With regard to Saudi Arabia, Schock said people back home were interested in the lack of democracy in Saudi Arabia, the ban on women driving cars and the requirement that women wear abayas.

But, he said, “we have a clearer vision now that we have visited Saudi Arabia. What is applicable in America does not necessarily has to be true here also.”

Schock, 29, is the youngest serving member of the US House of Representatives. He won election in 2008 months after former President George Bush endorsed his candidacy. Since taking office, he has championed renewable energy and has strongly opposed giving civilian trials to Guantanamo detainees.

The US delegation arrived in Abha on Wednesday. The visitors toured Al-Rakdi Museum, which contains more than 2,000 local antiquities. That evening they had dinner on Green Mountain, which is in the center of the city.

The delegation also visited Al-Muftah heritage village, which contains paintings and old ornaments, coins and cooking utensils. They also visited the Tuesday Market in which old Saudi women sell traditional items.

“It is good to see Saudi women selling the handicraft and hand-made items,” said American businesswoman Berinda Johnson.

The delegation also visited Al-Jarah Park, Al-Halabah Park and the Ibn Hamsan Village, which contains more than 850 pieces of antiquities.

CEO of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities in Asir Abdullah Mataen said the visit of the American delegation was meant to give them an idea about the social, cultural and heritage richness of the Kingdom.