This fascinating country is a modern, oil-rich metropolis as well as being the historic birth place to the Arab race. Its vast deserts, mountain scenery, holy cities and archaeological sites attract many visitors ? predominantly Muslims doing their sacred pilgrimage to the holy Arab cities, as tourist visas are not readily available for non-Muslims.

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia since 1932, is a high-tech city with huge hotels, hospitals and one of the biggest airports in the world. The centre of Riyadh is called Al-Bathaa and is the oldest part of the city. The Riyadh Museum lies to the west of Al-Bathaa covering the history and archeology of the kingdom. The Masmak Fortress, the old citadel in the heart of Riyadh, is now a museum portraying traditional way of life. Other museums in town are the King Saud University Museum, displaying archeological findings and Murabba Palace, with exhibits of traditional clothing and crafts. The Al-Thumairi Gate lying at the centre of town has been restored since the wall was torn down in 1950.

Jeddah is centred on Al-Balad, the strip of buildings along its coast road and the old city directly behind them. The Municipality Museum contains many old photos showing the development of the city. The Jeddah Museum is an interesting visit with old artifacts and history. The Souk Al-Alawi market winds its way through the city and is great for shopping. The old city gates provide a good example of Jeddah architecture.

Mecca, just inland from Jeddah, is the city where devout Muslims go for their pilgrimage every year. Mecca and the holy sites surrounding it are off limits to

non-Muslims. In the centre are the Grand Mosque and the sacred Zamzam.

In Najran, the Al-Aan Palace is a remarkable piece of architecture and Najran's fort is also interesting. This city contains some of the newest and best museums in the country.