Mecca Saudi Arabia

Tommy — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:22:09 +0000

The holy city of Mecca Saudi Arabia is considered the center of the Islamic world, and it is the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. While a journey to Mecca is popular for Muslims all over the world, Mecca travel is forbidden for non-Muslims. Each day, one billion Muslims from all over the world—from New York City to the United Arab Emirates—face Mecca Saudi Arabia to pray. It is also required in the Islamic faith that each able-bodied person make a pilgrimage of Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime. This journey to Mecca is called the Hajj and is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world. Each year, more than two million people make the pilgrimage to Mecca during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Mecca tourism is popular during other times of the year, but the Hajj can only be completed during the designated month.

The city is located in the Makkah Province of Saudia Arabia and is itself increasingly called Makkah, which more closely resembles the pronunciation of the Arabic word than does Mecca, the original English translation of the name. Since both general Mecca travel and the annual pilgrimage to Mecca is only intended for Muslims, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca Saudi Arabia any time of the year. Although several non-Muslims have entered in the past, the penalties for non-Muslims entering Mecca Saudi Arabia are quite harsh and can include deportation and jail time.

Mecca Saudi Arabia view from above

Mecca Saudi Arabia at night

Mecca Saudi Arabia

Holy Mosque of Mecca Riyadh (The Capital)

Saudi Arabia

Tommy — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:08:05 +0000

Saudi Arabia is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, home to around 27 million people and covering 830,000 square miles of land.

It borders the countries of Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates and also lies on both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Although Saudi Arabia is perhaps best known among westerners for its exportation of oil, the country is rich in history and thrives in the tourism industry.

Saudi Arabia vacations are often spent visiting Medina and Mecca, the two holiest cities in Islam. Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is another attraction that is popular for Saudi Arabia holidays. This bustling city is full of attractions, including Al Musmak Castle, a variety of religious and cultural museums, and Salam Park.

Saudi Arabia top attractions:

* Mecca
* Medina
* Mosque of the Prophet

Top Tourist Sites » Saudi Arabia

Mecca Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia