokens appearing freely across the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah and no public injunctions against Valentine's Day items reported.

Source: Business Insider

Sitting as a single man in the family area of a restaurant is also forbidden.

In a famous September 2018 case, an Egyptian man was arrested in Saudi Arabia for having breakfast with an unmarried woman in the family section of a restaurant and posting a video of it to social media.

Some restaurants have relaxed the divide between unmarried and married, but it would be prudent to establish the restaurant's preference before you sit down.

Source: BBC , Reuters

Entering Mecca and Medinah as a non-Muslim is forbidden

Entering either Mecca or Medinah, the two holiest cities in Islam, as a non-Muslim is forbidden, so don't try to sneak in.

The punishment is a large fine, deportation, or whatever the judge decides.

Follow INSIDER on Facebook .

Main content

Religious tourism in Saudi Arabia

Makkah and Madinah are the most famous cities for religious tourism in Saudi Arabia, as they have been home to the Islamic message since ancient times. In this article, we will learn about the most important religious tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia and how to obtain an entry visa to the country and perform Hajj and Umrah rituals.

Destinations for religious tourism in Saudi Arabia :

The Grand Mosque in Makkah :

The Holy Mosque is considered the greatest mosque in Islam and the first of the two qiblah is located in the heart of the city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and in the middle of it is the honorable camp which is the first house placed for people on the face of the earth to worship their Creator according to the Islamic belief.

It’s features distinguish it from other sanctities, including: Multiplying good deeds and reward, since a prayer in it is equivalent to a hundred thousand prayers of others, according to the words of the Prophet Muhammad – may God bless him and grant him peace – “Do not travel except to three mosques: the Holy Mosque, and my two mosques (the Prophet’s Mosque), and Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina :

The Prophet’s Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Islam and the second of the two qiblahs after the Grand Mosque in Makkah Al-Mukarramah. It was built by the Prophet Muhammad – may peace and blessings be upon him – after his migration to Medina in the year 1 AH corresponding to 633 AD after he built the Quba Mosque.

The mosque went through several expansions throughout history, starting with the era of the Righteous Caliphs and then the Umayyad state, where Caliph Omar bin Abdul Aziz included the tomb of the Prophet – may peace and blessings be upon him – and his companions to the mosque, which is now known as the Noble Prophet’s Chamber located in the southeast corner of the mosque, passing through the Abbasid state.

Finally, its largest expansion took place in 1994 under the supervision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The mosque played a major role in the political and social life of the Islamic State, as it served as a social center, court, and religious school. It also held many war talks, planning the Islamic State and organizing its economic and social affairs during the time of the Prophet – may God bless him and grant him peace -.

It was often visited by pilgrims and Umrah performers after performing the rituals of Hajj. And Umrah, as it is indispensable to pray in the Green Garden inside the Prophet’s Mosque because of its great reward.

Quba Mosque in Medina :

Quba Mosque is the first mosque built in Islam and the largest mosque in Medina after the Prophet’s Mosque, as it has great merit. It was also reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim that the Prophet PBUH used to come to the Quba Mosque every Saturday, walking and riding, and praying two rak’ahs there.

The Muslims were interested in expanding it, for it was renewed by Caliph Othman bin Affan, then Omar bin Abdulaziz, and the caliphs continued after him to expand and renew its construction until the expansion work ended in 1407 AH, and the mosque of the Quba Mosque reached 13,500 square meters with 4 minarets, and housing for imams, muezzins, and a library will be attached to it, and it will accommodate 20 thousand Chaplain.

The Holy Kaaba in Makkah :

The Holy Kaaba is considered the qibla of Muslims in prayer and Hajj, and it is the first house that was placed for people on the face of the earth according to the Islamic belief. That the people be permitted to perform the pilgrimage to it, because God Almighty says: “And as Abraham raises the staples from the house, and Ishmael our Lord, you accept from us.

Kaaba has been restored and rebuilt several times throughout history; Quraysh restored it in the pre-Islamic era, then Abdullah bin Al-Zubair, as well as Al-Hajjaj bin Yusuf Al-Thaqafi, restored it during the era of the Ottoman Caliphate.

The Holy Kaaba is distinguished by its cube shape, its high construction, 15 meters high, and the length of the side with its gate about 12 meters, as well as the one opposite it. The side with the gutter and opposite it is about 10 meters long.

Al-Qiblatain Mosque in Medina :

This is the place that God Almighty commanded His Prophet Muhammad – PBUH- to change the direction of Qiblah to the Holy Kaaba, and this mosque dates back to 623 AD and has been restored and renewed several times throughout its history.

Mount Arafa :

Mount Arafa is located on the road between Makkah and Taif, 22 km from Makkah, and its importance stems from the pilgrims performing one of the rituals of Hajj on it on the day of Arafah on the ninth day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which precedes the Day of Sacrifice,

It is said that Mount Arafa is the place where Adam and Eve descended from Heaven to Earth . Mount Arafa reaches a height of 300 meters and is surrounded by an arc of mountains. It has many names, the most important of which are Jabal al-Rahma, Jabal al-Thabit, and Jebel Elal.

Al-Rahma Mosque in Jeddah :

Al-Rahma Mosque is located on the Corniche of Jeddah on the Red Sea coast and is distinguished by that it appears floating on the sea at high tide, and it was designed in the traditional Islamic architectural style with modern decors with a white shiny minaret with a turquoise dome, the ceiling is decorated with inscriptions, and a number of windows at ground level provide a panoramic view on the sea, which increases the feeling of the worshipers of the feeling that the mosque is floating on the sea.

Visa / religious tourism visa in Saudi Arabia :

Many Muslims apply for an electronic visa for religious tourism in Saudi Arabia, as it is available to a number of countries, including Britain, the European Union countries, Australia, South Korea, the United States of America, China, Singapore and Japan.

Visitors need to present a copy of the electronic visa upon arrival in Saudi Arabia with their passport valid for at least 6 months, and the passport details entered in the application form must match the passport completely, and if the information does not match, then in this case the electronic visa will not be Valid. You can apply for an electronic visa through the official website.

Income of religious tourism in Saudi Arabia :

Hajj and Umrah together add $ 12 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP annually, which is roughly 20% of the country’s non-oil GDP and 7% of GDP, and the Saudi government has shown ambitious plans to increase Hajj revenues to 150 billion Dollars by the year 2022 through an increase in the number of pilgrims and Umrah performers, and the increase in the number of accommodation in its hotels near religious landmarks.

Religious tourism in Saudi Arabia is one of the most important pillars of the country in the economy and tourism. Therefore, religious tourism in Saudi Arabia received great support from the Saudi government represented by the General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage. Hajj and Umrah rituals are considered one of the most important features of religious tourism in Saudi Arabia.

The Private Sector is Restricted to Follow The Precautionary Procedures

Caves in mountains of northern saudi arabia paint the natural beauty, related stories.

Saudi Airlines Suspends Flights to Northern Saudi Arabia

Saudia Airlines Suspends Flights to Northern Saudi Arabia

Iraq, Jordan Reopen Airspace to Air Traffic

China Southern Airlines to Start Regular Flights to Saudi Arabia

“Mubseroon” Initiative to Distribute Braille Versions of Quran at Grand Mosque

More From Forbes

The stealthy revolution in saudi arabia will change the world.

Share to Facebook
Share to Twitter
Share to Linkedin

We all forget that, in the latter part of the Cold War, a US-led campaign encouraged the Saudis and Gulf states to spend money building Islamic-schools aka Madrassahs around the Muslim world. The aim? To counteract Moscow's widespread soft-power influence in youth-movements and colleges of the anti-colonialist/imperialist anti-western variety. The Saudi/US campaign succeeded all too well in countries like Turkey and Pakistan, and elsewhere, ultimately shifting the balance of power against the Soviets in Afghanistan by funding and training the Mujahideen resistance. But, for reasons still obscure, Washington didn't lean on the Saudis to halt the Wahhabist momentum once the Soviet union collapsed. Radical Islam had gained purchase as the dominant kinetic Muslim ideology. From it came Al Qaeda, ISIS, the Taliban and numerous splinter terror groups. Iran got in on the act, despite being Shiite and anathema to the orthodox Sunni establishment, simply by usurping the political ends of the movement.

Which is where we are today - except for one fundamental difference. The Gulf has changed and Saudi Arabia is following suit. At a certain point, while the Saudis could still depend on oil, the smaller Gulf states decided their future lay in developing their economy as a travel hub and conference center. Real estate boomed in tandem to accomodate the transformation - not just to create hotels but as investment draws for all the grey money sloshing around the Mideast. In essence, the Gulfies got out of the global politics game. They had to. No tourist attraction survives with a fire-breathing puritan religious image. But to move from Islamism to conference centers to full-blown tourism - a lot of internal re-invention was needed.

For a start, the local population needed to embrace a thorough social realignment. Their womenfolk started working, meeting foreigners, meeting men outside the family and the like. Moreover, cultural life and night life had to change. This was not, in the past, a geographical area abounding with culture - or entertainment. At first, the conference center economy drew vast numbers of foreign men in need of entertainment after work hours at conferences. There was little to do. Ubiquitous hotel discos with loitering 'Russian' escorts became the norm - not a good longterm option. Women conferencers felt uncomfortable. Wives around the world discouraged their men from attending. The area got a bad reputation for being a Mideastern equivalent of Las Vegas.

It was time to move on to the next stage - shopping, culture, full blown tourism including female tourists and families. And so, international museums were encouraged to create extensions there. New museums devoted to Islamic Art went on global purchasing sprees. Top designer brands opened branches. The beach economy expanded, videos of hang-gliders floating above skyscrapers proliferated - a sort of artificial glamorous lifestyle was implanted and took hold after a fashion. The Saudis watched on the sidelines. But they had internal obstacles, namely the custodianship of Mecca, religious imperatives, a powerful phalanx of Wahhabi clerics symbiotic with the indigenous culture of the Saudi tribes since the 1700s. The isolated desert settings, the identity shaped by the elements - the flinty, puritan, patriarchal ethos seemed bred-in-the-bone. How could it ever change? The Saudis had their own authentic cultural identity and it was retarding progress beyond oil wealth. Lots of money without social evolution.

Enter Prince Mohammed Bin Salman , the de facto Saudi ruler with iron control for some ten years now. (Hereafter known as MBS). These days if you meet anyone, especially anyone female, from Saudi or doing business there, you'll find them surly and rebellious that the world identifies MBS with the endless war in Yemen, the assassination of journalist Jamal Kashoggi in Turkey, the detaining en masse of his local rivals and the like. Instead, or simultaneously, MBS arguably deserves a reputation for having launched the rebirth of Saudi Arabia on a new future freed of its historical shackles and ossified social hindrances. Essentially, what MBS has done is to initiate a socio-cultural revolution while freezing all political liberalization. Hence for example women can now drive cars solo but women's rights political activists are liable to get jailed. Meanwhile, the state is funding young Saudi women to study classical music in the UK, developing a vibrant fashion industry while conducting its own fashion week and opening up its vast desert hinterlands to international tourism with emphasis on regional attractions and identities. And, of course, the star-studded soccer league headed up by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Most observers in the west simply cannot fathom the multiplex contradictions in the scenario. In fact, taken as a whole, it fits precisely into Islamic tradition going back to the Middle Ages. The most authoritarian rulers often presided over the richest cultural courts. Take the Moghuls of India with epic poetry recited at court, with miniature painting and architecture flourishing to great heights. In the case of MBS, his iron control has kept the clerics and reactionary forces at bay while intimidating top rival businessmen in the elite from funding any subversion at home or rogue Islamist movements abroad. Why has MBS taken this peculiar path? The US is losing interest in protecting fossil fuel allies, especially in the Middle East. The world is turning to clean energy. Other oil powers such as Russia and Iran daily threaten the kingdom's strategic prominence. Oil qua oil is no longer a dependable solo bet.

Is Leadership an Art or a Science

Gmail and youtube hackers bypass google’s 2fa account security, apple confirms innovative iphone 16 pro upgrade.

And Saudi's population is exploding. The economy desperately needs diversifying. Hence the Prince's decision to shift the wealth of Aramco to a national sovereign fund. MBS has seen the economic pluralism chosen by Gulf neighbors and decided to emulate them in what he thinks is the safest way - with complete internal control. Which is also why he chose detente with Iran and Russia, and a potential strategic deal with China if the US backs away. These are not the kind of regimes that demand political freedoms from their allies. The old alignments and heirarchies are all in play both in domestic and foreign policy, not to mention religious policy. For the society that controls Islam’s holiest sites to set an example of radical social change, well, let’s say it will affect the wider Muslim world, even the world as a whole.

Editorial Standards
Reprints & Permissions

‘Wild, beautiful, untrodden:’ The epic hiking trails emerging in Saudi Arabia

E ditor’s Note: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy .

Ben Hoffler always sleeps out in the open when he is hiking in the desert and describes it as “one of the great pleasures of being out on the trails, sleeping under the big, starry desert skies with the breeze on your face.”

“It’s very liberating, it opens your mind,” says Hoffler, a hiking consultant who is helping to develop new trails in Saudi Arabia.

“It really makes you dream and it’s the best sleep I’ve ever had. I sleep better in the desert than anywhere else in the world.”

But one night in the vast Hisma desert in northwest Saudi he says he had bedded down in a wadi, a dried-up riverbed , when he awoke to a lot of “hustle and bustle” nearby.

Dozing off again, he opened his eyes in the morning to the sight of four camels snuggled around him.

Rising quietly, he saw six more and then realized a herd of 20 camels had descended into the wadi to sleep.

“I guess they felt safe sleeping next to a human being in the desert,” he says.

Hoffler has spent 15 years developing trails in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and Jordan and is now working with local guides, including Bedouin scouts, to develop Saudi’s ancient ways for local and international hikers.

And he insists the notion of Saudi Arabia as just sand, desert and heat is just a mirage.

“Saudi Arabia is absolutely vast in scale, that is the first thing that strikes me,” he says.

Year-round destination

“It’s also incredibly diverse, you get everything from jet black volcanic lava fields to red sandstone deserts like you might see in Wadi Rum (in Jordan), to high granite ranges like you’d see in the Sinai (in Egypt), to green forested rolling mountains in the south.

“The natural beauty of it is extraordinary, it’s one of the most visually spectacular places, if not the most spectacular, that I have ever seen in the Middle East.

“Saudi Arabia feels very wild, very beautiful, it feels untrodden, perhaps more than other destinations it feels new.”

Hiking is a new but increasingly popular weekend pastime for some Saudi city dwellers from the west coast or the capital Riyadh, with a number of accessible short walks.

About an hour’s drive from the capital, hikers can easily reach the sandstone escarpment of the Tuwaiq Mountains where there are numerous clifftop viewpoints, including one dubbed “Edge of the World.”

Al Wahbah, a four-hour drive northeast of Jeddah, is a volcanic crater 250 meters (820 feet) deep and about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) across on the western edge of a barren plateau. It’s about a 45-minute walk from the rim down to the white center, which is composed of sodium phosphate crystals.

Wadi Al Disah is a green, spring-fed valley, known as “valley of the palm trees,” surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs in the mountains of southwest Tabuk province noted for its serene atmosphere, rock carvings and remains of ancient fortresses.

Another well-known but less-travelled hike is to Jabal Abyad, which means White Mountain in Arabic, named for its ash coating. Jabal Abyad is Saudi’s tallest volcano at 2,093 meters (6,867 feet), situated in the huge Harrat Khaybar lava field north of Medina. The mountains outside Mecca and Taif, such as Al Hada, also offer hiking trails.

But while there are standard tourist trails available, with licensed guides and tour companies, the infrastructure and breadth of trails is “embryonic,” according to Hoffler, although “the potential is there” to develop Saudi Arabia into “one of the most outstanding hiking destinations in the world.”

And with cooler temperatures in the highlands, it makes for a year-round destination.

“That’s what we’re working on for the next couple of years, proper trails for tourists from outside Saudi to come and experience the scenery and nature that Saudi offers,” says Yasmin Gahtani, a rock-climbing instructor and managing director of the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF), whose role is to promote healthy activity, tourism and competitive sport.

“It still needs to be more properly developed for people to go independently. There are still no guidebooks, it’s all word of mouth or through hiking guides, of both genders, to take people out. The country is safe, of course, but you’ll have a better experience if you have a map of the trails, and we’re still not there.”

Hoffler is based in the Hejaz mountains – which he says is “one of the most fabled ranges of Arabia” – the long chain that runs from midway up the Red Sea coast north to the Gulf of Aqaba and Jordan. The highest point is Jabal Al-Lawz in the far north at more than 2,500 meters above sea level and one of the only places in Saudi Arabia to receive regular snowfall.

“When I’m up on the high peaks of the Hejaz you can look out over the Red Sea and on a clear day you can see the high jagged peaks of the Sinai and on a very clear day you can even see the highlands of Africa, which is absolutely spectacular,” says Hoffler.

The mountains inland of Umluj in the northwest Tabuk region offer another unique landscape to explore, says Hoffler, made up of cinder cones (conical hills of volcanic material), lava fields, known as harrat in Arabic, and huge, gaping lava tubes “big enough to drive a bus into.”

The Briton also regularly adventures out into the huge Hisma desert, made up of red sand and huge sandstone rock formations, which stretches up into Jordan where it encompasses Wadi Rum.

“All of these landscapes are criss-crossed by paths that are very old, some hundreds, some many thousands of years old, passed down between different peoples and different generations,” he says.

The issue in the Saudi Hisma desert, he says, is that “drift” of the semi-nomadic Bedouin population to the towns means many paths have fallen into disuse.

“What we typically find is those paths are in quite a poor state of preservation, it’s like an archaeology of walking,” he says.

When he does meet Bedouin on the trails, Hoffler says he’s “only had the best experiences with them.”

“The Bedouin are famous around the world for their hospitality, and they offer a space that feels like a refuge wherever you are in the desert,” he says. “They’ll always make sure you’re well fed and have a cup of tea in your hand and have everything you need before you move on.”

‘Magical place’

Further south below Jeddah, the Sarawat mountain range stretches down to the southwest Asir region, which is home to Saudi’s highest mountain tops, including Jabal Sawda and Jabal Ferwa’, both more than 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) high. Al Soudah is a tourist hub with a cable car to the top of Jabal Sawda with government plans to develop a luxury destination with boutique hotels known as Soudah Peaks as part of Vision 2030.

It’s another area rich in potential for hiking and camping. It’s also where Saudi-Lebanese mountaineer Nelly Attar trains, including for both her ascent of Everest in 2019 and her record-setting feat when she claimed the title as the first Arab woman to climb K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, in 2022.

There are two wet seasons: one between February and April and another between July and August and temperatures rarely reach the soaring heights of the coast.

“Lower down you see a lot of juniper trees, lots of lush vegetation, cacti, fruits, animals,” she told CNN. “There’s some areas that look like you’re on Kilimanjaro and they look quite tropical.

“We see baboons here a lot of the times. It’s magical. I come to train, but I actually leave feeling at peace and feeling so calm because there’s no one else on the trail.

“I didn’t think I’d find a gem like this in the GCC [Gulf countries]. People perceive Saudi to be mainly a desert, but there’s so many diverse landscapes. I’ve been living here most of my life and I have not seen most of what Saudi can offer, and I’m so excited for this country to open up.”

The capital of Asir is Abha, the popular hilltop city at about 2,270 meters (7,450 feet) high, known for its mild climate, fortresses and mountain access and views. It is serviced by Abha international airport.

About 120 kilometers north of Abha lies the town of Tanomah, often shrouded in fog but popular for its waterfalls, juniper and pine forests and outdoor pursuits in Al Sharaf park.

“Tanomah has beautiful rock for climbing and beautiful trails to hike,” says Gahtani.

“I love this place. It’s very magical, I don’t know why, I can’t explain it, but it has this really nice energy and everyone who goes there feels the same way. It is surrounded by cliffs of rocks so you feel like you’re very disconnected from the world which is lovely.”

She adds: “Hiking in Saudi Arabia is very virgin, there are so many untouched locations and it’s very serene.”

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

Wadi Al Disah is a green, spring-fed valley, known as “valley of the palm trees”, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs in the mountains of southwest Tabuk province. - Didier Marti/Moment RF/Getty Images

Latest News
Emergencies
Ask the Law
GN Fun Drive
Visa+Immigration
Phone+Internet
Reader Queries
Safety+Security
Banking & Insurance
Dubai Airshow
Corporate Tax
Top Destinations
Corporate News
Electronics
Home and Kitchen
Consumables
Saving and Investment
Budget Living
Expert Columns
Community Tips
Cryptocurrency
Cooking and Cuisines
Guide to Cooking
Art & People
Friday Partner
Daily Crossword
Word Search
Philippines
Australia-New Zealand
Corrections
From the Editors
Special Reports
Pregnancy & Baby
Learning & Play
Child Health
For Mums & Dads
UAE Success Stories
Live the Luxury
Culture and History
Staying Connected
Entertainment
Live Scores
Point Table
Top Scorers
Photos & Videos
Course Reviews
Learn to Play
South Indian
Arab Celebs
Health+Fitness
Gitex Global 2023
Best Of Bollywood
Special Features
Investing in the Future
Know Plan Go
Gratuity Calculator
Notifications
Prayer Times

Saudi Arabia: Umrah pilgrims in Ramadan topped 30 million

Authorities had taken a series of measures to help worshippers perform rites smoothly

Cairo: More than 30 million Muslims from around the world performed Umrah or lesser pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia during this year’s Islamic holy month of Ramadan which ended last week, according to a Saudi official.

Walid Basamad, an official at a state agency in charge of Islam’s two holiest sites, added that competent directorates acted in coordination and harmony to ensure top-quality services to worshippers who thronged the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest place, in Mecca. “The services were beyond the requirement and expectations,” he told Saudi TV Al Ekhbariya.

Ramadan usually marks the peak of Umrah at the Grand Mosque witnessed in this past lunar month large numbers of the faithful from outside the kingdom due to a host of facilities recently introduced by the kingdom.

To cope with the influx, Saudi authorities unveiled a series of measures to help worshippers perform rites smoothly and comfortably.

The circumambulation courtyard of the mosque around the Holy Kaaba and the ground floor were designated for Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan. Likewise, authorities allocated certain gates of the sprawling mosque for pilgrims’ entry and exit to stave off overcrowding.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, meanwhile, said no permit was issued for performing two or more Umrahs in Ramadan, urging the faithful to make do with one lesser pilgrimage. The ministry explained that the restriction aimed to ease congestion, allow others to undertake Umrah and help in crowd management.

More From Saudi

Thai Umrah pilgrims arrive at the King Abdulaziz airport in Jeddah.

Umrah visa now valid for 3 months from date of issuance

STOCK Dubai Financial Market / DFM / Trading

UAE stock markets open down on new Middle East crisis

Saudi Arabia arrests 20,667 violators of laws in week

Saudi Arabia warns against misuse of Umrah visas

Israel 'not looking' for escalation with Iran: US

Saudi Arabia arrests 20,667 violators of laws in week

Gazans flood road north after ‘open checkpoint’ rumour

Israel grapples with new phase in its multi-front war

Video: 13 killed as heavy rains lash Oman

American hospital performs challenging hip surgery, us to grant samsung up to $6.4 billion for chip plants, al ansari to offer aani instant payment services, dubai rains: municipality issues safety guidelines, tesla to lay off more than 10% of its staff.

Get Breaking News Alerts From Gulf News

We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon.

Logout Login
Adventure Holidays
Weekend Getaways
Driving Holidays
Travel News

Saudi Arabia: Deserts around Mecca and Medina are turning green due to heavy rainfall

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , SAUDI ARABIA / Created : Apr 15, 2024, 14:05 IST

You're Reading

Recent heavy rains in Saudi desert near Mecca and Medina birthed a lush oasis, attracting locals, visitors, and wildlife, showcasing biodiversity, resilience, and vibrant vegetation growth.

Recent heavy rains in Saudi desert near Mecca and Medina birthed a lush oasis, attracting locals, visitors, and wildlife, showcasing biodiversity, resilience, and vibrant vegetation growth. Read less

Saudi Arabia: Deserts around Mecca and Medina are turning green due to heavy rainfall

More from Travel News

Amarnath Yatra 2024: Pilgrimage to start from June 29, registration now open

The perfect one-week itinerary for Kerala, and places to cover

Comments (0)

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration.

700 species of wildlife discovered inside Cambodian mangroves!

Visual Stories

Popular Galleries

Most photogenic destinations in Uttarakhand to explore this summer TRAVEL TRENDS , UTTARANCHAL

These destinations in India are perfect for slow travel TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA

World's most impressive heritage sites TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD

There’s a Santorini in China, a picture-perfect replica of the Greek island!

Saudi Arabia: Deserts around Mecca and Medina are turning green

Most photogenic destinations in Uttarakhand to explore this summer

1 Saudi Arabia: Deserts around Mecca and Medina are turning green due to heavy rainfall
2 700 species of wildlife discovered inside Cambodian mangroves!
3 After 1000 years, water returns to Rome’s famed Baths of Caracalla!
4 Iran Israel war travel advisory: India issues advisory, says “not to travel to Iran or Israel”
5 Digi Yatra expected at 14 more airport this month; check full list

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS, ITINERARIES, THINGS TO DO, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE and LOTS MORE!

FOLLOW US ON

Places to visit.

Places to visit in Bangalore
Places to visit in Mumbai
Places to visit in Delhi
Places to visit in Goa
Hotels in Goa
Hotels in Jaipur
Hotels in Shimla
Hotels in Mumbai

Things To do

Things to do in Goa
Things to do in Mumbai
Things to do in Bangalore
Things to do in Delhi

Travel Inspiration

Visa on arrival for Indians
Honeymoon Places in india
Hill Stations in India
Weekend getaways in Mumbai
Weather in Delhi
Weather in Chennai
Weather in Bangalore
Weather in Mumbai

Best Beaches

Goa Beaches
Mumbai Beaches
Pondicherry Beaches
Kerala Beaches
Restaurants in Bangalore
Restaurants in Chennai
Restaurants in Pune
Restaurants in Jaipur
Hill Station near Delhi
Winter trip to Ladakh
Places to visit in Kerala
Winter Honeymoon Destinations
UK visa guide for Indians
Winter Trip to Manali
Vaishno Devi Yatra
Special Train Ticket Booking
HP inter-state Bus
Honeymoon Destinations India

Latest News

Why should Madhya Pradesh be your next travel destination?
700 species of wildlife discovered inside the Cambodian mangroves!
After 1000 years, water returns to Rome’s famed Baths of Caracalla!
Sachin Tendulkar’s wildlife adventure at Jim Corbett National Park’s Dhikala Zone
Scientists discover gigantic ocean 700 km beneath the Earth’s surface

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

(For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

new dior flagship blossoms in geneva with architecture by christian de portzamparc

A new landmark on geneva’s rue du rhône.

Maison Dior has unveiled its newest Swiss boutique in Geneva , a landmark flagship designed by Christian de Portzamparc , the first French architect to receive the Pritzker Prize . The location itself holds significance, situated on Rue du Rhône, the heart of luxury and fashion in Geneva. The building is recognized at once by its facade , a sculptural display of modern architecture. Graceful, curved lines echo the Seoul Dior flagship (see designboom’s coverage here ), while six interwoven petal-like structures rise skyward.

christian de portzamparc’s petal facade

Realizing its Dior flagship in Geneva, the team led by architect Christian de Portzamparc crafts the sculptural facade elements from glass and resin. The flowing surfaces reference the exquisite fabrics which shaped Christian Dior’s couture creations. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day creates a captivating effect, with sunlight filtering through the glass veils. By night, the building transforms into a luminous urban lantern, its light softly diffused through elegant resin shells.

an artistic homage to dior’s legacy

The interior of Christian de Portzamparc’s boutique reflects both Dior’s contemporary vision and the iconic 30 Montaigne address in Paris. A refined atmosphere bathed in light hues creates a welcoming space. A central wall, stretching across all floors, serves as a subtle ‘Ariadne’s thread,’ showcasing pristine white canvases. This design element evokes the initial sketches that bring haute couture collections to life.

The boutique’s decor is an invitation to explore, with artworks by Swiss artists including Pamela Rosenkranz and Ugo Rondinone throughout. These inclusions are a tribute to Christian Dior’s own background as a gallery owner and art collector. The walls also feature archival sketches from Dior himself, alongside iconic photographs by Northern Italian visual artist Brigitte Niedermair . A private salon offers an immersive experience, backdropped by a fresco by Parisian artist François Mascarello .

project info:

project title: Dior Boutique

architecture: Christian de Portzamparc | @christian2portzamparc

location: Geneva, Switzerland

completion: 2024

ARCHITECTURE IN SWITZERLAND (236)

Christian de portzamparc (10), facades (239), retail interiors (650), product library.

a diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme.

architecture in the czech republic (135)
brick architecture (303)
christian kerez (4)
residential architecture and interiors (3808)
architecture on stilts (79)
fictional architecture (217)
glass art and design (161)
shipping container architecture (196)
architecture in colombia (33)
facades (239)
school architecture and design (686)
thomas heatherwick (102)
architecture in japan (1487)
architecture interviews (263)
concrete architecture and design (692)
mariko mori (5)

designboom will always be there for you

IMAGES

Saudi Arabia offers first-ever Christian tour for tourism!
The Best Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia
30 Tourist Places To Visit In Saudi Arabia
Visit Al-'Ula: 2022 Travel Guide for Al-'Ula, Al Madinah Province
Religious tourism in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Wants Tourists. It Didn’t Expect Christians.

VIDEO

Explore The Beauty Of Saudi Arabia
Tourism Saudi Arabia
Christian Tourism Services I Jordan Tour I 2024 Latest Video
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN SAUDI ARABIA! + HOW SAUDIS DO IT
Saudi arabia to oman my journey
From Islam to Christianity: A Powerful Testimony of Finding Jesus Christ

COMMENTS

Saudi Arabia Wants Tourists. It Didn't Expect Christians
Vivian Nereim has reported from inside Saudi Arabia since 2015. For this article, she and the photographer Iman Al-Dabbagh spent five days traveling through Saudi Arabia with a Christian tour ...
Biblical Sites in Saudi Arabia Now Open for U.S. Tourists
Living Passages, an Idaho-based travel company, launched its " first-ever Christian tour of rare sites " in Saudi Arabia. Author Joel Richardson, who led a group to "Jethro's Caves in the Land of Midian," says, "This portends to be the most significant new archaeological site in modern history.". The sold-out tour, which cost ...
Saudi Arabia Travel
SAUDI ARABIA TOURS. Explore the ancient land of Midian, the Split Rock of Horeb, and Jabal al-Lawz - the real Mount Sinai. The foundational narrative of the Exodus in the Old Testament contains some of the most vital and momentous accounts in Christian history. The quest to uncover the archeological and geological evidence of Israel's ...
Inside the US Evangelical Mission to Get a Church in Saudi Arabia
Bill Bostock. Feb 8, 2021, 2:00 AM PST. Saudi Arabia, the home of Islam, has outlawed churches and punished Christian worship for decades. The kingdom's 1.4 million Christians meet in secret, but ...
Saudi Arabia's Drive for Tourists Opens Unexpected Doors to Christian
Before 2019, Saudi Arabia's tourism sector was dominated by Islamic pilgrims visiting Mecca. Open practice of other religions was largely forbidden, arriving Christian tourists a significant departure from the norm. ... In this rapidly evolving landscape, Saudi Arabia has started to attract Christian travelers with its newly launched tours ...
Saudi Arabia's tourism industry gets boost from unlikely source: Christians
The long-term plan is to overhaul the Saudi economy from its dependency on the oil industry, then to modernize it and develop the Saudi nation. The Saudi aspiration is to drive the tourism sector so that it will contribute 10% to the national income, as opposed to 3%, and add a million more jobs. The jewel in the crown is expected to be MBS ...
Saudi Arabia opens tourism to ancient biblical sites: 'The atmosphere
Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to tourists and one group started the "first-ever Christian tour of rare sites" on Monday to a controversial location believed to be the real Mount Sinai, the ...
Saudi Arabia Embraced Coptic Christmas. Could Its First Ch......
In 2019, Saudi Arabia opened the area to Christian tourism. Said to be ancient Midian, it is home to an alternate site for Mt. Sinai and a split-rock outcropping resembling the miracle at Horeb ...
Christianity in Saudi Arabia
According to Pew Research Center, the percentage of Christians in Saudi Arabia in 2018 constituted 4.4% of the country's population. [27] However, the percentage of Saudi Arabian citizens who are Christians is zero de jure, [28] as Saudi Arabia forbids religious conversion from Islam and punishes it by death.
Opened Biblical Sites in Saudi Arabia Now Available for Privately
Coeur d'Alene, ID - Living Passages, a Christian tour operator in the United States of America began offering tours to reach Exodus sites soon after Saudi Arabia opened Biblical sites.These sites had previously been closed for decades. These tours arrived on the coattails of the second delegation of U.S. Evangelical leaders hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Why 'Persecuted' Is Not the Best Way to Describe Christians in th
The Christian presence re-entered the Gulf with the first colonial ventures of the Portuguese in 1497, the establishment of the East India Company in 1600 by the British, the Dutch East India ...
Christian Tourists Risk Arrest if Bibles Are Displayed in Saudi Arabia
10/19/2019 Saudi Arabia (International Christian Concern) - Adherence to strict Saudi Arabian rules include restrictions on open Christian practice. New tourist regulations allow for one Bible to be brought into the country for personal use only. More than one or any public display of the Bible will bring harsh punishment, even for tourists. Conversion from […]
Christian tourists at risk if they display their Bible in public in
October 14, 2019. Share on. Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourists for the first time with the launch of a tourist e-visa on 27 September, but Christian visitors should be aware that displaying a Bible in public, or taking more than one Bible into the country, could place them at risk of arrest. The new regulations for tourists state that a ...
The growth trajectory of religious tourism in key markets
Saudi Arabia aims to host 30m religious tourists in 2030, part of a wider goal to attract 100m domestic and international tourists annually in line with Saudi Vision 2030. To improve the visitor experience and mitigate the undesirable effects of over-tourism, construction projects such as the $35bn redevelopment of King Abdulaziz International ...
In Focus: Religious Tourism In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia
In Focus: Religious Tourism In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Prior to 1946, around 60,000 pilgrims visited Mecca annually; that's a 500x expansion in annual pilgrims to be witnessed in 84 years ...
Religious tourism and its management: the hajj in Saudi Arabia
The International Journal of Tourism Research (IJTR) is a ... The hajj by Muslims to the cities they deem holy in Saudi Arabia is a distinctive illustration that involves the mass movement of pilgrims every year. Numbers are strictly controlled, but set to rise as the government pursues a policy of expanding space at certain holy sites and ...
AGSIW
Saudi Tourism Plans are Ambitious . The Saudi leadership has audacious aspirations for the tourism sector, striving to make it the number two industry behind hydrocarbons. In a country, which apart from the critical religious tourism sector, had no tourism visa before 2019 and whose Tourism Ministry was established only in 2020, there is ...
Can Christians Bring Bibles Into Saudi Arabia?
First, any quantities of bibles in your possession would be confiscated. Next, you would be detained, imprisoned, tried, fined, and then deported. Your personal choice to practice as a Christian is fully respected in Saudi Arabia. However, the religious law in the country does not allow for the freedom to promote Christianity to others.
Are there Christian Churches in Saudi Arabia?
First church in Saudi Arabia ; Najran located on the southern tip of Saudi Arabia was the first Christian city in the entire region. Hanyan or Hannan had converted their families to the Christian faith and had founded the first church in the 5th century. 8 tourist places to visit in Najran; Christian Massacre
Saudi Arabia offers first-ever Christian tour for tourism!
As Saudi Arabia increasingly opens up to tourists, a travel group in the country started offering this week a "first-ever Christian tour of rare sites," promising participants a close-up look at a controversial location believed to be the real Mount Sinai — the mountain where, according to the Bible, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.
22 Things That Could Land You in Trouble As a Tourist in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is admitting general tourists for the first time. Here are 22 things that could get you arrested or fined, like dabbing, carrying a Bible, or wearing shorts. Bill Bostock. Oct 9, 2019 ...
Religious tourism in Saudi Arabia
Income of religious tourism in Saudi Arabia: Hajj and Umrah together add $ 12 billion to Saudi Arabia's GDP annually, which is roughly 20% of the country's non-oil GDP and 7% of GDP, and the Saudi government has shown ambitious plans to increase Hajj revenues to 150 billion Dollars by the year 2022 through an increase in the number of ...
The Stealthy Revolution In Saudi Arabia Will Change The World
The old days of funding radical Islam by the Gulf and Saudi are gone. Now it's all about tourism, culture, fashion and glamor. And Cristiano Ronaldo
'Wild, beautiful, untrodden:' The epic hiking trails emerging in Saudi
"Saudi Arabia is absolutely vast in scale, that is the first thing that strikes me," he says. ... Al Soudah is a tourist hub with a cable car to the top of Jabal Sawda with government plans to ...
How to Save Tourism in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia?
The tourism growth vision for 2030 across the Gulf and Saudi Arabia is dizzying for a conservative mind in the travel and tourism industry. ... except for religious tourism, Saudi Arabia emerged ...
Saudi Arabia: Umrah pilgrims in Ramadan topped 30 million
Cairo: More than 30 million Muslims from around the world performed Umrah or lesser pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia during this year's Islamic holy month of Ramadan which ended last week, according ...
kengo kuma turns wood & clay into offshore ummahat villas in saudi arabia
Kengo Kuma completes the Ummahat AlShaykh island project in Saudi Arabia, a new hospitality concept emerging from the Red Sea and one that is deeply rooted in the site's characteristics. Despite ...
Saudi caves offer exciting tourism opportunities for the adventurous
Saudi Arabia's caves are a vast natural resource for the tourism industry in the Kingdom. Large numbers of different types of deep and superficial caves are formed over millions of years, following the dissolution of limestone rocks due to rain and floods leaking into the ground through cracks and faults, resulting in cavities.
Saudi Arabia: Deserts around Mecca and Medina are turning green due to
Recent heavy rains in Saudi desert near Mecca and Medina birthed a lush oasis, attracting locals, visitors, and wildlife, showcasing biodiversity, resilience, and vibrant vegetation growth.
new dior flagship by christian de portzamparc blossoms in geneva
A New Landmark on geneva's Rue du Rhône . Maison Dior has unveiled its newest Swiss boutique in Geneva, a landmark flagship designed by Christian de Portzamparc, the first French architect to ...