Saudi Arabia, located on the Arabian Peninsula, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide as the birthplace of Islam. It’s home to the religion’s two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina. The country, traditionally rooted in Bedouin culture, has seen rapid development and transformation, becoming a global oil giant and establishing megacities like Neom. As an Islamic state, Saudi Arabia practices a strict form of Sunni Islam based on the Wahhabi doctrine. Prominent Muslim-friendly areas include:
- Riyadh
- Jeddah
- Mecca
- Medina
- Dammam
Being the heartland of Islam, all food in Saudi Arabia is halal. Saudi Arabian cuisine offers a rich array of flavors with dishes like kabsa, haneeth, and jereesh. With the increasing influx of expatriates and tourists, international cuisines that comply with halal standards have also become widely available. Cities where halal food is a given include:
- Riyadh
- Jeddah
- Mecca
- Medina
- Khobar
