Beyond pilgrimages and religious tourism: Saudi Arabia opening up its remote family-friendly destinations
Photo: Yanbu on the Red Sea / Bcow / Creative Commons
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage is tapping into the rapidly growing number of foreign and domestic tourists to develop the more remote areas of the country.
Although the movements of hajj pilgrims are restricted to Mecca, Jeddah and Medina during hajj, umrah pilgrims are free to explore other areas of the country. And they are increasingly exploring the areas around Medina.
Three destinations are especially attracting increasing tourist attention: Yanbu to the west of Medina; Tabuk to its north, with its rich Hejaz Railway history and its proximity to the centuries-old hajj trail from Syria through to Medina; and Mada'in Saleh between Tabuk and the city of Medina, with its pre-Islamic archaeological wonders.
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Rob L. Wagner