See and Do in Riyadh
Once little more than a dusty and deserted outlook, Riyadh has become one of the Middle East's fastest growing modern cities with plenty of activities available to entertain the eager expat.
Initially, westerners may be challenged to restructure their social expectations, strict Muslim law bans alcohol, and nightclubs, bars and even movie theatres are non-existent.
Despite the absence of a little social lubricant and loud music though, expats will find a weekend in Riyadh can be fun-filled nonetheless.
From traditional souqs to high end international fashion stores, Riyadh offers the greatest range of shopping experiences in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Traditional souqs (markets) are found in the historic quarter of the city around the Qasr Al Hokum district. The Antique Souq is the oldest and overflows with carpets, brassware, traditional daggers as well as jewellery, clothing, sandal wood, frankincense and myrrh.
Exclusive shopping centres are located in the Olaya district, on King Fahd Road and Olaya Street. This area houses a large number of malls, but the Mamlaka Mall and the Faisaliah Mall are fond favorites. Further north Sahara Mall, Kuwaiti Souq, Hayat Mall, Grenada Mall and an array of large chain stores attract visitors with their sheer scale and magnificent range.
Expats can also wile away a weekend afternoon at the more modern Deira Shopping centre and Al Bathaa souq, which offers cheap fake famous brand clothes and fashion goods.
The Wadi Hanifa, a 75-mile (120 km) valley which cuts through the city, is one of the best locations to barbecue your way through a weekend in Riyadh. In pre-historic times the region received enough rainfall to make it both fertile agricultural land and semi-oasis. These days, newly developed parkland attracts locals and expats alike to the small towns that spot and dot the sides of the valley.
Directions: Follow King Khalid Road, drive towards north and then take exit on King Abdullah road, go towards west and road will take you at the back of DQ (Diplomatic Quarters), you are in Wadi Hanifa.
GPS Coordinates: N 24 41 37.96, E 46 36 56.66
Sipping coffee in one of the city's stylish coffee shops is one of the best loved activities for singles or families. Tahlia Street is especially famous for modern and uniquely decorated cafés, and on weekend nights in particular, expats can get a daily dose of caffeine while gawking at the young Saudi boys (Shabbas) driving million dollar Ferraris, Bentleys and Porsches down the strip.
Big brand names like Java Time, Second Cup and, everyone’s favourite, Starbucks can all be found here.
A gush of green against the desert backdrop, Salam Park is 75-acres of lush lawn, date trees and an artificial lake. Go boating, have a long and leisurely lunch or dinner, jog around the park or simply lie down in the shades of the palm trees while the kids entertain themselves on the playground. Several restaurants provide snacks, but packing the picnic basket and relaxing lakeside is highly recommended.
GPS Coordinates: N 24 37 19.43, E 46 42 37.33
While Riyadh may fall well behind the likes of London and New York City when it comes to tourist attractions, there's still a small smattering of sights to see and museums to visit. Once the warm weather changes from a simmer to boil, expats can spend the weekend in Riyadh taking in a bit of history and culture.
Hours: 9am to 12 pm, and from 4 pm to 9 pm weekdays.
Tel : (0) 1 402 9500
GPS Coordinates : N 24 38 50.67, E 46 42 38.98
GPS Coordinates: N 24 44 22.50, E 46 35 04.33
Hours: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
GPS Coordinates : N 24 37 53.39, E 46 42 47.40
The annual King's Camel Race, which started in 1974 has become one of the world's largest, attracting more than 2,000 camels and their riders to compete - and 20,000 - 30,000 spectators.
In addition to this annual event though, expats can spend part of their regular weekend in Riyadh at the track.
Camel Races take place every Thursday from 4pm onwards. The race track can be found along the extension of Al-Uroubah Street, in the Thumamah district. In winter, additional races are held at the King Fahd International Stadium on Friday afternoon. Camel races are a test of endurance. The track is oval shaped and races are usually between 6 to 8 miles (10 to 14 km).
Don’t forget to try fresh Camel milk.
Enjoy spending a full day, especially in cooler winter temperatures at any of the parks. Food outlets are usually on site.
Directions: All water parks are located on the road to Thumamah from the airport.
Initially, westerners may be challenged to restructure their social expectations, strict Muslim law bans alcohol, and nightclubs, bars and even movie theatres are non-existent.
Despite the absence of a little social lubricant and loud music though, expats will find a weekend in Riyadh can be fun-filled nonetheless.
Shop
From traditional souqs to high end international fashion stores, Riyadh offers the greatest range of shopping experiences in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Traditional souqs (markets) are found in the historic quarter of the city around the Qasr Al Hokum district. The Antique Souq is the oldest and overflows with carpets, brassware, traditional daggers as well as jewellery, clothing, sandal wood, frankincense and myrrh.Exclusive shopping centres are located in the Olaya district, on King Fahd Road and Olaya Street. This area houses a large number of malls, but the Mamlaka Mall and the Faisaliah Mall are fond favorites. Further north Sahara Mall, Kuwaiti Souq, Hayat Mall, Grenada Mall and an array of large chain stores attract visitors with their sheer scale and magnificent range.
Expats can also wile away a weekend afternoon at the more modern Deira Shopping centre and Al Bathaa souq, which offers cheap fake famous brand clothes and fashion goods.
Barbecue
The Wadi Hanifa, a 75-mile (120 km) valley which cuts through the city, is one of the best locations to barbecue your way through a weekend in Riyadh. In pre-historic times the region received enough rainfall to make it both fertile agricultural land and semi-oasis. These days, newly developed parkland attracts locals and expats alike to the small towns that spot and dot the sides of the valley.
Directions: Follow King Khalid Road, drive towards north and then take exit on King Abdullah road, go towards west and road will take you at the back of DQ (Diplomatic Quarters), you are in Wadi Hanifa.
GPS Coordinates: N 24 41 37.96, E 46 36 56.66
Drink
Sipping coffee in one of the city's stylish coffee shops is one of the best loved activities for singles or families. Tahlia Street is especially famous for modern and uniquely decorated cafés, and on weekend nights in particular, expats can get a daily dose of caffeine while gawking at the young Saudi boys (Shabbas) driving million dollar Ferraris, Bentleys and Porsches down the strip.
Big brand names like Java Time, Second Cup and, everyone’s favourite, Starbucks can all be found here.
Picnic
A gush of green against the desert backdrop, Salam Park is 75-acres of lush lawn, date trees and an artificial lake. Go boating, have a long and leisurely lunch or dinner, jog around the park or simply lie down in the shades of the palm trees while the kids entertain themselves on the playground. Several restaurants provide snacks, but packing the picnic basket and relaxing lakeside is highly recommended.GPS Coordinates: N 24 37 19.43, E 46 42 37.33
See
While Riyadh may fall well behind the likes of London and New York City when it comes to tourist attractions, there's still a small smattering of sights to see and museums to visit. Once the warm weather changes from a simmer to boil, expats can spend the weekend in Riyadh taking in a bit of history and culture.
►National Museum (King Abdul Aziz Centre)
The National Museum of Riyadh is a landmark structure that gives strong insight into the history of Saudi Arabia. Its eight floors contain captivating displays of Saudi Arabia's culture in its past and present forms.Hours: 9am to 12 pm, and from 4 pm to 9 pm weekdays.
Tel : (0) 1 402 9500
GPS Coordinates : N 24 38 50.67, E 46 42 38.98
►City of Old Al-Diriyah
From his seat in the old city the Prince of Diriyah, Imam Muhammad bin Saud, championed the largest religious reformation movement in the Islamic world. Hours: 10 am to 12 pmGPS Coordinates: N 24 44 22.50, E 46 35 04.33
►Masmak Fort (The Justice Palace)
Go downtown to Al-Masmak Fort and watch a documentary about how the city was conquered. Be sure to visit Al-Zal market where you can see how the Saudi Iqal (headband) is made and how carpets are woven. You can buy some of the antiques as well.Hours: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
GPS Coordinates : N 24 37 53.39, E 46 42 47.40
Sport
The annual King's Camel Race, which started in 1974 has become one of the world's largest, attracting more than 2,000 camels and their riders to compete - and 20,000 - 30,000 spectators.
In addition to this annual event though, expats can spend part of their regular weekend in Riyadh at the track.Camel Races take place every Thursday from 4pm onwards. The race track can be found along the extension of Al-Uroubah Street, in the Thumamah district. In winter, additional races are held at the King Fahd International Stadium on Friday afternoon. Camel races are a test of endurance. The track is oval shaped and races are usually between 6 to 8 miles (10 to 14 km).
►Camel Markets
The Camel Market (Souq al-Jamal) located next to the Janadriyah Site is one of the largest camel markets in the Middle East. It's held every Monday - and it's recommended that visitors go in the late afternoon when the traders really find their voice.Don’t forget to try fresh Camel milk.
►Water Aqua Parks and Dolphin Show
A weekend of fun-n-the sun for those who don't mind getting a bit wet and wild. Many parks offer a large variety of water sport activities for children and for families, one of the most famous is ‘Fantasy Land’.Enjoy spending a full day, especially in cooler winter temperatures at any of the parks. Food outlets are usually on site.
Directions: All water parks are located on the road to Thumamah from the airport.
