Jaunted

Middle East

Saudi Arabia Says Tourism's Coming Soon

June 6, 2008 at 9:45 AM | 0 Comments

Given that for most of us women, vacationing with a head to toe cloak isn't our top priority, we haven't often considered Saudi Arabia as a destination. But maybe that's about to change.

The Saudi government is pushing to attract more tourists to the country, aiming for 1.5 million a year, not including the Muslim tourists who come on pilgrimage. Three new training colleges will teach the locals to work as tour guides, airport officials and travel agents.

But it's not "tourism at any cost": The government will tell tourists what we can expect (we're waiting to hear) and that includes somewhat restrictive cultural norms. Probably not a destination for a beach vacation but you might get to run up and down a sand dune fully clothed.

Related Stories:
· Saudi Arabia a Sleeping Giant [The National]
· Saudi Arabia Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: zedorwin]

Nas Air

Nas Air Flies Around Saudi Arabia, Fervently

November 30, 2007 at 9:50 AM | 1 Comment

With just five aircraft to its name so far, Saudi Arabai's first budget airline Nas Air could, until recently, fly you between just a handful of destinations, including Jeddah and Riyadh. But that's okay for an airline that started life as recently as February 25 this year.

Nas Air is actually a subsidiary of the Saudi National Air Services and its expansion was recently announced. They're now going to be flying to 20 destinations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a fare starting at 49 Saudi Riyals (about $13).

What we like about Nas Air is its overwhelmingly upbeat attitude. We're not sure if the airline is living up to it, but this is what's promised:

We have a fervent zeal to be the best we can be in an advanced 21st century.

Any airline with a fervent zeal these days is more than okay by us.

Related Stories:
· Nas Air [Official Website]
· Saudi Arabia Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Low Cost Carrier coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: moaksey]

Mecca

Google Earth Views: Trip to Mecca

August 10, 2006 at 1:09 PM | 0 Comments

The mosque Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām in Mecca is the place where all Muslims are expected to visit at least once in their lives.

Unless you are Muslim, this is probably as close as you are going to get to Mecca. While the mosque is an important part of Arab culture, from what we have heard, the police ask travelers to Mecca to recite some basic passages from the Koran in Arabic in order to gain entry. Not the most fool proof security system, however it isn't like it says "Muslim" or "Non-Muslim" on your passport.

In the satellite photo you can see plenty of people around the Kaaba--millions visit this site every year.

Related Stories:
· Masjid al-Haram [maps.google.com]
· Mecca [GoogleSightseeing]
· Masjid al-Haram [Wikipedia]

Adventure Travel

Girlfriend Getaways Meets Girls Get Away

July 13, 2006 at 11:29 AM | 0 Comments

Sassiness on the part of your wife or daughter can ruin a vacation, so why not nip it in the bud and take her to Saudi Arabia? Yes, Saudi tourism officials are hoping to boost their the number of visitors to 50,000 a year, up from, well, next to nothing at present. Licensed tour operators will increase from one to eighteen in order to facilitate this process, though tours of Mecca and Medina for non-Muslims will remain off-limits.

The ladies will have to put the kibosh on their skinny jeans as well if they come along for the trip. According to the Sydney Morning Herald:

All female tourists will be required to dress according to Saudi tradition: covered from head to toe with only their face, hands and feet exposed. And in the most conservative city, the capital, Riyadh, women must wear a black robe over their clothes... And swinging singles need not apply. [Ladies] younger than 40 must be accompanied by their brothers or fathers.

On the one hand, you won't have to worry about squeezing into a swimsuit for this vacation. On the other, the whole possibility of being stoned to death does tend to put a damper on things. Maybe it's better to take a wait and see approach. Why not visit North Korea instead?

[Image via vijayd/Flickr]

Related Stories:
·   Saudis Promote Kingdom [SMH]