Saudi Arabia: all our hotels

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is the ancestral homeland of the Arabs, the birthplace of the Arabic language, and more importantly, the historic centre of Islam. Saudi Arabia is noted for its oil, Arabian horses, the world's biggest sand desert, Rub' Al Khali, the world's largest oasis, Al-Ahsa, Arabian coffee, enormous palaces and mosques, and Bedouins on horses and camels performing breathtaking falconry and sword-wielding dance manoeuvres. Saudi Arabia, also home to two of the world's holiest cities, invites you to its fascinating oasis of culture and legacy.

Saudi Arabia

History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may trace its origins to the Arabian Peninsula's ancient civilisations. As an old commercial centre and the home of Islam, the peninsula has played a crucial part in history over the ages. The history of Saudi Arabia began on September 23, 1932, when the twin kingdoms of Hejaz and Najd with their dependencies, managed as two independent nations since 1927, were merged under the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by royal order of King Abdulaziz. King Abdulaziz was a visionary who put Saudi Arabia on the path to modernity. He began constructing the country's infrastructure throughout his reign. He built roads and basic communications networks, introduced modern technologies, and made improvements in education, healthcare, and agriculture. Since then, the Kingdom has transformed itself from a desert to a modern, sophisticated state and a key participant on the world scene in just a few decades. Explore a wide selection of hotels in Saudi Arabia with ALL - Accor Live Limitless, and book your next stay in Saudi Arabia with confidence.

Saudi Arabia city highlights

Jeddah

Jeddah, a Red Sea port city, is a contemporary economic metropolis and the entrance to the Islamic holy towns of Mecca and Medina. The Corniche, a seaside promenade centred by the magnificent King Fahd's Fountain, is lined by resort hotels, beaches, and outdoor sculptures. The Al-Balad historic quarter in the city originates from the seventh century and features classic coral-built dwellings. Accor offers many benefits when booking online at one of its hotels in Jeddah from best price to last-minute availability.

Al Khobar

Al Khobar is a Saudi Arabian city in the Arabian Gulf. On the Corniche, a large beachfront area, lies Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sea Park, which has cafés and playgrounds. The city's Water Tower on the island offers panoramic views. The Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center features an aquarium, interactive exhibits, and an IMAX theatre (SciTech). In the West, the Aramco Exhibit is a museum dedicated to the Saudi oil industry. Book with Accor at one of our hotels in Al Khobar and benefit from our special offers. Best price guaranteed!

Makkah

Makkah, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Islam, is the holiest city in Islam. Only Muslims are permitted to enter the city. It attracts millions of pilgrims each year for the Hajj. The central Masjid al-Haram dates back to the seventh century and surrounds Islam's most sacred site, the Kaaba. Choose one of the top hotels in Makkah with Accor.

Riyadh

Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's capital and primary financial centre. The Kingdom Centre, which has a sky bridge connecting two buildings, and the Al Faisaliah Centre, which has a glass-globe apex, are both highlights in the business district. Masmak Fort, located in the ancient Deira area, commemorates the 1902 attack that gave the Al Sauds control of Riyadh. Accor makes online booking easier. Browse and pick through our vast selection of hotels in Riyadh and benefit from our best prices and offers.

Arts & Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's culture is diverse, influenced by its Islamic background, historical significance as an old trading hub, as well as its Bedouin customs. Over the last several decades, Saudi society has progressed tremendously. Saudis have adapted their beliefs and traditions to the contemporary world. The Kingdom is receiving international acclaim for its rich cultural past, archaeological discoveries, and architectural revolution. Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving thanks to HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's young leadership. Saudi Arabia is undergoing fast art reforms that will cement its position as one of the world's top art and design destinations. If you want to observe the Kingdom's contemporary art, some galleries worth visiting include Darat Safeya Binzagr, Arabian Wings Gallery, Havez Gallery, Desert Designs, and Al-Alamia Gallery. On the other hand, if you want to witness the Kingdom's heritage, must-see museums include the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Tayebat Museum, Scitech Technology Center, and Dar Al Madinah Museum. With ALL - Accor Live Limitless, you can choose from a large range of hotels in Saudi Arabia and book your next stay with confidence. Best price guaranteed!

Places to visit in Saudi Arabia

Witness the Great Mosque of Makkah and Masjid al-Haram for the ultimate pilgrimage. The Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina should be on everyone's Saudi trip itinerary. its large marble courtyard, white-walled prayer halls, beautiful minarets, and massive green dome will leave you speechless. Spend time at Jeddah's Silver Sands Beach, with its beautiful sunshine, pure ocean waves and silky white sand, or pray at the Kaaba for peace and tranquillity. Visit Jeddah's King Fahd's Fountain, Al-Shallal Theme Park, and Atallah Happy Land Park, where you can play video games, watch a 6D movie, listen to a musical fountain, and eat at a variety of restaurants. Visit the Fakieh Aquarium to enjoy a dolphin show, and the Masmak Fortress to learn about and discover history dating back to the 19th century. The Centrepoint in Riyadh, an arched tower with an observatory, is a must-see attraction. Delicacies, spices, gold, carpets, scarves, oud and perfumes may all be found at the Kingdom's souqs, including Dammam's Love Market, Riyadh's Souq Al Zal, and Old Jeddah's Historical Souq. At Accor we make online booking more convenient. Browse through all of our top hotels in Saudi Arabia and take advantage of our exclusive deals and discounts. With ALL - Accor Live Limitless, the best price is guaranteed!

Traditions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The traditions of Saudi Arabia are based on Islamic teachings and Arab customs. The Holy Month of Ramadan, the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the national festivals that follow them are the highlights of the year. The Eid Al Fitr celebration concludes the Holy Month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset. The annual Jenadriyah National Culture and Heritage Festival honours Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage. The "Al Ardha," the country's national dance, is one of the most captivating traditional rites in Saudi Arabia. Drummers pound out a rhythm, poets shout poems, and sword-wielding men dance shoulder to shoulder in this sword dance based on old Bedouin customs. The Hejaz's "Al Sihba" folk song has its origins in Al Andalus. The sound of the "Mizmar," a woodwind instrument, is used in the performance of the "Mizmar" dance in Makkah, Medina, and Jeddah. Traditional and tribal cultures see the drum as an essential instrument. In the Eastern Region, "Samri" is a popular traditional style of music and dance in which poetry is sung. Poetry is very significant in Arab culture, and it has traditionally been regarded as one of the finest forms of literary expression. During the nomadic days of the Bedouins, it was predominantly an oral tradition, a way of preserving history, customs and societal norms. Poetry, in the form of media (e.g., televised poetry competitions) or traditional oral poetry, is still popular among Saudis today. The yearly Jenadriyah National Culture and Heritage Festival, for example, involves prominent poets reading poems.

What to eat and drink in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers some of the world's most incredible foods, which are greatly inspired by the country's rich history and old customs. Food is a highly significant part of traditional Saudi Arabian culture, since it is seen as a symbol of hospitality. Generosity, friendliness, and a spirit of sharing are trademarks of the Kingdom's tradition, which can be observed in their cuisine. Rice, spices, chicken, lamb, yoghurt, potatoes, bread and dates are among the most popular foods in Saudi culture. Other famous traditional dishes include Ruz Al Bukhari, a flavourful rice dish that is generally paired with roast chicken; Muttabaq, a thin layer of bread stuffed with minced meat, eggs, leeks and scallions; Harees, usually consumed during the holy month of Ramadan, consists of coarse ground wheat, resembling oatmeal; and Ful wa Tameez, consisting of a mashed fava bean dip and thick bread.