Creation of a modern state: the Kingdom today
Part 6 in the seven-part series "An Arabian Adventure"
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by Linda Pappas Funsch
Special to The Frederick News-Post
Saudi Arabia is a land of spectacular contrasts.
Riyadh, its capital city, was little more than a provincial outpost before the establishment of the modern state in 1932. Wandering within the walls of the old city, we viewed the Musmak Fort, which was captured in the early part of the 20th century by the founder of the country and the dynasty that bears his name, Abdul Aziz ibn Saud.
Today, Riyadh is a sprawling metropolis of close to four million inhabitants, with traffic jams, futuristic skyscrapers, and ultra-modern hotels. Here, in the capital of this conservative Muslim land, one can dine on Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King or Chuck E Cheese's. Quench your thirst with a Pepsi or a Starbucks latte and your meal is complete.
Riyadh is a shoppers' paradise with high-end shopping malls -- featuring designer fashions from Europe and the United States -- each vying for Saudi riyals at such centers as the Kingdom Mall, which is restricted to women shoppers.
In Riyadh, our delegation discussed national priorities with members of the Majlis ash-Shura, Saudi Arabia's parliament, met with several governmental ministries, including our host organization and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, explored issues of regional concern with the Gulf Cooperation Council and interviewed the editorial staff of the largest Arabic-language newspaper, Al-Riyadh.
On the banks of the fabled Red Sea coast lies the ancient, but now-bustling, city of Jeddah. Named for Eve, the historic mother of mankind, Jeddah has welcomed Muslim pilgrims to its shores for centuries. The two Islamic Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina lie only a few short miles to the east.
Jeddah has a friendly, cosmopolitan aura. While Riyadh is the indisputable seat of national government, Jeddah is its commercial center. The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce lies atop a modern skyscraper with stunning views of the city, the sea and nearby mountains. The aerial views are breathtaking.
Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Modernization
Copyright ©2006 by Linda Pappas Funsch |
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