Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and is the country's largest metropolis. It is the traditional homeland of the ruling Saud family. Riyadh is an increasingly modern city with many roads and modern transportation networks. At the seat of governance, there are numerous scenic monuments and an active local social environment. The King Abdul Aziz Historical Area features outdoor gardens and the 100 Palms Park underneath the famous Water Tower landmark, as well as the new National Museum and Al-Murabba Palace. The former is a stunning architectural monument, opened in 1999, which was built to celebrate the centennial of Saudi unification
The National Museum and Riyadh Zoo are safe bets for enjoyable places to take children and the Desert Diamond hunt is family friendly, even if it does take an entire day. The Ice Skating center is also a great distraction for the children, especially since the center also contains tennis courts, a bowling alley, and a restaurant.
Kingdom Centre Daily 4-9 PM. Kingdom Center is situated in Al-Urubah Road between King Fahd Road and Olaya Road in the growing business district of Olaya. The Kingdom Center, opened in 2001, is currently the tallest building in Saudi Arabia with a height of 302 meters. It is Riyadh's most celebrated piece of modern architecture, and is quite a sight, especially when lit at night. The center is home to a pricey three-story shopping mall, with one floor reserved for women only, but its main highlight is the 99th-floor Sky bridge that connects the two top floors at a height of three hundred meters and gives a sublime view of the city. SR25 (Skybridge) The Kingdom Center was the winner of the 2002 Emporis Skyscraper Award selected as the "Best Skyscraper of the World for Design". A five-level shopping center, which also won a major design award, fills the east wing. The large opening is illuminated at night in continuously changing colors. Other neighborhood notables include Al Faisaliyah Center, the first skyscraper in Saudi Arabia, the King Faisal Foundation, an esteemed charity foundation, and Najd National Schools, one of the best and most prestigious schools in the country.
The Diplomatic Quarter, or DQ as it is popularly known, is home to foreign embassies and international organizations, as well as residential structures and malls. With lush gardens and numerous sports facilities, it is also one of the city's greenest areas. It is especially known for its fine architecture, and is considered a model for other Islamic cities around the world. Despite its name, the special privileges offered in the Diplomatic Quarter constitute a controversial issue. All Saudi laws must be obeyed and there are occasional patrols by the Mutaween, or Saudi religious police. However, foreign diplomats and their families are allowed certain privileges and it is not uncommon to see foreign diplomats and their wives strolling on the streets of the DQ in shorts and short-sleeve shirts. The district is also generally more walking friendly.
The heart of old Riyadh, this was the fortress stormed by King Abdul Aziz and his men in their daring conquest of Riyadh in 1902. It was completely renovated in 2008 and the historic mud brick structure now appears brand new, but the museum inside recreates the story of the raid and has some excellent photos of old Riyadh. It was originally built in the late 19th century and, as the Al-Musmak Fortress, was the main prize captured by King Abdul Aziz in 1902. It thus represents the birthplace of the modern day Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Opened in 1999, this museum is undoubtedly one of the top sites in Riyadh. The museum is infused with the latest technology and is very accessible to visitors, with almost everything available in English. There are a vast number of video presentations and mini-theatres for the dedicated museum enthusiast to spend an entire day doing virtual tours of Madain Salih or watching re-enactments of the Prophet Mohammed's battle of Medina. The Kiswah cloth that once covered the Ka’aba in Makkah is a main attraction. Note: Many cabbies will not recognize the English name, ask for the neighboring Murabba Palace (Qasr al-Murabba) instead. Ticket price: SR15. Open Su-Mo,We-Th 9-noon for men, 4:30-9 PM families; Tu 9-noon women only, 4:30-9 PM men; Fr 4:30-9 PM families; Saturday closed.
Murabba Palace (Qasr al-Murabba), (next to National Museum). (6-9 PM Sun-Fri). This is Riyadh's second old mud-brick palace, built by King Abdul Aziz after he conquered Masmak Fortress because he wanted a more strategically powerful fort. This two-story structure does have an intimidating look and feel to it, but permits are no longer needed to venture inside, where you can find interesting items including the first royal Rolls-Royce. Free.
This attraction is a thirty minute drive west of Riyadh. It features a traditional country club layout with superb grassy greens; the last nine holes are even floodlit for night golf. The club also offers tennis, swimming, and horse-back riding activities as well.
This is an impressive restoration of one of the nine city gates that led into the city until its walls were torn down in 1950. It is a quaint reminder of the city’s past.
The park is located in the Malaz area, east of Al-Ahsa Street and North Street Musab bin Amir. The zoo is home to over 1,400 animals of 40 different species of animals and birds including reptiles, crocodiles, rhinoceros, snakes, gazelle, leopards, monkeys, lions, hyenas, vultures, kangaroos, seals and camels. Timings are 8:30 am – 12:00 PM and then 1:00 PM to Magrib Prayer (Sunset) Men are allowed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Women are allowed on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Tickets are priced at SR 10.00 for adults, SR 5.00 for children and SR 2.00 for school trips.
This commercial skyscraper is the second tallest building in Saudi Arabia (after the Kingdom Center) and is located in the business district of Riyadh. It contains a shopping center with international brands at its base and a viewing deck on higher floors, as well as a luxury hotel and numerous restaurants. The tower is most famous for the glass globe near its summit.
The largest and best-known Shisha/Hookah/Nargila café in Riyadh is Shallal. It is an exotic complex of indoor and outdoor venues for socializing with tea, Middle Eastern snacks, and traditional water pipes.
Al-Nakheel, Khozama Centre 7F (next to Al-Khozama Hotel). Though widely acclaimed as the best restaurant in Saudi Arabia, Al-Nakheel’s décor is unchanged since the 1970s and is run-down rather than rustic. It offers an uninspired buffet (no a la carte menu) of the usual Arab offerings. The main clientele appear to be visitors, tour groups, and hotel guests. Dinner buffet costs SR110, not including taxes, service, or drinks.
Sheraton Riyadh offers a very rich buffet for breakfast, covering a wide spectrum of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern delicacies in addition to regular European food. The Italian restaurant in the ground floor of Sheraton Riyadh is particularly outstanding.
Located in Al Faisaliah Hotel is an expensive restaurant that offers both a delectable cuisine and a spectacular ambience. The restaurant is located in the golden globe that tops Al Faisaliah Tower and offers panoramic views of the city of Riyadh. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and high tea on weekends and offers a Modern European cuisine.
This very popular Turkish restaurant is packed during the evening hours. Meat is the name of the game here, and it comes in numerous tasty variations. SR30.
Quite good rendition of TexMex with a typical American look-and-feel. The Buffalo Wings / Tenders are recommended and are excellent with the hot sauce. SR60.
Korean-run eatery offers reasonably authentic Korean, Japanese, and Chinese food at reasonable prices. The restaurant is popular with the local Asian community. SR50.
This is the Middle East's first gourmet burger joint. They specialize in a wide array of classic and gourmet burgers as well as mouth watering sliders, fresh salads, and sides. The Burger Boutique is an upscale casual restaurant that opened first in Kuwait and has since expanded to Riyadh. Prices are moderate to expensive but definitely worth it for the ambience and great food.
This Taiwanese-Saudi-run restaurant offers a variety of Asian foods, but it is recommended to indulge in the Taiwanese or Chinese menu items. The restaurant accepts mixed gender groups. The tables on top of the illuminated fish tanks near the center of the restaurant are particularly stunning. Getting here can be difficult since it is located in a side strip mall- look for the pagoda top and the neon Chinese gate. SR80.
This chain Italian restaurant caters primarily to families. The selection is decent, but quality is lacking. The Spaghetti Curry dish - fried chicken, peas, pineapple curry pasta - sounds weird, but tastes good. There is space for bachelor groups (all males), though the room is off to the side with limited service. SR60.
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Located in the same complex as the Faisaliah Tower (but not in the tower itself), is probably Riyadh's top hotel. Impeccably stylish, excellent service and priced to match — a coffee in the lobby will set you back SR60! Rooms are around SR1400 a night. Address: King Fahd Rd, Phone: +966-1-2732000.
It doesn't get any fancier than staying in the 302-meter Al-Faisaliah Tower, and the Four Seasons provides all the standard features what you expect from the luxury hotel chain. Singles from SR1200, doubles from SR1400 per night.
Holiday Inn Al-Qasr, Olaya Main Rd, +966-1-4625000. Formerly the Howard Johnson Olaya Palace, this hotel was completely renovated and reopened in 2007. The hotel exudes a modern design, decent rooms, central location, and basic gym. Internet costs SR100/day while the breakfast buffet runs at SR105. Rooms are priced at SR550 per night.
This is a popular hotel for visiting businessmen. It contains large meeting facilities and good restaurants; it is also close to Olaya Road business district.
This is the first and only women-only hotel in Saudi Arabia. Most visitors are locals coming here for the spa, but there are also twenty-five rooms for overnight visitors. It is highly recommended for women traveling alone into Saudi Arabia. SR350-979 per night.
This hotel is in desperate need of a facelift and is awkwardly located east of the city core. About the best that can be said about its location is that it is clean and quiet ( though this can be said for most of the city. Nevertheless, the rooms meet the high standards set by any Marriott. It does offer an excellent large-size indoor swimming pool and excellent fitness room (included in the room charge). SR1000 per night,
This is a very comfortable modern hotel with a European touch. It contains a nice gym with two saunas and pools, free Internet, and good breakfast. It also has four in-house restaurants including both Japanese and Italian. SR800 per night.
This is an older structure, but it has been well-maintained and is located three kilometers north of the city center.It’s proximity to both the airport and the business district makes it an attractive option for business travelers. The hotel also has a solid array of tasty in-house restaurants, but there are virtually zero other restaurants within walking distance. SR900 per night.
Once among Riyadh's top hotels, it is now getting a more rustic feel. Its rooms are small, but well kept and sanitary. The pool right by the hotel is outdoor only (making it somewhat dirty), but hotel guests have access to the fitness center in the next building (Khozama Center, 1st floor) which offers a superb gym, a large indoor pool, tennis, and bowling. Free internet in the business rooms (located on the 5th floor). SR800 per night. Address: Olaya Rd, Phone: +966-1-4654650.
Almuthana is a modern, four-star hotel priced reasonably compared to its better known peers, though service has a reputation for being sub-standard. Free, but notoriously inefficient wireless internet, a small indoor pool, and a limited gym (open only in the evening) are available to customers. The cafe on the mezzanine provides a relaxed breakfast buffet and the 8th floor restaurant dinner buffet, while tasty, is expensive at SR120 per night.
The residents are a very private people, but do not mistake their aloofness for coolness-at heart they are very warm and hospitable. Be sure to respect their cultural customs and be prepared for a diversity of views and lifestyles.
While planning your trip to Riyadh, make sure to fulfill all formalities and visa requirements. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and you must have all the proper documents in order to be allowed entry into Saudi Arabia.
Visit the beautiful capital of Saudi Arabia during the months between November and February, as the climate is pleasant and mild.
-Location: Middle East: -Dialing code: +966 -Emergency numbers:; -International Operator: 901: - Emergency: 993 - Ambulance: 997 - Fire: 998 - Police: 999 - Directory Assistance:-905 -Population: 5 Million (estimation) -Languages : Arabic -Time zone: GMT +3 -Average January temperatures: 14.4 C/58 F -Average July temperatures: 36.6 C/98 F -Annual rainfall: 94.8 mm (3.73) Inches
Currency in Saudi Arabia: Saudi riyal (SAR)
Saudi National Day; 23rd of September and All Muslim Religious Occasions
a- January: Max: 20.2 Min: 9; b- February: Max: 23 Min: 11; c- March: Max: 27.3 Min: 15
Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and is the country's largest metropolis. It is the traditional homeland of the ruling Saud family. Riyadh is an increasingly modern city with many roads and modern transportation networks. At the seat of governance, there are numerous scenic monuments and an active local social environment. The King Abdul Aziz Historical Area features outdoor gardens and the 100 Palms Park underneath the famous Water Tower landmark, as well as the new National Museum and Al-Murabba Palace. The former is a stunning architectural monument, opened in 1999, which was built to celebrate the centennial of Saudi unification. Its eight galleries explore Arabian civilization from 6000 BC to the present. Its outdoor landscaped gardens are popular after sunset, when families come to enjoy the cool evening air. King Abdul Aziz held court in Al-Murabba Palace in the 1930s, when it was built. An example of more traditional Riyadh architecture, Al-Murabba Palace gives a powerful, chronological glimpse into the culture and society of Saudi Arabia.
An inconsequential oasis town of under 10,000 people only a century ago, Riyadh (more specifically, the neighboring town of Diriyah) is the ancestral home of the al-Sauds, The Saudi Royal Family. Driven out by the Rashids clan in 1891, King Abdulaziz bin Saud famously raided and recaptured the city in 1902. The city was made the capital of Saudi Arabia when the country was born in 1932, and has grown exponentially since then.
This upscale three-level shopping center includes the women-only Ladies Kingdom, an entire level where women can shop in comfort and privacy. The shopping center is connected to the Hotel lobby.
Souq al-Thumairi, Deira (next to Masmak Fortress). Also known as Antique Souq, this is Riyadh's most tourist-friendly souq. It specializes in Arabic goods ranging from cheap to expensive and authentic to fake. Goods offered include carpets, coffee pots, daggers, jewelry, and more. English is generally spoken, and haggling is obligatory.
Al Thumairi and Al Deira Souq, near Masmak Fort and also known as the Antiques Souq, is one of the most popular tourist markets. It specializes in Arabian goods ranging from inexpensive products to authentic pieces. Goods sold here include carpets, coffee pots, daggers, jewellery and more. English is spoken, and you should bargain over prices.
Al Aflaj lies southwest of the main Najd plateau, between the Tuwaiq mountain range to the west and the low outer escarpment of an extensive plain, about 312 km from Riyadh. One of its most important archaeological sites is Al Uyun, about 18 km from Layla. It contains a settlement covered with numerous pottery remains, a burial area and irrigation networks dating to the early Hellenistic period.
Located northwest of Riyadh on the western bank of Wadi Hanifah, Diriyah is an ancient historic town dating to the middle of the ninth Hijri century. Mani’ bin Rabi’ah Al Muraydi, a relative of Ibn Dir’, the ruler of Hajr Al Yamamah, founded Ghusaybah, Diriyah’s oldest neighbourhood. The town continued to grow and expand because of its important geographical position in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula. In the middle of the twelfth Hijri century, Imam Muhammad bin Abd Al Wahhab arrived in Diriyah and found in the Al Saud family, especially Imam Muhammad bin Saud, a strong supporter and ally for the call to reform and revival of the Prophetic Sunnah. Thus God willed Diriyah to become a centre of guidance and the starting point of a firmly established state.
Sadus, northwest of Riyadh, is one of the oldest human settlements in the central Arabian Peninsula. It was known as Al Qaryah and contained archaeological landmarks of great importance, perhaps foremost a striking obelisk with ancient inscriptions and writings confirming the town’s importance as an Arabian urban centre.
It was built on land called Al Naq’ah in central Riyadh, where Imam Turki bin Abdullah, may God have mercy on him, ordered a congregational mosque later named after him and appointed Sheikh Abd Al Rahman bin Hassan Al Al Sheikh to it. Its proximity to several neighbourhoods and Qasr Al Hukm was considered, and it was made an institution of learning in the manner of the First Saudi State. When Imam Turki prayed Friday prayers in the Grand Mosque, he customarily left through the door south of the mihrab. This door on the mosque’s qibla side was prepared for his entry and exit, avoiding the need for the imam to step over people in the many rows. These additions took place during his rule, before and through 1241 to 1249 AH (1826–1834). His son Imam Faisal bin Turki followed in 1259 AH, rebuilding the mosque and expanding it to the east and west. He introduced Islamic ornamentation into its courtyards that was then unknown in Najd, and installed an elevated passage between the mosque and Qasr Al Hukm. New water facilities were also added, and a long covered passage supported on columns connected the mosque to the palace. The traveller Palgrave described it as a large, flat-roofed parallelogram on square wooden pillars, accommodating more than two thousand worshippers at once, largely comprising an external courtyard with room for more than two thousand as well. It had no ornamentation or other aesthetic features, and had a short minaret on the roof directly above the mihrab. King Abdulaziz took an interest in the mosque, expanded it and linked it to Qasr Al Hukm by a bridge facilitating access at prayer times, especially Friday prayers, for the king, his entourage and his servants. He also installed lighting. King Saud continued to care for the mosque, enlarging its structure, ordering new carpets and lighting and greatly increasing its area by incorporating adjoining land. During those earlier royal periods, it was built with traditional materials of mud and dried mud bricks, with roofs of palm trunks and stone slabs. Care for the mosque continued under Kings Faisal and Khalid through modern construction.
Ushaiger lies in the Al Washm region, 210 km north of Riyadh. Administratively it belongs to Shaqra Governorate; Shaqra is its nearest city, about 15 km to its south. Ushaiger is an ancient historic town, home to the Banu Tamim tribe in the pre-Islamic era and inhabited in early Islam. It was mentioned by the poet Al Hutay’ah, who died in 45 AH. It is among the most famous towns of Najd in the medieval Islamic period, known for its many scholars and judges. The family of the reforming scholar Muhammad ibn Abd Al Wahhab, may God have mercy on him, came from it. In his book Scholars of Najd over Six Centuries, Sheikh Ibn Bassam considered it Najd’s foremost source of scholarship. Many families that spread throughout Najd and beyond trace their origins to it.
Munikh Fort is a castle built on a hill, Jabal Munikh, in the Sudair region, overlooking Al Majmaah from the west. On this hill stands Munikh Castle—pronounced with a damma on the m and a kasra on the n—west of the city. Its tower, the watchtower, is about eleven metres high, circular and conical, narrowing towards the top. It consists of two towers, one inside the other, with a spiral staircase between them. Its base is built of stone to a height of about two metres, above which the structure is made of mud bricks shaped in special moulds. South of this tower is another, smaller square tower, and a still smaller tower stands to the west. A wall of mud and stone surrounds the castle on the hill and connects to the wall that once enclosed the town. It was used for observation and defence and is now used to watch for floods and livestock. The tower and surrounding area have been comprehensively restored and provided with lighting, becoming a cultural and tourist landmark.
Janadriyah Festival is one of the major cultural festivals in Riyadh and is celebrated between the12th and 26th of February. This festival highlights Saudi Arabia’s cultural richness and showcases traditional art in the region. With a host of performances and cultural and entertainment activities, this festival is a prime attraction in Riyadh.
Saudi National Day, one of the most important Public Holidays in Riyadh is celebrated on the 23 of September. It marks the unification of the country by King Abdul Azziz in 1932.
Held between the 8th and the 17th October, Eid-ul Fitr comes after the long-drawn fasting of the Muslim holy month, Ramadan. (Dates vary according to the Lunar Calendar)
Eid-ul Adha, also called the Feast of the Sacrifice, is celebrated any time between the 15th and the 25th of December. (Dates vary according to the Lunar Calendar).
Day or evening trips to visit traditional Bedouin communities can be arranged. Various tours offer meals, interactions with Bedouin hosts, and discussions about their culture and folklore, as well as expeditions into the desert to enjoy dune or camel rides. Telephone: 966 (1) 220-4500 Extension 1050
A family outing into the desert where you will be guided to discover precious stones like topaz, amethyst, and citrine. Tours include transportation, meal and professional guides. Telephone: 966 (1) 220-4500 Extension 1050
Horse races at this full-fledged course attract many enthusiastic spectators. Betting is not allowed.
The only ice skating arena in Riyadh. Facilities also include tennis courts, a bowling alley, an observation hall and a restaurant. Address: Old Airport Road Telephone: 966 (1) 454-3901
Al Fariyan, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Al Barjaisat, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
7131 Eastern Ring Rd, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Al Ghardaqah, Riyadh Saudi Arabia 054 422 3647
Riyadh Saudi Arabia
At Tawfiq, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Perhaps the best way to get into the city from the airport is by taking taxi. A metered fare to the city should cost around SR 70-90. Negotiated flat fares are common and are potentially cheaper than using the meter, but be sure that you discuss the terms beforehand. A far safer alternative is to simply plan ahead and book your hotel’s limousine. These are typically priced as much as a taxi trip, but the fleets contain mostly high-quality, comfortable cars as opposed to older, poorly maintained vehicles taxis operate in.
Most visitors rely on the abundant supply of white taxis found in the city center to navigate Riyadh. However, finding a taxi on the city’s outskirts and at night can be challenging. Taxi Drivers will usually default to using the meter if you do not propose a fixed price, and with a starting fare of SR 5 and the meter ticking up SR 1.60/km after the first kilometer, most metered trips within the city cost under SR 30. However, locals usually prefer to negotiate fares in advance, and this can often be cheaper than using the meter: short hops start at SR 10, a longer journey starts around SR 15.The level of English & Urdu spoken varies depending on the ethnicity of the driver. Arab drivers speak little english and are difficult to communicate with if you do not know the exact location of where you are going. Note that solo male travelers are expected to sit in the front seat, next to the driver, while women are expected to sit in the back seat. All Drivers are familiar with the major local landmarks, so they are a useful reference points, though you are expected to know your way to your final destination from there. Bring a map and the phone number of someone at your destination to call for directions if necessary.
The most attractive option for visitors is to rent a car, ideally with an experienced driver.
The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO), runs a fleet of buses throughout the main city that also connect Riyadh to several other Saudi Arabian cities, as well as cities in neighboring countries.
Riyadh is among the most conservative cities in Saudi Arabia. The mutaween (religious police) are numerous in Riyadh and are to be respected. Women must cover themselves with an abaya (available in shops everywhere in Riyadh) and it is advisable to carry a headscarf as well.
