The Crown Prince Camel Festival in the city of Taif. The Festival, which first took place last year, is the world’s largest festival of its kind, with more than 11,000 camels participating. (Photo credit: Crown Prince Camel Festival)
Discovering
Saudi Arabia
With
Millennium
Hotels
Spend your “Arabian Nights” at any of our 11 hotels across the country
Earlier this year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that it will open its doors to international tourists for the first time ever, pledging to offer e-visas and visas on arrival to visitors from about 50 countries, including Singapore, United States, and European Union states.
Join Hi Life in exploring the beautiful sights and sounds that the world’s 12th largest country has to offer, ranging from vast deserts to azure Red Sea reefs and juniper-clad mountains.
Riyadh
The Riyadh skyline at dusk (Photo credit: Gulf News)
Masmak Fort in the historic old town of Riyadh (Photo credit: Francisco Anzola)
The sprawling capital of Saudi Arabia has much to offer, from the bustling business and commercial districts, to historic districts steeped in culture. The old town within city walls did not exceed one squared kilometre, and it is in the old town that one can see the architecture of Old Riyadh. The Masmak Fort, which started construction in 1865, is one such building, made with clay and mud-brick. Beyond the old city are archaeological sites the Al-Turaif District founded in the 15th century, which was the home of the original Saudi royal family and the country’s first capital.
Where to stay? Copthorne Riyadh
The sleek lobby at Copthorne Riyadh that welcomes guests into the 143-key hotel.
Copthorne Riyadh is located in the commercial hub of the capital, overlooking King Fahd Road and a stone’s throw away from key attractions such as Olaya Park, Riyadh Gallery and the Kingdom Centre Tower, making it a good place to explore the city and surrounding sights.
Makkah / Mecca
The Great Mosque of Mecca (Photo credit: Saudipics)
The birthplace and holiest city in Islam, visitors to Makkah triple every year during the Hajj, when Muslims make their pilgrimage to the city (it is one of five pillars of Islam). The city is home to the Great Mosque (or al-Masjid al-Haram or Haram Mosque), the holiest site in Islam.
Where to stay? Millennium and Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem
Guestrooms at the newly opened Millennium and Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem.
Newly opened this year, Millennium and Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem are part of the Al Rajhi complex in the Al Naseem district, a five-minute walk away from the Aisha Al Rajhi Mosque. The two properties offer a combined 1,307 rooms, and also offer a free 24/7 shuttle service to and from the Great Mosque for guests on their pilgrimage.
Madinah / Medina
The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina (Photo credit: Omar Chatriwala/Britannica)
Madinah is one of the three holiest cities in Islam, as the Prophet’s Mosque, which sits in the heart of the city, is the burial place of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is one of the destinations for the Hajj and though its main city (within city gates) are open only to Muslims, there are sights and attractions for foreign visitors to explore, including Mount Uhud.
Where to stay? Millennium Al Qeeq
One of 505 grand guestrooms and suites at Millennium Al Aqeeq.
Millennium Al Aqeeq is located near the city’s four historic mosques, the bustling Old Bazaar, and the city’s commercial, financial and shopping hubs.
Hail
Camel figures carved into rocks in the region of Jabal Al-Manjor outside of Hail (Photo credit: Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities)
The Shammar Mountains that overlook the city of Hail (Photo credit: cvhail)
The agricultural city of Hail was originally along the traditional camel caravan route of the Hajj. The Adayra Valley runs through the city, dividing it into eastern and western halves, while the majestic Shammar Mountains made of granite and basalt overlook it. The region is also home to Saudi Arabia’s fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rock art in the desert region around the city date back to nearly 10,000 years ago, showing traces of Arab travellers’ journeys with petroglyphs and inscriptions.
Where to stay? Millennium Hail
Set just opposite the economic centre of the city, Millennium Hail offers guests luxurious accommodations and an extensive array of services and amenities.
With 185 luxurious and spacious rooms and suites, guests can be assured of a comfortable and enjoyable stay at Millennium Hail. The hotel also offers amenities such as a beauty salon, separate men’s and women’s spas and swimming pools, and sports complex.