Saudi Arabia has some secrets left to uncover as a land of fascinating contrasts and rich cultural heritage. Here are 11 fun facts that might surprise you.
1. Home to the world’s largest and driest sand desert
The larges continuous sand desert in the world is The Ar Rub’ al Khali (which translates to ‘The Empty Quarter’). It spans approximately 650,000 sqkm and crosses over into Yemen and Oman. Untouched dunes and exploration await adventure enthusiasts.
2. Home of very fast trains
Saudi Arabia’s Haramain High-Speed Railway is one of the fastest trains in the world, reaching speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph). It connects the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, facilitating swift pilgrimages.
3. Fish you won’t find anywhere else
The Red Sea is home to over 1,200 species of fish, nearly 20% of which are found nowhere else in the world. This biodiversity makes it a top destination for divers and marine biologists alike.
4. Travel in the world’s largest airport
King Fahd International Airport in Dammam is the largest airport in the world by land area, covering approximately 780 sq km. It is a major gateway for domestic and international travel, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance in global aviation.
5. Examples of prehistoric culture
The ancient rock art in the Hail Region is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jeddah. Dating back 10,000 years, it showcases early human life with depictions of hunting, animals, and symbols, offering a glimpse into prehistoric culture.
6. The Kingdom of youth
Saudi’s population is just over 37 million this year, of which 63% are under the age of 30. This is no doubt a key advantage as the Kingdom torpedoes ahead with its ambitious Vision 2030 plans to modernise and transform Saudi culturally and digitally to open up new sectors in tourism, technology, sports, entertainment.
7. $20 million horses
The annual Saudi Cup is the world’s richest horse race, with a prize purse of $20 million. It attracts top international talent and is a major event in the global horse racing calendar.
8. Saudi imports sand
Despite its vast deserts, Saudi Arabia imports sand from Australia. This imported sand is used in construction because it has the specific properties required for making concrete, unlike the finer desert sand, which is not suitable for building materials.
9. The tallest water fountain
King Fahd’s Fountain in Jeddah is the tallest in the world, shooting water up to 312 mtrs (1,024 ft) high, and it’s a spectacular sight, especially when illuminated at night.
10. Tradition meets sport in camel racing
Camel racing is a beloved sport steeped in tradition and culture. It has been a sporting event since at least the 7th century. Today, it’s more of a combination of professional training and technology, but it still maintains its cultural significance.
11. Bringing the extinct back to life
The antelope Arabian Oryx was once considered extinct in 1972. Thanks to conservation efforts of zoos and private reserves in Saudi Arabia, there are now more than 1000 in the wild with 6000 in captivity.
