Saudi Arabian Flag Green background with white letters declaring the Muslim creed in Arabic: “There is no god by God: Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” National Anthem Lyrics Hasten to glory and supremacy! Glorify the Creator of the heavens And raise the green, fluttering flag, Carrying the emblem of Light! Repeat - God is greatest! O my country, My country, may you always live, The glory of all Muslims! Long live the King, For the flag and the country! Click to play National Anthem Entry visas are required to visit Saudi Arabia. Contact Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC.

Riyadh is the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and capital of the Riyadh Province. It is the geographic and cultural hub of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is the largest city in Saudi Arabia and is a very contemporary city with modern roads, high rise buildings, residential suburbs and industrial parks. Riyadh means “garden” in Arabic.

Makkah is the capital of the Makkah Province (often shown spelled Mecca). Mecca (Makkah) is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. It is the holiest city in Islam. Millions of Muslims make the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which marks the religious high point in the Muslim’s life, to the city of Mecca (Makkah). Muslims around the world turn towards the Holy Mosque in Mecca (Makkah) to pray five times during the day. The Ka’abah (Islam’s most sacred shrine) is located in the Holy Mosque.

Medina, also spelled Madinah, is the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam. Muslims are drawn to Medina out of love and respect for God’s last Prophet Muhammad. The first Islamic community was located in Medina and the Prophet Muhammad spent last years of his life here. The Prophet Muhammad and his companions are buried here. The Prophet’s Mosque is also located in Medina.

Buraydah is the capital of the Al Qasim Province and is located in the northern central region of Saudi Arabia, an equal distance from the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. It is the second largest city (behind Riyadh). Buraydah has a typical desert climate with cold winters, hot summers and high humidity. Agriculture is the primary economic factor including dates, lemons, oranges, other fruits and most recently wheat.

Largest Province in Saudi Arabia Dammam is the capital (and largest city) of the Eastern Province. Dammam port is the largest port on the Persian Gulf. Al Khobar and Dhahran are also cities located in the Eastern Province. Both are located close to Dammam and considered part of the Dammam metropolitan area. Al Khobar transformed the Persian Gulf waterfront area into family beaches, parks and restaurants. Dhahran is the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, the largest oil company managing the largest oil reserve. Dhahran is home to many expatriates (foreign nationals) who work for Saudi Aramco.

Abha is the capital city of the Asir Province located in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. The regions consists of steep mountains, green and flowering plants, and cool breezes.

Tabuk is the capital of Tabuk Province and is located on the northwest coast of Saudi Arabia. Tabuk is across the Red Sea from Egypt. Exporting flowers to Europe is the primary economy for Tabuk Province.

Hail is the capital city of the Hail Province. It is located in the northwest region of Saudi Arabia. Hail is an agricultural region producing grain, dates, fruit and wheat. It was once part of the camel caravan route of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Ar’ar is the capital of the Northern Border Province. The province has grown due to the Trans Arabian Pipeline. The Northern Border Province is mostly flat, stony desert with soil not suited for agriculture. Water is completely from wells and must be treated before drinking due to the saltiness.

Jizan is the capital of the Jizan Province located in the far south west region of Saudi Arabia. It is located on the coast of the Red Sea close to the Farasan Islands. Jizan produces mangos, figs, and papaya.

Najran is the capital of the Najran Province and is a modern city located in the southern portion of Saudi Arabia bordering Yemen. Najran has a moderate climate with orchards (peaches, apricots, apples, grapes, lemons and oranges), gardens and public parks. Scenic views includes Abi Al Rashras valley, Abu Hamdan mountains, Najran Valley dam and Al-Saud waterfalls.

Al-Bahah (or Baha) is the capital city of the Bahah Province located in the southwest region of Saudi Arabia and is a major tourist attraction. It has a milder climate and is surrounded by forests. The tourist attractions include the forests, wild life areas, mountains and valleys. Al Bahah is known for its production of honey along with fruit, dates, grain and vegetables.

(Al Jouf Province – alternate spelling) Sakakah is the capital city of the Al-Jawf (Al-Jouf) Province located in the northern region of Saudi Arabia and links Syria and Iraq with the Arabian peninsula. Al-Jawf includes many archeological monuments and is rich in antiquities. Sakakah and the Al-Jawf region also produces large quantities of date palms and wheat.