Saudi Arabia They Are Hiding From You 🇸🇦

The journey begins in Medina, the second holiest city in Islam. Non-Muslims are now permitted to enter, and the hosts observe the Grand Mosque, a massive structure accommodating up to a million people. They note the diverse crowd and traditional attire from around the world, dispelling initial concerns about feeling unwelcome or restricted as non-Muslims. The atmosphere is peaceful and intriguing, with many interactions with locals.

Leaving Medina, the travelers head north into the Saudi desert. They comment on the chaotic driving style in Saudi Arabia and the country's reliance on cars due to vast distances. They discuss the challenges of hitchhiking in such extreme conditions (42°C heat) and the necessity of renting a car for safety and convenience, balancing adventure with practicality.

Deep in the desert, they find the remains of a blown-up Hijaz railway train, a piece of British-Arab history linked to Lawrence of Arabia's role in the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The site, though fenced off, provides a poignant glimpse into the past. They also encounter and survive a minor sandstorm.

Arriving in the small town of Alzia, near Alula, the hosts experience local life. They enjoy the cooler evening weather in a park and reflect on the atmospheric call to prayer. The next morning, they visit a local breakfast spot where they are treated to free breakfast and tea by migrant workers from Bangladesh, showcasing the unexpected hospitality of the locals and highlighting the large foreign workforce in Saudi Arabia.

They refuel their car, noting the surprisingly low petrol prices, although specuating that global events might have made it less cheap than expected. They continue their drive through stunning, barren desert landscapes, comparing them to Mars and playfully commenting on the frequent sightings of camels.

In the village of Bada, they observe daily life, including local shops and a mosque. They notice the widespread presence of foreign workers and the surprising emergence of hipster coffee shops, attributing this to the absence of alcohol and the growing popularity of coffee and mocktail culture. They encounter more exceptional hospitality when a local insists on paying for their drinks.

A local takes them to an abandoned, 50-year-old school made of mud, which belonged to his father, located at the edge of the town with a mountain view. The hosts reflect on their overall positive experience in Saudi Arabia, noting the genuine hospitality and the country's efforts to diversify its economy through tourism as part of Vision 2030.

The journey concludes at the Red Sea coast in the fishing village of Alwaj. The temperature drops significantly but humidity rises, making the sea breeze a welcome change. They explore parts of the old town, noting demolition and redevelopment efforts aimed at tourism, and interact with more foreign workers involved in rebuilding the area. The video ends with a beautiful sunset over the Red Sea, reflecting on the incredible start to their Saudi Arabian adventure.