Home to the world's largest oil reserves and the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is still stereotyped as a closed and forbidden Kingdom, with rich sheiks and palaces in the desert next to oil gushing wells.
However, under the conservative blanket lies a country with many surprises. If you feel adventurous, go dune bashing in the Empty Quarter desert or SCUBA dive in the still-unspoiled coral reefs of the Red Sea. Explore the Mada'in Saleh, a lesser-known Saudi version of Petra, and share Arabian tea under a tent to experience the warmth and friendliness of the Bedouin people. Just know that some areas are off-limits to non-Muslims.
Continue below to read more about the Kingdom, discover how to conduct yourself, and learn why many foreigners choose to work there.
Have you heard of The Line?
Just you and over one hundred millenia-old, rock-hewn monuments.
Archeological wonders mixed in with phony tourist attractions.
It’s a stargazer’s paradise.