Saudi Arabia: A Mystical Country

Part of the fascination that many have for Saudi Arabia is only bolstered by the fact that it is such a secretive society that firmly veils itself in a mysterious tradition and social order. For example, singing, dancing, dressing freely, addressing women on the street, being a woman on the street, baking in the sun at the beach in a long cloak because it cannot be taken off, smoking, drinking and, yes, even speaking loudly are all things that in Saudi Arabia are either illegal or punishable to such a degree that they might as well be illegal.

A trip through the Saudi capital of Riyadh is indeed the polar opposite of a jaunt through, say, Amsterdam or Bangkok! It is clear that the devout Muslim Saudis want to protect their people from each and every element of foreign culture and tradition that does not sit well with their own set, tight and rigid code of behavior. Although it is interesting to wonder about what must happen behind (very) closed (sound-proof) doors.

So, the logical question then becomes, "Why travel to Saudi Arabia at all?" Fair enough. However, it is often for precisely these reasons that the few tourists who are allowed in Saudi Arabia are so keen to make the trek. In short, the question is, "What’s the big secret?" We may never fully know, but slowly the Saudis are allowing the odd handful of Westerners to get a small glimpse into that mystery.