Saudi Arabia is a unique country that has a lot to offer its visitors, as it is rich in culture, religion and tradition.
 

As the most cosmopolitan city in the Kingdom, it is the primary resort city where Saudi visitors, especially from Riyadh, escape the dry heat of the desert to enjoy its beautiful beaches, massive shopping malls and countless restaurants and cafes.

Jeddah Summer Festival: The largest summer festival in the Kingdom, which attracted 3.4 million people last year, is scheduled to begin on July 7 with an extravagant ceremony of fireworks, ritual dances and nationalistic songs. The 31st Jeddah Summer Festival (Jeddah Gheir) will host cultural, social and sports activities such as concerts, theaters, gold exhibitions, shopping promotions, local food and competitions. With over 60 activities for adults and children, it will also feature health expositions, conventions, art exhibitions and educational, cooking and literary programs.
 

Located 22 km from Al-Ula town, northwest of Madinah, Madain Saleh (also known as Al-Hijr or Hegra) is a pre-Islamic archaeological site and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. It consists of nearly 130 graves and accomodations once inhabited by the Nabataeans some 2,000 years ago. There are also traces of Lihyanite and Roman occupation.

To visit, you need to obtain a free permit either from your tour operator or from the National Museum in Riyadh — just make sure to apply at least one week in advance. With accommodation available nearby, visiting Madain Saleh makes for a great journey to relive history.

Najran is one of the Kingdom’s most modern cities and being an agricultural city, it is famous for its beautiful gardens and public parks. There are many attractions such as Al-Okhdood city, which holds many archaeological remains, rock drawings and inscriptions. There is also the Najran Dam, a 73-meter high dam, which offers a picturesque view on both sides. The city is also famous for its countless popular festivals and folklore dances.
 
Abha

The capital of Asir province is a popular destination for Saudis due to its mild climate, rainfalls and landscape (mountains, valleys and fertile plains). Tourist attractions include the Aseer National Park, Grand Tourist lake Project and Al-Hebla Park, which has been provided with a cable lift service. There is also the Al-Miftaha art village at the King Fahad Cultural Center with art works by Saudi painters and sculptors and the Shada Palace of archaeological artifacts.
 
Before we jump to the top travel destinations for Summer 2010, it is worth mentioning that Saudi culture and heritage are being showcased in Shanghai, China and Paris, France.

Shanghai: Since May, the Moon Boat Saudi Pavilion (a huge hanging boat shaped like a half moon) at the Expo 2010 Shanghai China is displaying Saudi culture through traditional folkloric performances. Furthermore, there is a huge 1,600 square-meter IMAX screen — larger than any other cinema screen on earth, which will depict short films on Saudi Arabia’s geographic and cultural diversity. This first world exposition that features all countries, is concentrating on the theme of “Better City, Better Life.” Through an educational and entertaining program, participants will display urban civilization, exchange their experiences of urban evolution and look into new approaches to human natural surroundings, lifestyle and working environments in the new century. The expo will continue until the end of October. (http://en.expo2010.cn/)

Paris: Beginning July 14, the Louvre Museum will be exhibiting “Roads of Arabia,” an exhibition showcasing archaeology and history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In cooperation with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), the exhibition aims to highlight the vast heritage and culture of the Kingdom that had a major contribution to human history. Ranging from the end of the third millennium BC to modern times, it will showcase about 300 exhibits and panoramic photographs of the different cultures from famous Brazilian photographer, Humberto da Silveira. The exhibition will run until Sept. 27. (www.louvre.fr)
 

The ancient capital of Egypt has a lot to offer tourists. From the magnificent pyramids and museums displaying history of the pharaohs, Christian churches, Muslim monuments and Old Cairo to its lively modern society. One can also take part in many sports such as diving and golf and enjoy its nightlife.
 

Established between 10,000 to 8,000BC, Damascus is credited with being the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world. The ancient city offers so much to see from the Old City — Umayyad Mosque, Roman walls and gates and Biblical sites — to the National Museum, croweded markets and Mount (Jabal) Qassioun — a 1,200 meter high mountain that overlooks the city.
 

With its million-plus inhabitants, Beirut has it all: From its beautiful beaches to its spectacular mountains on a Mediterranean coastline. Attractions include its various nightclubs, restaurants and the famous market at the Martyr’s Place known as Souk el Barghout, where hundreds of tourists pass by and enjoy a delightful meal. Others include sitting on the Corniche and a trip to Baalbeck, Byblos, Sidon, Jounieh and Cedars.
 

A recently thriving metropolis, the “Truly Asia,” multicultural city is a blend of modernity and traditional charm. It has spectacular buildings like the Petronas Towers (the second highest in the world), mega shopping malls, historical buildings and serene spots of nature. With some of the world’s cheapest 5-star hotels, great shopping and even better food, increasing numbers of travelers are discovering this little gem of a city. Other attractions include: Chinatown, Little India and the Batu Caves.
 

One of the world’s most popular island destinations, Bali is constantly compared to heaven on earth. Its diverse landscape of hills and mountains, uneven coastlines and sandy beaches, provide an idyllic surrounding to its colorful, deeply spiritual and unique culture. Tourists can enjoy world-class surfing and diving as well as a large number of cultural, historical and archaeological attractions.
 

Probably the most popular destination in the world, the city is also considered “the most beautiful and romantic.” “The City of Light” (la Ville Lumière) and “Capital of Fashion” is influential in culture, art, fashion and design and contains numerous iconic landmarks such as: The Eiffel Tower (the world’s most visited tourist sight), the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge and Lido.
 

London is a vibrant and multicultural city of people, ideas and energy. It is also the largest city in Western Europe and the European Union and one of the great “world cities.” It remains a global capital of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade. Grand symbols of Britain: The mother of all parliaments at Westminster, the silhouette of Tower bridge above the muddy Thames and the already world-famous London Eye.
 

With its interesting mix of Eastern and Western influences, Turkey’s beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscape has much to offer tourists. In Istanbul, or “The City of the World’s Desire,” tourists can visit historic buildings, new art galleries and museums during the day and enjoy its nightlife at after sunset. Since it was named the 2010 European Capital of Culture, it will be hosting many interesting shows and events.
 

NYC is the biggest city in the United States and a center for media, culture, food, fashion, art, research, finance, and trade. From Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and Central Park to the Empire State Building and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the island of Manhattan packs more well-known places into one compact area than any other place on Earth — and that’s to say nothing of the City’s other four boroughs, each of which contains its own array of must-see destinations.
 

The second largest city in Canada and the metropolis and cultural capital of the province of Quebec, Montreal is one of the liveliest cities in North America. Dubbed as “the city that never sleeps,” this multicultural city is filled with fashionably dressed people who enjoy going out and enjoying life. Attractions include museums, Old Montreal, nightclubs, its variety of authentic restaurants and shopping centers and boutiques.
 

The most densely populated city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario, it is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the world. More than 80 ethnic communities are represented and over half of the city’s residents were born outside Canada. Major attractions include Canada’s Wonderland, the St. Lawrence Market, CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame.
 
Whether your plans include staying in the Kingdom or outside, there is much to do and see this summer. You just have to decide what activities you wish to partake in and what weather you prefer. Have a great summer!