The emergence of Saudi Arabic dynasty began in the central Arabic region in 1744. Alliance between Muhammad bin Saudi ruler of the town of Ad-Dir’yyah near Riyadh and Muhammad Ibn-Wahhab formed in the 18th century still remains the base of Saudi Arabian rule today. Saudi Arabia is considered as the 14th largest with the area of 2,217,949 square kilometers (8, 56,356 square miles). It is bordered by Iraq on the north, Yemen on the south, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates on the east and the Red sea to the west. Saudi Arab maps point out its varied geographic composition. There are deserts, plateaus, sea-shores, and mountains. It has seas on both sides so the climate is unique. Travelers may think of Saudi Arabia as a desert country but will be marveled by the green mountains in the `Asir region which are also a favorite spot for Saudis for spending the summer. The Saudi Arabian tourism industry is very developed. One of the major reasons is the existence of Muslim relics like the ‘Q’abah’, the ‘Masjid-e-Nabbi (Prophet’s mosque and mausoleum). Muslims, the followers of Muhammad (pbuh) and his previous prophets of Allah, from all over the world come for Hajj in the Hijri month of Jil-Hajj. Saudi Arabia maintains a lunar calendar –“Hijri Calendar”. However, the Holy cities Mecca and medina are out of bounds for the non-Muslims. Travelers from all races and religions can enjoy the greenery by the deserts, mountains, and seas and include Saudi Arabia as a favorable travel destination. Airfares are cheap and a lot of airlines operate from here.
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