Riyadh, of course, is the country's capital as well as the historic home of the Nejdi Salafist culture that characterizes the country today.
Jeddah has played an important role in history as the capital of the Hejaz region, port and way station for Muslim pilgrims making hajj or umrah for centuries. Soon it may also be home to the tallest man-made structure in the world.
Mecca is, of course, the holiest city in Islam. The city that all observant Muslims pray toward five times a day. Muhammad's home town. A byword for any place that attracts pilgrims, devotees or visitors.
Medina is the 2nd holiest city in Islam and has played an important role in the religion's history.
Al-Ahsa used to be one of the ten largest cities in the world, as you can see on my Top 10 Cities Through History quiz.
Ta'if is the summer capital of Saudi Arabia.
Dammam is an important port city, home to Saudi Aramco.
Everyone should probably also know Ha'il... Ha'il used to be very important as it's where the Rashid clan is from. In recent history they are the most important Arab rivals to the AlSaud clan. Ha'il was capital of the Jabal Shammar Emirate, the most important political power on the Arabian peninsula from the early 19th to the early 20th century, up until it was conquered by the Al-Sauds.
Al Baha is also worth to be added to the list as it is one of the southwestern summer attractions and is a capital of the AL BAHA region. It is also home for THEE AIN historical village.
Riyadh, of course, is the country's capital as well as the historic home of the Nejdi Salafist culture that characterizes the country today.
Jeddah has played an important role in history as the capital of the Hejaz region, port and way station for Muslim pilgrims making hajj or umrah for centuries. Soon it may also be home to the tallest man-made structure in the world.
Mecca is, of course, the holiest city in Islam. The city that all observant Muslims pray toward five times a day. Muhammad's home town. A byword for any place that attracts pilgrims, devotees or visitors.
Medina is the 2nd holiest city in Islam and has played an important role in the religion's history.
Al-Ahsa used to be one of the ten largest cities in the world, as you can see on my Top 10 Cities Through History quiz.
Ta'if is the summer capital of Saudi Arabia.
Dammam is an important port city, home to Saudi Aramco.
The others are less significant.