Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia is a modern, cosmopolitan city. The 2nd King Saud looked to American cities for his inspiration to create modern Riyadh, adopting the grid system and building skyscrapers.

Saudi Arabia is a dry country, mostly desert and little rain. Alcohol is banned hence coffee takes centre stage. Exploring more of Al Ula.

The oasis of Al Ula - its water and fertile valley sustaining human occupation for thousands of years. Among this expansive land are outcrops and giant boulders the size of buildings, many beautifully carved, with classical-style pediments and columns - Nabataean tombs!

Medina is filled with simple white buildings where the mosques are the highlight as elegant minarets rise to the azure blue sky. The significant is The Prophet Mosque - said to be the burial place of Prophet Muhammad.

Al Balad is the historic old town of Jeddah, located along the Red Sea and founded in the 7th century; filled with beautiful coral stone buildings, many over 500 years old, adorned with rashawshin (intricately carved timber) balconies.

Sandwiched between the ancient empires of Rome and Asia, is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a mysterious land of endless sand dunes steeped in religious and cultural traditions; in times gone by, an important trade centre, caravans laden with spices and frankincense traversing the Arabian Peninsula.