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    • Riyadh

    Riyadh travel guide

    View Saudi Arabia travel guide

    Overview

    Rising from the barren desert, its towering skyscrapers glittering in the fierce sun, the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh is one of the most splendid and affluent cities in the modern world. Situated on plateau, Riyadh sprawls across about 600 square miles (1,600 square kilometres) of desert in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.

    Once a small oasis known for its date orchards (hence the origin of its name which in Arabic means 'place of gardens'), Riyadh's phenomenal growth spurt began in 1902 when the desert lord Ibn Saud took over the city, determined to turn it into the centre of his Arabic kingdom. Thirty years later it became the capital of the new country of Saudi Arabia. Fuelled by the revenue of the country's abundant oil fields, it has burgeoned into an awesome modern metropolis with a population well in excess of four million.

    Modern it may be, visitors to Riyadh are never likely to forget that they are in the heart of the Arab world. In between the towering, futuristic buildings, and glitzy shopping malls are nestled ancient mosques and other remnants of times gone by, shady trees and date palms line the avenues, and camels sometimes sway between the luxury vehicles. The city is also run on a strictly Islamic moral and cultural code, and visitors should respect the rules while exploring the sights, both ancient and modern, in this fascinating city. Women have restricted access to certain attractions and sites.

    The original 'wadis' (dry river beds), where wells were sunk to water the historic infant oasis settlement, have now been supplemented by numerous vast dams and piped in desalinated seawater to adequately quench the thirst of this prosperous capital, quite justly dubbed 'Queen of the Desert'. Travellers can therefore drink deeply of this unique urban landscape, which will not be found wanting in both historic interest and modern wonder.

    Kingdom Centre

    The place to see and be seen in Riyadh is at the remarkable Kingdom Centre, the fifth tallest building in Saudi Arabia, owned by a Saudi prince and built to an unusual elliptical award-winning design. The 99-storey colossus is the world's third largest building with a hole that visitors can walk across on the sky-bridge on the highest floor.

    Besides containing modern offices, apartments, the Four Seasons Hotel and a fitness club, the Kingdom Centre also houses a state-of-the art three-level shopping mall with more than 160 stores, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Debenhams department stores. The centre also boasts dozens of world-class international restaurants.

    Address: Al-Urubah Road, between King Fahd Road and Olaya Street, in the Olaya business district
    Website: www.kingdomcentre.com.sa
    Kingdom Centre Kingdom Centre BroadArrow
    The National Museum

    This museum, chief among the numerous museums in Riyadh, is truly worth visiting. Incorporating local art, religion, and culture that explore the diverse and intriguing history of the Arabian kingdoms, the National Museum sees many visitors each year. Artefacts such as ancient documents, furniture, weapons and more, dating as far back as the Stone Age, are on display. Unlike most attractions in Riyadh, the museum charges a small entrance fee.

    Other city museums worth visiting are the King Abdulaziz Military Museum and the Museum of Antiquities and Folklore.

    Address: King Abdul Aziz, Historical Center
    Opening time: Saturday to Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 4pm-8pm.
    Website: www.nationalmuseum.org.sa
    National Museum National Museum Sammy Six
    Al Masmak Castle

    The clay and mud brick fort of the Masmak Fort is an important landmark and heritage site in the centre of Riyadh. Built around 1865, the site is associated with the foundation of the Saudi Arabian kingdom as the original stronghold of King Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Rasheed. The castle was the setting of the Idn Saud's legendary raid in 1902, where a spear was hurled at the main entrance with such force that the head is still intact in the main arch. Visitors can explore its impressive rooms, pillared mosque, gate, watchtowers, and well.

    Address: 3153 Al Thumairi St, Ad Dirah, 6937
    Opening time: Sunday to Thursday 8am-12pm, 4pm-9pm, Friday 4pm-7.30pm, Saturday 9am-12am
    Website: www.arriyadh.com/ar/Tourism/Left/Musems/getdocument.aspx?f=/openshare/ar/Tourism/Left/Musems/hoson.doc_cvt.
    Al Musmak Castle Al Musmak Castle Baptiste Marcel
    Al Murabba’a Historical Palace

    Just outside the original city walls, is the spectacular Al Murabba'a Historical Palace. Built in the early 1900s, the palace originally functioned as the private accommodation for the king of Saudi Arabia.

    Now a principal component of the King Abdulaziz Darat, an institute and library devoted to preserving Arabian history, the palace has been preserved as a living example of Arabian royal life in days gone by and is a site history lovers enjoy year after year. On the ground floor are the guard's room and storerooms, while upstairs visitors can view the reception salons, political offices, and private apartments.

    Address: Khazzan Street
    Opening time: Weekly 8am-3pm, closed on weekends.
    Website: www.arriyadh.com/Eng/Tourism
    Al Murabba'a Historical Palace courtyard Al Murabba'a Historical Palace courtyard Des Runyan
    City of old Diriyah

    The ruins of the historically significant city of Diriyah, statuesque and silent in the desert about 12 miles (20km) northwest of Riyadh city centre, provide an interesting excursion. The city, originally the stronghold of the powerful Saud family, was the site of an important Islamic reform movement in around 1745, when two influential imams called for the people to return to the true faith and abandon heresy, polytheism, and superstition. In its heyday, the city was the biggest in the Arab Peninsula, but was overtaken by Riyadh after being destroyed by the Turks in the early 19th century. The ruins of many of the mud-brick buildings remain to be explored.

    Opening time: Saturday to Thursday 8am-6pm, 3am-6pm on Fridays.
    The mosque of Mohammad Bin Abdul Wahab at Old Diriyyah in Riyadh The mosque of Mohammad Bin Abdul Wahab at Old Diriyyah in Riyadh Mnowfal

    Phrase Book

    English Pronounciation

    Conditions in Riyadh are typically dry and hot, but the city does receive about four inches (102mm) of rain a year, most of it falling between January and April. In summer, hot winds can send temperatures soaring up to 113°F (45°C). In winter it can be surprisingly chilly, dropping down to 50°F (10°C), and at night temperatures can plunge below freezing. The best months in Riyadh, when days are pleasantly tolerable and nights are cool, are between October and April.

    Middle Eastern fare might dominate the dining out scene in Riyadh, but there has been an increase in international eateries springing up in recent years, creating even more choice for avid foodies. Now, everything from spicy Indian food to good old American favourites like cheeseburgers and fries are on offer. Head to Tahlia Street for both fine dining and cheap eateries where the bright lights and catchy slogans of fast-food outlets like McDonald's and KFC line the street too. Many travellers will opt to dine at their hotel restaurant where many of the five-star eateries are owned by celebrity chefs and provide a one of a kind dining experience. Travellers should note that these hotel restaurants have done away with segregation between men and women, as well as the family section but they should not be alarmed if they come across this in other restaurants. A service charge is usually included in restaurant bill, but a tip of 10 percent is the norm.

    King Khalid International Airport
    Location: The airport is situated 22 miles (35km) from Riyadh city centre.
    Time: Local time is GMT +3.
    Transfer Between Terminals: The terminals are linked by moving walkways.
    Getting to the city: Terminal 5 is connected to the Metro Yellow Line which runs to King Abdullah Financial District. Free shuttles ferry passengers to nearby hotels and prepaid airport taxis are available for transport to the city.
    Car Rental: Car rental counters are located in the lobby and include Hertz and several local companies. Women are allowed to drive but cannot travel with a man unless they are related.
    Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport. Fares into downtown Riyadh will never be less than SAR 70. A trip from King Khalid Airport to downtown Riyadh takes 30 minutes. However, scammers and touts will try to charge tourists up to SAR 200, which is grossly overpriced. It is recommended that visitors have the address of their destination written in Arabic.
    Facilities: Facilities include restaurants, bars, and cafeterias, banks and ATMs, a first aid clinic, various shopping opportunities, currency exchange, and visitor information. A mosque is located in the centre of the passenger terminal. Facilities for the disabled are good.
    Parking Two multi-level garages are located directly in front of the passenger terminals, on either side of the mosque, which are connected to the terminals by walkways.
    Website: www.riyadhairports.com
    Riyadh Motor Show

    The Riyadh Motor Show is the oldest and most influential motor show in the region. The top manufacturers from around the world display their latest designs to the largest market in the Middle East. Exhibited are innovations in hybird, electrical, high-tech and fuel economy cars. It usually draws around 100,000 automotive consumers under one roof as the event runs concurrently with Saudi Autoshop.

    Venue: Riyadh Exhibition Centre
    Motor Show Motor Show Jaguar MENA
    Hajj

    Haj is considered the duty of every able Muslim: a pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city where the Prophet Mohammed was born. It is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, guided by the prophet, where each year roughly two million devout Muslims take the journey. The pilgrims, or hajjis, wear white as a symbol of their purity and equality throughout the occasion whereupon all gather around the Great Mosque in Mecca to walk seven times around the Kabah shrine before kissing it, in one of the most famous displays of religious duty in the entire world. It is almost impossible for non-Muslim's to partake in the event as they are not allowed in Mecca, although many have tried and succeeded over the years, including famous explorer Sir Richard Burton.

    Venue: Mecca
    Supplicating Pilgrim at Masjid Al Haram Supplicating Pilgrim at Masjid Al Haram Ali Mansuri

    You won't find a street in Riyadh that doesn't have a string of shopping malls, boutiques, or markets. One of the biggest and fanciest shopping malls in Riyadh is Al Faisaliah on Olaya Road, which also has a fun park in the basement and is open to families and single women only from Wednesday to Friday. Al Mamlaka, also on Olaya Road, has a third floor Ladies Kingdom reserved exclusively for women. The Kingdom Tower offers great deals on luxury brands like Hugo Boss and Lacoste.

    Other popular malls include Sahara Mall on King Abdul Aziz Road, and Granada Mall near the airport. Shopping centres can be confusing to foreign visitors, however, as most have some restrictions on visiting hours for men, women, and families, so it's best to be sure of restrictions before visiting.

    There are two enormous sale seasons in Riyadh, taking place at the beginning and in the middle of the year. At these points, the shops in Riyadh offer bargains up to 90 percent off the regular price and the malls are packed with customers. Riyadh also has a few traditional souks, including Souk al-Thumairi, which is most popular with tourists for its wide range of Arabic goods and English-speaking touts. Remember in Riyadh markets, haggling is obligatory.

    Shopping in Riyadh is tax-free, so you can find good deals on luxury brands and high-end products. Popular Riyadh souvenirs include Persian rugs, leather goods and handbags, and local jewellery.

    Taxis (white in colour) are the best option for travelling around the city and can be booked through hotels or hired directly off the street. Fares are reasonable and the taxis are metered. If the taxi is not metered, the fare can be negotiated and can often be cheaper than using the meter. Try to have your address in Arabic if possible as many taxi drivers do not understand English.

    Car hire is also possible, but driving can be a little daunting, despite the deceptively easy-looking wide roads. Directional road signs tend to have English translations but street signs are in Arabic only. Some traffic rules differ from those in the West, and penalties for speeding or reckless driving are severe.

    Public transport is available to a limited degree, consisting of minibuses which ply a few routes and usually operate for men only. Buses that do admit women have a screened off area, separating them from the men.

    Riyadh is predominantly considered to be a business destination. However, the city is a fascinating blend of traditional Wahhabi culture and modern development, and as such there are plenty of interesting things to see and do in Saudi Arabia's capital.

    Riyadh is home to a number of historical sites, including the Al Masmak Castle, the City of Old Diriyah, and the Al Murabba'a Historical Palace. No doubt history buffs will pay each of these a visit. Although Saudi Arabia is famous for its oppressive heat, there are opportunities for outdoor activity in Riyadh, including golf, 4x4 desert trips (also known as 'dune bashing'), and football.

    These are must-sees on any trip to Riyadh, but visitors should be aware that most attractions keep hours vastly different to Western businesses; they open briefly in the morning, and then again from mid-afternoon to late evening, and are closed on Fridays or Saturdays. Women may only visit during designated 'family hours' so it is best to check ahead of visiting to avoid disappointment.

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    Companies flying to Riyadh

    British Airways

    Saudia