Weekend Breaks in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia is a restrictive country, with Riyadh being the most conservative area of the Kingdom. It's forbidden for unrelated men and women to socialise, alcohol is banned, and there are no movie theatres, clubs, music studios, or other performance venues. Many expats living in Saudi Arabia find themselves wishing for an outlet, especially when it comes to weekends.
Breaks from the humdrum of working world are certainly possible, expats will just need to put a little extra effort into advance planning and will have to take precaution when pursuing certain activities.
While there may be limited activities in and around Riyadh, there's certainly no
shortage of the surrounding desert; the soft red sand extends into rougher terrain and, eventually, into magnificent escarpments.
There are no designated camping or wilderness locations, but virtually any non-fenced off area is a potential area for exploration.
That said, going into the desert alone is discouraged and can be dangerous, seek out a formal group or go with experienced people who know the terrain.
Hash House Harrier groups, which claims to be “the world's most eccentric running club…with 1946 hash groups registered in the world directory, located in 1265 cities in 185 countries”, conducts day runs and walks and occasionally have weekend campouts.
If hiking isn’t your thing, live out your 4x4 fantasy and drive the desert! The Riyadh Rovers “is a group of like-minded individuals who enjoy using 4WD vehicles”. They organize day trips, weekend campouts, and occasionally longer adventures. They also offer GPS and sand driving courses.
Tips for desert safety:
Many expats have no idea that Saudi Arabia is a prime location for snorkelling and diving. Jeddah (1.5 hour flight) is a popular weekend getaway that offers amazing sea life without the sizeable crowds. For a more unique experience, try visiting the Farasan Islands off the coast of Jizan (2 hour flight).
Fly out on a Wednesday night to Jizan then take a ferry to Farasan Island. Contact one of the hotels on the island in advance; these service providers can assist with the ferry booking as well as the arrangement of fishing, snorkelling, and diving trips.
If a weekend break in Riyadh isn't giving you enough of a gap from what can be a frustrating reality, consider a weekend break OUT of Riyadh.
A 1.5-hour plane ride can take you to Dubai, which is considered THE place to go to if you want to feel very far away this Saudi city. Alternatively, you can skip the airport and drive four hours to Bahrain or seven hours to Qatar.
It's advisable to leave early in the day so you have enough daylight to watch for possible camel crossings. Though each of the aforementioned countries are Islamic states, they're considerably more liberal than the KSA and expats can take the opportunity to catch a movie, visit a hotel bar/club, take in a museum or just indulge in other sorely missed activities. Furthermore, women can remove their abayas or head scarves in these nations.
Keep in mind that if you are driving, you must own your car or you must obtain the required documentation from your sponsor and local police. You will be asked to present an ownership card at the border, or if you are leasing, the additional paperwork.
Depending on your nationality, visas to these visiting countries can usually be purchased at the border crossing. Do check with each individual country regarding visa regulations before travel. All expats living in Saudi Arabia have a valid entry visa in their passport which can be confirmed through the Ministry of Interior’s website.
In order to exit and re-enter the KSA it's necessary to purchase a multiple exit/re-entry visa. These are valid for 6 months and must be purchased through your sponsor for 500 SAR. If your sponsor will not issue you a multiple exit-entry visa, you can purchase a single visa for 150 SAR.
Note that the weekends in these Gulf states are Friday and Saturday, but weekend in Saudi Arabia is Thursday and Friday.
Breaks from the humdrum of working world are certainly possible, expats will just need to put a little extra effort into advance planning and will have to take precaution when pursuing certain activities.
Recommended Weekend Breaks in and around Riyadh
Explore, hike or drive the desert
While there may be limited activities in and around Riyadh, there's certainly no
shortage of the surrounding desert; the soft red sand extends into rougher terrain and, eventually, into magnificent escarpments.There are no designated camping or wilderness locations, but virtually any non-fenced off area is a potential area for exploration.
That said, going into the desert alone is discouraged and can be dangerous, seek out a formal group or go with experienced people who know the terrain.
Hash House Harrier groups, which claims to be “the world's most eccentric running club…with 1946 hash groups registered in the world directory, located in 1265 cities in 185 countries”, conducts day runs and walks and occasionally have weekend campouts.
If hiking isn’t your thing, live out your 4x4 fantasy and drive the desert! The Riyadh Rovers “is a group of like-minded individuals who enjoy using 4WD vehicles”. They organize day trips, weekend campouts, and occasionally longer adventures. They also offer GPS and sand driving courses.
Tips for desert safety:
- Riyadh is extremely dry and heat stroke is a risk for all. Bring plenty of water, cover your head with a sun hat with good coverage or a scarf, and wear sunscreen. Also bring snacks, including salty ones, for energy and to replace lost salts and minerals.
- Travel with at least one other car in the case of a flat tire, a fuel leak, or any other car malfunction. Depending on where you travel, you may be outside of cell phone range. Also, be sure to inform someone back in Riyadh of your plans in case of an emergency.
- A GPS is very helpful and highly recommended. Once you're in the desert everything tends to look the same. You can buy a GPS in Riyadh, which will be pre-loaded with all of your necessary maps. Alternatively, purchase one outside of KSA and install the “Desert Map” pack in addition to “Gulf Maps” at one of the local Darmoja (Garmin) shops.
- Keep in mind that while the desert is hot during the day, temperatures drop significantly at night. Be sure to bring the proper equipment. While regular campers will want to bring their own gear (eg., tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc), there's camping stores (also referred to as picnicking suppliers) aplenty in Riyadh.
Dive and snorkel in the Red Sea
Many expats have no idea that Saudi Arabia is a prime location for snorkelling and diving. Jeddah (1.5 hour flight) is a popular weekend getaway that offers amazing sea life without the sizeable crowds. For a more unique experience, try visiting the Farasan Islands off the coast of Jizan (2 hour flight).Fly out on a Wednesday night to Jizan then take a ferry to Farasan Island. Contact one of the hotels on the island in advance; these service providers can assist with the ferry booking as well as the arrangement of fishing, snorkelling, and diving trips.
Visit Dubai, Bahrain or Qatar
If a weekend break in Riyadh isn't giving you enough of a gap from what can be a frustrating reality, consider a weekend break OUT of Riyadh.
A 1.5-hour plane ride can take you to Dubai, which is considered THE place to go to if you want to feel very far away this Saudi city. Alternatively, you can skip the airport and drive four hours to Bahrain or seven hours to Qatar.It's advisable to leave early in the day so you have enough daylight to watch for possible camel crossings. Though each of the aforementioned countries are Islamic states, they're considerably more liberal than the KSA and expats can take the opportunity to catch a movie, visit a hotel bar/club, take in a museum or just indulge in other sorely missed activities. Furthermore, women can remove their abayas or head scarves in these nations.
Keep in mind that if you are driving, you must own your car or you must obtain the required documentation from your sponsor and local police. You will be asked to present an ownership card at the border, or if you are leasing, the additional paperwork.
Depending on your nationality, visas to these visiting countries can usually be purchased at the border crossing. Do check with each individual country regarding visa regulations before travel. All expats living in Saudi Arabia have a valid entry visa in their passport which can be confirmed through the Ministry of Interior’s website.
In order to exit and re-enter the KSA it's necessary to purchase a multiple exit/re-entry visa. These are valid for 6 months and must be purchased through your sponsor for 500 SAR. If your sponsor will not issue you a multiple exit-entry visa, you can purchase a single visa for 150 SAR.
Note that the weekends in these Gulf states are Friday and Saturday, but weekend in Saudi Arabia is Thursday and Friday.
