Welcome to Riyadh, the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia, where old-world charm meets with 21st century vision. Riyadh province – also known as Al-Wosta – is home to the country’s capital: a modern metropolis with a thriving financial and business centre, and a growing cultural scene. It’s a city rich in history, boasting myriad forts, palaces and museums, and some of the country’s most colourful souks.

The wider region also offers a wealth of attractions: Ad Diriyah, northwest of the city and the original capital of the first Saudi state, is a must-see. It’s Al Turaif quarter, a carefully restored mud-brick district that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, offers a glimpse into the country’s extraordinary heritage, while the Al Bujairy district is perfect for families, with its twisting lanes, restaurants and cafes.

Those in search of tranquility can head north of the city to the Edge of the World, where the sprawling Tuwaiq escarpment offers heart-stopping views over the arid plains below.

The city of Makkah itself is only accessible to Muslims. Each year, it bears witness to the Hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty that must be performed by every able Muslim at least once in their lifetime, and which draws millions each year. Holy sites in the city include the sacred Ka’aba, located in the heart of the Masjid al-Haram, or Grand Mosque, while the circling mountains house the historic Cave of Thawr, where the Prophet sought refuge from the Quraysh tribe, and the revered Jabal Rahmah, where he delivered his last sermon.

The commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, modern Jeddah is more than a thousand times the size of the ancient city where it is believed the mother of humanity, 'Eve', was laid to rest. These days Jeddah is fast-paced and a bit rough around the edges, with high-rises and a waterfront culture that are symbols of the Kingdom's modernisation. This blend of old and new is what makes the 'bride of the Red Sea' such an appealing destination, and often the first Saudi city foreigners like to visit.