1. Empty Quarter – The Largest Sand Desert on Earth
Saudi Arabia is home to the largest continuous sand desert on the planet, the Rub' al Khali or "Empty Quarter". Encompassing roughly 650,000 square kilometers, this vast desert makes up around a third of the Arabian Peninsula. Its dunes can be as high as 250 meters and it's so inhospitable that it's almost completely devoid of life. Curiously, despite being a desert, the Empty Quarter is rich in underground oil reserves.
2. No Need for Rivers or Lakes
Interestingly enough, Saudi Arabia doesn’t have a single river or lake. The country relies heavily on two primary sources for fresh water – underground wells and seawater desalination. Yet despite this scarcity, Saudi Arabia has managed to transform desert into fertile land for agricultural purposes.
3. Saudi Arabia Houses the Largest Female University
It's eye-opening to know that the largest women's university globally is located in Saudi Arabia. The Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University, located in Riyadh, was established in 2008 and has more than 52,000 students, with a campus that spans nearly eight million square meters.
4. Tallest Load-Bearing Statue in the World
The planned Jeddah Tower, set to be completed by 2021, will become the world's tallest skyscraper. However, Saudi Arabia is already home to the world’s tallest load-bearing statue, the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, standing at over 601 meters tall.
5. The Land of Two Holy Mosques
Saudi Arabia is known for its distinct religious importance, hosting Mecca and Medina's two holiest cities in Islam. These cities are the destinations for the Islamic pilgrimage Hajj, attracting millions of Muslims from around the world every year.
6. No Permanent Daylight Saving Time Here
While many countries implement daylight saving time, Saudi Arabia sticks to a standard time all year round. This means the time remains the same no matter the season, providing predictability to residents and visitors.
7. A Country Without a National Day Until Recently
Saudi Arabia did not have an official National Day until 2005. It's held on September 23rd every year, marking the day in 1932 when the country was united as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
8. Perform the Saudi 'Dance of the Swords'
The "Ardah" or the Saudi Arabian 'Dance of the Swords' is a traditional folk dance usually performed at large events and festivals. Men perform it, brandishing swords and dancing rhythmically to drum beats and spoken poetry.
9. 'Black Gold' Capital
Saudi Arabia is one of the world's leading oil producers, often referred to as the ‘black gold capital’. It boasts the world's second-largest oil reserves. The oil sector accounts for approximately 90% of the country’s budget revenues.
10. The 'Queen of Dates'
Saudi Arabia is famous for its premium quality dates, especially the 'Sukkari' or 'Sugar' dates, often referred to as the 'Queen of Dates'. They're sweet, rich, and soft, and considered a luxurious treat.
11. Tawi Al Namus – The Mysterious Volcano Lake
Tawi Al Namus, or the 'Mystery of the Volcano', is a diverting sight in the Libyan desert on Saudi Arabia's outskirts. This volcano's vitreous bottom fills with rainwater, creating a mesmerizing lake amid the desert.
12. Home to the World's Oldest Human Fossil
Saudi Arabia is home to the oldest human fossil outside Africa and the Levant, dating back nearly 90,000 years. This discovery significantly encompasses our understanding of early human migrations.
13. Largest Camel Market in the World
The city of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia hosts the world's largest camel market, where around 100 camels are sold every day. This bustling market is a colorful spectacle of local culture and tradition.
14. Saudi Arabia's Unique Sesame Street
Did you know that Saudi Arabia has its own Sesame Street, known as "Iftah Ya Simsim"? The educational program includes characters and storylines severe to Arabian culture, helping children understand their country's cultural nuances.
15. King Fahd's Fountain – The World's Highest
Jeddah's King Fahd's Fountain is the highest of its kind in the world, with water jetting up to 312 meters – roughly equivalent to a 30-story building. It's an awe-inspiring spectacle, particularly at night.
16. World's Largest Producers of Desalinated Water
Due to its arid climate, Saudi Arabia is the world's largest producer of desalinated water. The country operates a total of 27 desalination plants on the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
17. Kingdom Without Rivers Houses the World’s Largest Irrigation Project
Interestingly, Saudi Arabia has the largest agricultural project in the world, known as the Al Khafji solar-powered desalination plant. This massive solar project, which doesn't have any rivers, produces a staggering 30,000 cubic meters of water per day.
18. Virtual Hunting in Empty Quarters
Hunting is prohibited in Saudi Arabia to protect the local wildlife; however, a unique game called "Baloot" allows locals to experience virtual hunting. Players track Gazelles in the Empty Quarter, the game helping educate about endangered species protection.
19. Exotic Wildlife in the Middle of the Desert
The Saudi Arabian National Wildlife Research Center has managed to breed endangered Arabian oryxes and reintroduce them into the wild. These animals are unique and exotic, and it's fascinating to see them thriving in their natural habitat.
20. Presence of A Meteorological Phenomenon Known as 'Haboob'
In Saudi Arabia, it is usual to witness a fascinating meteorological phenomenon known as 'Haboob'. It is essentially a massive dust storm that forms when cold air rapidly moves down and forward under the thunderstorm and collects dust.