A passionate travel and culture enthusiast from Saudi Arabia, Rehab Andijani is a tour guide aiming to assist foreign visitors in exploring the distinct features of Saudi Arabia; forging meaningful connections with them and becoming a recognized figure in the industry.
Andijani chose tourism over information science to promote Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage. The Kingdom's identity, shaped by its multicultured population, inspired her to share this knowledge and raise awareness among others.
Fluent in German and English, Andijani served as a guide in Jeddah, providing excursions to visitors in the Western Region. She graduated from Umm Al-Qura University in 2011 and continued her studies in Germany. Throughout her career, she has assisted numerous tourists in both languages.
Andijani intended to study marketing research for a master's degree in Cologne, Germany. However, her mother's passing led her to return to Saudi Arabia. Her work with vacationers in Germany inspired her to sharpen her language skills and appreciate Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's reforms and investments in promoting Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage to foreign tourists.
Saudi tour guide Rehab Andijani fluent in English, German is proud to showcase beauty of Saudi Arabia. https://t.co/bxKKabPSVr pic.twitter.com/nlBMcw3DKY
— Arab News (@arabnews) July 7, 2023
Andijani currently assists visitors at the House of Islamic Arts museum in Jeddah Park. She also volunteers to lead tours in historic districts and popular tourist attractions. With enthusiasm, she shares her extensive knowledge of local history and Islamic art, believing that being a tour guide requires both intellectual expertise and a welcoming demeanor. She remains committed to continuous learning through extensive reading.
Going above and beyond, Andijani has opened her home to tourists, allowing them to experience firsthand how Saudis live. This form of hospitality, popular among locals, provides an excellent opportunity to showcase their lifestyle, food, and traditions. While acknowledging that not all Saudi families may agree to this practice due to conservative traditions, Andijani finds it fulfilling to offer such experiences.
Andijani has developed her own website in both German and English to better serve tourists. Through this platform, she aims to provide valuable information and resources to visitors. Andijani has welcomed families from the US, Germany, Australia, and Russia, and her visitors have referred to her as an ambassador for her nation.
Andijani has no regrets about pursuing a career in tourism. She eagerly awaits the opportunity to welcome more visitors to Saudi Arabia and aspires to become a professional tour guide who can showcase the country's beauty. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to improving relations between nations and increasing people's understanding of the significance of Saudi Arabia.
