What Souvenirs to Bring from Saudi Arabia – Introduction
The series of posts “What Souvenirs to bring from Saudi Arabia” will be equally handy both for the expats who stayed in the Kingdom long enough to consider themselves experts in “all things Saudi” as well as for those who are going to come to Saudi Arabia on a short-term work assignment.
Shopping in Saudi Arabia: malls vs souks
Saudi Arabia belongs to the list of “roads less travelled” for the most of us. For the time being tourist visas to the Kingdom are granted on a limited basis and for specific religious purposes, making casual visit to the country for sightseeing purposes almost infeasible.
In 2006, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, or SCTA, granted tourist visas to foreigners for the first time. Then issuance of tourist visas to Saudi Arabia has been stopped indefinitely.
Provisions for issuing tourist visas are still being discussed by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
This is quite unfortunate however: did you know for example, that four cultural properties in Saudi Arabia were inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and there are ten more sites that are being considered for nomination? Read about Saudi World Heritage Sites here.
Bayt Naseef, Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makah (Saudi Arabia)
Would you drink some Arabic coffee in the world’s largest coffee shop, or take a picture of the tallest unsupported flagpole? Both are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, along with other 40 achievements made by Saudi Guinness record challengers. Read about some of the Saudi Guinness Records here and here.
The world’s largest coffee shop Al-Masaah Café
Actually, 28 of Guinness records were set within one month!
In the next several posts I will list souvenir ideas that will help you to bring back home from Saudi Arabia memorable and surprising gifts from the Kingdom, starting with the most popular ones and including some exclusive insider tips for those ambitious gift-seekers who prefer authentic rather than mass-produced things.
Purchasing souvenirs for family and friends can be an adventure on its own, and will live a lasting memory for yourself and for the gift receiver. I’m a strong believer that every gift should come with an exciting story. When years after your trip you’ll pull out a box with travel keepsakes and look through them, memories will come alive and a nostalgic smile will touch your face. Or better yet, you’ll have something interesting to tell your gift recipient when offering the souvenirs.
That is why to me it’s important to look for gifts that are specific to the country I’m are travelling. Since this blog is about Saudi Arabia, the gift ideas will be given with “the truly Arabian experience” in mind.
Stay tuned!
