With the 30-nation World Cup 2018 soon to be contested in Russia, David Bowden takes a look at each country as a possible travel destination for Malaysians
BOTH the Middle Eastern nations of Iran and Saudi Arabiasought dominance on the football field during the World Cup. Off the field, they take differing opinionson regional dominance and philosophies, but differences aside, eachpresents a unique travel experience for those prepared to venture to less-travelled parts.
IRAN
TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS
Formerly known as Persia, Iran is a large Middle Eastern country with coastlines on the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and the Caspian Sea to the north. It has been influenced by Arab, Greek, Mongol and Turkish cultures over the centuries.
Many historic sites like Persepolis are Unesco sites.
Its capital is Tehran with tourist attractions such as Golestan Palace and nearby, the ski fields of Shemshak. Other attractions include the ancient city of Shiraz, the mosque in Hamadan and Isfahan.
HIDDEN TOURISM GEMS
The Zagros Mountains (southwest Iran) have permanent snow; unusual foracountry most assume to be hot, barren and dry. Nearby, diapirs (salt plugs or glaciers) form salt deserts that glisten in the sun like snowflakes. Kuh-e-Namak near the Persian Gulf is a 3km-long salt glacier. Yazd, a desert town, is also home to Zoroastrian culture.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Iranians enjoy rice, cheese, flatbreads, meats, nuts, vegetables, spices, fruits, kebab, kufte (meatballs) and baqlava (pastries).
FAST FACTS
COUNTRY: Iran
POPULATION: 81 million
CAPITAL: Tehran
AREA: 1.6 million km2
(Malaysia is 330,803 km2)
LANGUAGE: Persian
THE COMPETITION: Iran was in Group B of the World Cup against Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
SAUDI ARABIA
TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS
The country’s history extends back to the beginning of human civilisation.
Ruins from the Nabatean civilisation (creators of Jordan’s famedPetra)contrast with grand contemporary religious monuments.
Mecca is one of the world’s holiest cities with Jeddah being the Red Sea gateway. Many have witnessedmillions gathered in Mecca for the haj (pilgrimage).
Change is evident in a country that hasn’t always welcomed tourists with the birthplace of Islam trying to attract foreign investment with its Vision 2030 policy. The government recently released a new Quality of Life Programme with changes in the laws.
Crown Prince MohammedSalman is introducing changes to the conservation nation with women now being able to drive and cinemas recently reopening.
From April 1, Saudi Arabia became the hottest new tourist destination (hot in many ways including summer temperatures that average 45° Celcius ). Now visas are available for non-Muslims.
Saudi Arabia has cities, modern facilities and scenic villages. There are impressive malls in Riyadh and souks like Souq al-Tayeb to visit.
In Old Jeddah, the original walls of silk route merchants remain and houses are built from coral quarried from Red Sea reefs. Somehandcrafted houses are museums while the old souk is a must-visit. Sun, sand, beaches, and clear coastal waters await and soon, it will have multi-million dollar beach resorts on secluded coasts and islands.
HIDDEN TOURISM GEMS
Mada’ in Saleh is carved out of rock in the Arabian Desert. Itis renowned for tombs dating back 2,100 years ago similar to Jordon’s Petra. Located north of Wadi Hadhramamawt (in Yemen) it was once a stopover for caravans carrying frankincense and spices to the Mediterranean Sea. Its heyday was short as sea routes replaced the overland crossing. The rocktombs remain in remote desert 330km north of Medina. Cooler months from September to April are the best time to visit the site and the country.
It is a land of unusual natural beauty with dahls or deep holes and caves like Ain Hith in the limestone south of Riyadh.
Subterranean water enables crop production in the desert. Najran in the southwest is an oasis surrounded by Rub Al’Khali, the world’s largest sand mass. Groundwater enables irrigation and tree planting for parks and orchards. Asir National Park, in the southwest, is noted for its wildlife and archaeology.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Saudi Arabia has a tasty cuisine with dishes like kabsa (mixed rice), lamb, kebabs, chicken, yoghurt and dates plus specialties of jareesh, hininy, mutabbak and Samosa.
FAST FACTS
COUNTRY: Saudi Arabia
POPULATION: 33 million
CAPITAL: Riyadh
AREA: 2.15 million km2
(Malaysia is 330,803 km2)
LANGUAGE: Arabic
THE COMPETITION: Saudi Arabia was in Group A of the World Cup against Russia, Egypt and Uruguay.