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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Riyadh: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia's capital and largest city, Al-Riy. Riyadh is the Arabic name for Riyadh.
- The town's name is derived from the plural of the Arabic rawah, which means gardens or meadows, and was given to it to recognize the natural fertility provided by its location at the junction of Wadis anfah and Al-Ba.
- Riyadh's breathtaking aerial view, lighted by city lights in the evening, is reminiscent of the city's famous meadows; a bright sea of lights dot the desert as if fluorescent flower fields have suddenly bloomed among its negative contours.
- As the country's capital, our diversified terrain has a lot to offer, from the charm of small ancient streets to the splendour of our skyscrapers.
- Capital- Riyadh
- International Airport - King Khalid International Airport (KKIA)
- Population- 7,387,817
- Currency- Saudi Riyal
- Time - GMT+3
- Driving side- left
- Official Language- Arabic
- Religion- Islam
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Riyadh
- The iconic Masmak Fort is one of Riyadh's top things to do.
- The King Abdul Aziz Historical Center provides a one-of-a-kind tour of Saudi Arabia's past.
- Diriyah, on the city's outskirts in the northwest, was originally the home of the Saudi Royal family and the country's first capital.
- Even though the National Museum is full of antiques and is ideally located near Murabba Palace falls under this category because it is contained in a modern structure.
- The Sky Bridge sits on the 50th floor of the Kingdom Tower, which is now Riyadh's third-highest skyscraper.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Riyadh
- The months of April, August, September, and October are among the hottest of the year.
- January, February, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December are all dry months in Riyadh.
- August is the hottest month, with average high temperatures of 42°C (107°F).
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Riyadh
Al Masmak Fort
- The iconic Masmak Fort is one of Riyadh's top things to do.
- Masmak Fort is one of Riyadh's most historically significant landmarks. Masmak means "strong," and legend has it that if this citadel falls, the Kingdom will follow.
- This well-preserved 19th-century clay and mudbrick stronghold was instrumental in Ibn Saud's retaking of Riyadh in 1902, consolidating its position in the unity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- The fortress is now a museum, allowing visitors to reflect on that pivotal time in history and the history of Riyadh as the Kingdom's capital.
- The fortress's well-preserved antiques and architecture, particularly the immaculately kept Arabic sitting room (known as a Diwan) equipped with luxurious furnishings.
- The museum is free but checks entry ahead of time because they offer family days, singles days, female days, and other events. (Many places in a conservative city/country separate males from ladies and families.)
Deborah Souq
- The Deborah Souq, also known as Al-Thumairi Souq (because to its location on Thumairi Street) and Al-Zel Souq (due to its location near the Al Masmak Fort), is located in the historic section of the city near the Al Masmak Fort.
- It is well-known for its gold and antique souq sections.
- Hundreds of little stores display a diverse range of merchandise, including carpets, gold, silver, souvenirs, traditional clothing and decorations, antiques, and even furniture.
- The majority of shopkeepers speak English, making this souq particularly tourist-friendly. Jump from store to store, and don't be scared to haggle.
- This is one of the largest camel marketplaces in the Arabian Peninsula, so you'll undoubtedly have a unique cultural experience, especially if you bid
Murabba Palace and the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center
- The King Abdul Aziz Historical Center provides a one-of-a-kind tour of Saudi Arabia's past.
- Even though the centre is constructed in a modern version of Saudi royal architecture, it is surrounded by the actual former royal palace of Murabba, which is well worth a visit.
- An abandoned courtyard home, a historical vehicle collection, the old majlis, and an antique water tower may all be found there.
- Based on the ancient royal mosque that serviced the palace, a restored mosque is also displayed.
- The centre is currently regarded as modern Riyadh's cultural core. The city's heart comprises various historic buildings, including the Al Masmak Fortress and the Murabba Palace complex.
Sky Bridge at Kingdom Center
- The Sky Bridge sits on the 50th floor of the Kingdom Tower, which is now Riyadh's third-highest skyscraper.
- From 300 meters above the earth, the 65-meter-long sky bridge provides a perfect panoramic perspective of the city.
- The Kingdom Center Mall, located at the base of the tower, houses a variety of luxury goods.
- The views are amazing, but nighttime views are better because you can see the city lights and other skyscrapers shimmering in various colours.
Deera Square
- Dear Space, also known as Justice Square or Chop Chop Square, is a modern public square where death punishment (typically by beheading) is still carried out.
- Regrettably, Saudi Arabia is the only country that still uses beheading as a method of public execution.
- Following Friday prayers, police and other officials empty the square to execute.
- The head is stitched after the condemned are beheaded, and they are wrapped up for the funeral rituals and carried away.
- It is a pleasant square to visit during the execution, with children running around and playing with the water fountains.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Riyadh Off the Beaten Track
Olaya
- The Olaya neighbourhood is well-known for having the city's heart and soul, and it is appropriately so because it is an area that is predominantly Arabian.
- This location is also the primary financial district. Thus there are many giant skyscrapers here, giving the skyline a "wow" element and providing plenty of photo options.
- The Kingdom Centre, one of the country's tallest structures, is one of the nearest tourist attractions to Olaya hotels.
- This stunning piece stands close to a thousand feet tall and is beautifully lit at night, attracting many onlookers.
- Can find a shopping mall with vast, unique levels for each sex and shops selling various things and objects such as apparel and jewellery in the city's heart.
- The centre also has some of the city's most expensive apartments and the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, one of the city's most opulent hotels.
Al-Murabba
- This is one of the city's oldest quarters. Therefore, it's no surprise that it has some top attractions.
- The Masmak Fortress, which was built in the 15th century, 19th century and is famous for being wrestled between several forces, is one of the key attractions in the area.
- It is made of clay and was created in the 19th century. The Murabba Palace is another mud and clay palace erected by the then-King Abdul Aziz to have a more excellent defence and make it more challenging to conquer.
- Another intriguing sight to view is Deira Square, which is notable for where convicts are publicly beheaded at the end of the week.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Riyadh Culture and Traditions
- Saudi Arabia's cultural setting is heavily impacted by Arab and Islamic culture.
- In general, the society is religious, conservative, traditional, and family-oriented.
- Many attitudes and traditions stem from Arab civilization and Islamic history and are centuries old.
- Foreign visitors are fascinated by Riyadh's traditions and customs. Locals' traditional way of life includes specific regulations that may appear weird to visitors.
- Some local customs stem from religious practices and have remained unchanged for centuries. The most important consideration is the clothing of local culture (female in particular).
- For foreign visitors, loose high clothing and headscarves known as hijabs may appear to be relics of the past, but locals consider it the most significant feature of their culture.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Riyadh: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Saudi Arabian Kabsa
#Food
- Saudi Arabia's national dish is kabsa. Although there are many varieties, the essence of Kabsa is meat or chicken served with a large amount of rice and a type of sides.
- It is common for individuals to eat Kabsa for lunch and dinner daily. It is, in my opinion, the most popular cuisine in Saudi Arabia.
- It's a versatile dish that may be served at any time. It's a mash-up of rice, beef, onions, plus a few other vegetables and seasonings.
- It is consumed by both the wealthy and the poor. Chicken Kabsa is a relatively inexpensive dish because four people may share one large Kabsa.
- Kabsa is typically eaten with one's fingers. However, a fork or spoon can be used if desired.
Arabic flatbread
#Food
- The Arabic flatbread (Khobz) is featured in the significant dishes area because it is served with practically everything. Arabşc break is always on the table, from breakfast to lunch and evening main courses.
- As shown below, the Arabic break in Saudi Arabia is usually circular and thin.
- The two-layered flatbread is produced with wheat flour, yeast, and water salt and baked in a conventional oven.
Harees
#Food
- Here is a traditional Arabian meal prepared with pounded wheat, meat, and spices.
- This porridge-like meat dish from Saudi Arabia also includes tomatoes, peppers, and spices like cardamom, as well as parsley, poured on top.
- According to others, Harees is produced during Ramadan and distributed to the less fortunate.
Gursan
#Food
- Gurian is one of the most popular main dishes in the Najd (Riyadh) region. Gurian is traditionally baked at home.
- The whole flour, water, and salt dough are finely spread and cooked. Then, a unique meat sauce is created and served on top of the Gurian.
- Gurian is now pre-baked and available in supermarkets. It's served with a variety of meats, chicken, and veggies.
Al Nakheel Mall
#Fashion
- Al Nakheel Mall is a great destination to shop in the city because of its unique design and excellent service.
- The mall, spread out across a large area, has around 200,000 visitors per week. This is Riyadh's largest mall, with international brands such as LC Waikiki, Lefties, ZARA, Kipling, Nespresso, Karaca, Bershka, and Aldo attracting residents and tourists to discover the latest fashion trends.
- Al Nakheel Mall is a place of entertainment and fun for guests, with exceptional service and amenities.
- Billy Baez and Sparquez Theme Parks are two of the most intriguing destinations to spend a day with your family.
- These theme parks will provide everyone with endless entertainment and thrills regardless of age. There are several places to eat.
- Every dining establishment you require is represented, from Subway to McDonald's.
Kingdom Center Malls
#Fashion
- Kingdom Center, Riyadh's most famous shopping mall, is the best shopping destination in the city, with a wide range of brands and entertainment options.
- With premium cafes and restaurants, luxury hotels, and more, the mall is home to top international retailers and maximum elegance.
- This three-story retail centre is a state-of-the-art facility with 41,000 m2 of Space where you can experience every comfort and style.
- One of the most well-known games globally is a famous attraction in Riyadh. Thanks to its traditional style and application of current technologies, you can buy and enjoy entertainment as you've never seen before.
Riyadh Gallery Mall
#Fashion
- The Riyadh Gallery Mall is the best shopping mall in Riyadh because of its worldwide brands, stylish décor, and utmost elegance.
- The best apparel for kids and adults is available from international high fashion manufacturers. The retail establishments here have the latest fashion trends as well as souvenirs.
- There was a time when the mall only had restricted Space with a few select companies, but today can find very well-known names on the retail list.
- Families come here to shop and have a relaxing day, while tourists come for the fame.
Al Shallal Theme Park
#Fun
- It attracts over a million annual visits will tell you how popular it is.
- Enjoy the fresh breezes while your heart beats on one of its adrenaline-pumping rides, which are conveniently located near the picturesque Jeddah Corniche.
- It is one of Riyadh's top theme parks. From a double-loop roller coaster to the classic Columbus ship ride, Al Shallal has it all.
- You'd probably come simply for the meal because the selection is that fantastic.
Al Hokair Land
#Fun
- Riyadh's fun amusement park is located in the country's capital. Al Hokair Land offers a fantastic mix of food, rides, and other forms of entertainment.
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been unified.
- Because of the numerous themes depicting various places of the world, this park has risen to the top of the list.
King Fahd Park
#Fun
- 8King Fahd Park is a park in the Saudi Arabian city of King Fahd. This is one of Riyadh's most popular amusement parks, located in the eastern part of the Kingdom.
- The park, which is home to the renowned cobra ride, is one of the most well-known rides in the Kingdom today.
- Some of the park's attractions give spectacular views of Dammam from high above.
Al Hokair
#Fun
- Happy Land, a Hokair group the best amusement park in Riyadh, part of the Arabian entertainment behemoth, features certain rides that are practically perfect duplicates of Al Hokair's flagship amusement park in Riyadh.
- One of Dammam's most popular attractions is its go-karting circuit.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Riyadh: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- Riyadh National Zoo, located in the centre of Malaz in Riyadh, is a convenient travel destination for visitors visiting the city.
- This zoological park covers 55 acres and has more than 1500 animals of 40 kinds. Allowing visitors to spend a reasonable amount of time in an animal world.
- The zoo first opened its doors in 1987.
- A 20-minute train ride inside the zoo covers a large area of the zoo, doubling the amount of fun for children.
- The zoo has a beautiful landscape setting and an authentic terrain environment for animals to suit their natural habitat.
- There are prayer halls, restrooms, eateries, and tiny cafes within the zoo.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Riyadh Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- This festival may be the most "tourist-friendly" of those on this list. The annual Jeddah Festival, which began in 2000 and is now in its 19th year, is currently in its 19th year.
- Its primary goal was to bring more tourists to Jeddah, its second-largest metropolis and cultural centre.
- The festival has evolved significantly over the last two decades, with the most recent iterations featuring over 200 activities each time.
- Sample traditional prepared food, buy local crafts, and witness the gigantic fireworks from the vantage point of this port city's corniche are just a few of the activities on that list.
- This one isn't just about Saudi Arabia because this essential religious holiday marks the conclusion of Ramadan and hence affects all Muslims throughout the world.
- Eid al-Fitr translates to "festival of breaking the fast," and the holiday is generally marked by prayer in a mosque followed by a brief speech.
- Following that, individuals pay visits to relatives and friends and visit graveyards to pray for loved ones who have died.
- On this day, Muslims dress up in nice clothing and give gifts to children.
- Delicious food and drinks are an essential aspect of festivals, and the festival's importance is interpreted in harmony and thankfulness to bring people closer together.
- Every year on September 23rd, the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is observed, earning it the moniker "Unification of the Kingdom Day."
- This is the only public secular holiday in Saudi Arabia, and it fell on the anniversary of the country's founding in 1932.
- Although many Saudis prefer to observe this traditionally solemn holiday in silence and privacy, a rising number of young Saudis are choosing to exhibit their national pride more openly by singing and dancing in public.
- Milad al-Nabi is a festival commemorating the Prophet Mohammad's birthday, and you'll be able to tell its Milad al-Nabi just by looking at the lavish decorations in people's houses and mosques.
- Older generations recount anecdotes about Mohammad's life and accomplishments, while children are encouraged to recite poems about him.
- Large feasts and street processions are other customary activities. The festival's dates change year to year due to its adherence to the Islamic (lunar) calendar.
- The Janadriyah National Festival is a significant heritage and cultural celebration. It is the country's largest folk festival, taking place over two weeks in the village of Janadriyah, which is about 50 kilometres (30 miles) outside of Riyadh.
- The festival's goal is to be both strengthening and reaffirming. Countless events, ranging from ceremonies to folklore arts, camel racing, and cultural events, will occur over the next few weeks.
- Saudi Arabia's most gifted poets deliver their latest works to the crowds, and artisans from all around the kingdom display and sell their crafts.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Riyadh Holiday
Places similar to Riyadh to visit
Places similar to Riyadh to visit
Places similar to Riyadh to visit