Saudi Arabia is open to tourists: Discover snowy peaks, coral reefs, chic cafes and a hidden 'Petra'

On a private beach at the resort, its gentle owner Amjad Al-Sanousi takes us out on his small motorboat to snorkel among untouched corals. PHOTO: SAUDI COMMISSION FOR TOURISM AND NATIONAL HERITAGE
Saudi Arabia's best-kept secret is Madain Saleh, the ruins of a lost city akin to Jordan's Petra, but still blissfully crowd-free.
PHOTO: SAUDI COMMISSION FOR TOURISM AND NATIONAL HERITAGE
The Edge of the World has the majesty of the Grand Canyon, but is far less trodden. PHOTO: SAUDI COMMISSION FOR TOURISM AND NATIONAL HERITAGE
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RIYADH - Even in a Google-mapped world, Saudi Arabia is such an unseen kingdom that very few outsiders have an inkling of its wintry peaks, coral reefs and stylish cafes.

Its best-kept secret is Madain Saleh, the ruins of a lost city akin to Jordan's Petra, but still blissfully crowd-free. These rose-red sister cities deep in the desert were the jewels of powerful Nabatean merchants - of Arabic origin - who traversed the ancient Incense Route profiting richly from the frankincense trade.

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