By, Nouran Malak
Eat ‘N Stays
Riyadh The heart of the desert. The city’s name is derived from the plural of the Arabic rawḍah, meaning gardens or meadows, so named for a natural fertility provided by its location at the juncture of Wadis Hanifa and Al-Batha. The spectacular sight of Riyadh from the air, illuminated in the evening by city lights, is reminiscent of its eponymous meadows; a bright sea of lights dots the desert as if fluorescent flower gardens have suddenly blossomed among its dark contours. The winter months are an ideal time to visit Riyadh. Although average high temperatures in the summer can reach 44 degrees Celsius, the top temps in December and January are in the low 20s. Riyadh is a sprawling city of 6.5 million, the capital of Saudi Arabia, and a major financial and administrative center of the nation. You’ll find it a busy and very modern place, with much offer to the adventurous traveler.
TOP SPOTS FOR BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Edge of the World
Enjoy a fun and unique adventure to view the Edge of the World. It is in the Tuwaiq Mountains, which is a high foothill. You must see the view to believe how beautiful the natural landscape is with high cliffs emerging from the dry ocean floor. It is considered a tourist destination that various tourists and residents of the region most go to it. This beautiful site is distinguished by its picturesque desert environment located on the tops of the mountains, which constitute an excellent choice for mountaineering and hiking enthusiasts.
Riyadh Zoo
Saudi Arabia’s largest zoo, housing some 40 species of animals, the zoo exhibits around 1,500 several exotic wildlife animals from around the world like seals, kangaroos, griffon vultures, tapirs, hyenas, lions, monkeys, rhinoceros, gazelles, leopards, tigers, reptiles, elephants and camels.
King Abdullah Park
King Abdullah Park is the largest park in Riyadh, located in Al-Malaz, south of the city center. The park is famous for the dancing water fountain displays, sprawling green lawns, and vibrant gardens. It’s also a runner’s dream, with wide stone and brick paths spanning across 318,000m². The main path follows the ovoid perimeter of the park for about 2 km, but there are lots of interior walkways and more paths circling the stadium to the south. It’s a safe, well-lit space to run at night, when the fountains are at their most impressive and the heat has dissipated.
Ein Heet Cave
Caves have great exploration potential with unsurpassed beauty that provides unending curiosity to a caver. Drive to Heet Cave which is about 40km from Riyadh City Center going towards Al Kharj. The cave is named Ain Heet where ‘Ein’ means ‘eye’. Once inside the cave, the meaning of ‘Ein’ gets clear that the entrance is very close to the shape of an eye.
Ringing Bird Lake
In the heart of the desert, just an hour’s drive away from Riyadh, lies a beautiful oasis that has been converted into one of the Kingdom’s premier parks, the Ringing Bird Lake. Situated in the Al-Ha’ir, one of the oldest areas in the Riyadh province at more than 800 years old, it is characterized by the diversity of its nature and offers a great outdoor experience for residents and visitors.
Wadi Hanifa Park
Located in the middle of the Najd Plateau of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Wadi Hanifa (or Hanifa valley) is the longest and most important valley near Riyadh, a natural water drainage course for an area of over 4,000 square kilometers and a unique geographical feature in this dry region.
TOP SPOTS FOR SHOPPING
Riyadh Park Mall
Riyadh Park is in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh at the intersection of Northern Ring Road and Al-Khair Road and in the proximity of King Abdullah Financial City. Being close to the City Center it provides an easy access to all visitors, shoppers and provides a unique shopping and entertainment experience. Riyadh Park is designed to be an unparalleled shopping and entertainment destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Mall covers a surface of 132,000 m2 with a Gross Leasable Area of 92,000 m2.
Panorama Mall
Panorama Mall is centrally located at the crossroads of Takhassusi Street and Tahlia Street, which is one of the most sought-after areas in downtown Riyadh. It is characterized by its unique and beautiful architectural design with a huge panoramic facade and shopper friendly layout.
Riyadh Gallery Mall
Riyadh Gallery Mall offers shopping and dining options, plus family-friendly entertainment.
WHERE TO HAVE FUN
King Fahd International Stadium
Established in 1988, King Fahd International Stadium (KFIS) has been an iconic landmark, both in design and events it hosts. Besides holding local and international high-profile sports events, such as WWE’s Crown Jewel 2019, KFIS was part of the rapid strides taken by the Kingdom’s entertainment industry as it hosted K-Pop sensation BTS for a massive concert on its 500,000 sqm stadium in 2019, along with a showing of Cirque du Soleil.
Snow City
Snow City is in Al Othaim Mall Al Rabwah. A refreshing experience to share with family and friends in a real and safe snow environment. discover a wonderful winter atmosphere with the assistance of snow experts. Snow City offers several types of activities for all the family driven by three key pillars: Discover, Play and Learn. Snow City includes activities such as skidoo, igloo, ice tubing, an adventurous park, sledge mobile, the ladders & ropes way, bumper cars and much more, guarantying joy and happiness of all family members. Snow City is also available for schools and community groups who can come experience building up igloos, learning how to ski and more activities.
Museum Of Happiness
the Museum of Happiness is a place like no other, where you can leave your troubles at the door and let your imagination run wild. What sets this museum apart are the range of incredible multi-sensory installations that entice your senses and creating a unique state of mind.
Riyadh Front
Riyadh Front is an extraordinary destination that re-imagines how we work, play, dine, and share space. This mega-development will forever transform the future of business and leisure in Riyadh, across the Kingdom, and beyond. Integrating smart architecture, and human-centered design, this iconic urban landmark will host innovative modular offices, stunning green spaces, and water features.
DOOS Karting
DOOS is just an exceptional adventure and a unique experience for speed lovers at indoor entertainment hub. The 360-meter track consists of two floors, and there are junior karts for kids aged 8 and above. For those who like going top gear, you can unlock the special speed if you break the record twice within 90 days. Doos has plans to expand across the kingdom, so watch out for them.
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusion in Riyadh brings you a space suitable both for social and entertaining tours into the world of illusions which has delighted all generations. It’s a perfect place for new experiences and fun with friends and family and it’s unique in this part of the Arab World. Not only is it a place for children who adore coming, but also a place for parents, couples, grandmothers and grandfathers.
A TASTE OF CULTURE & HERITAGE
Diriyah
Considered by many to be the “pearl of Saudi Arabia,” Diriyah is becoming a major tourist destination. One of Saudi’s signature projects, developed to encourage tourism to the area, Diriyah will eventually encompass luxury resorts (the first of which is set to open in late 2021), numerous international hotel brands, as well as dining, shopping and entertainment options. Diriyah’s history goes back thousands of years: It was once an ancient trade and pilgrimage route, and a meeting spot for people traveling to or from Asia, Africa or Europe.
UNESCO Heritage Site: At-Turaif
Daraya’s historical center is the UNESCO-listed site of At-Turaif, which was founded in the 15th century. It is the original seat of power of Saudi Arabia’s Al Saud family and contains ruins of mud-brick houses connected by narrow alleyways. The site has not been open to the public since it gained its UNESCO designation in 2010. The redevelopment of the area will enable people to walk through the ruins as well as the myriad museums and other spaces found inside.
Museums of Diriyah
Various museums are set to open in Diriyah. They include: The Museum of Al Saud House, which will showcase the history of the ruling family and the kingdom’s heritage; The Museum of the Saudi State and Arabian Peninsula; The Museum of the 100-Stories Journey, where visitors can learn about Saudi history and culture, and Misk Heritage Museum, an educational institute aimed at encouraging young people to get involved with the nation’s history and heritage.
Ushaiger Heritage Village
Hidden in the heart of the Najd, an oasis-dotted region 200km northwest of Riyadh, Ushaiger Heritage Village provides a glimpse of a slow-paced Saudi society of old. Bedouins first settled here 1,500 years ago and Ushaiger quickly became a popular stopping point for pilgrims crossing to Makkah, thanks to its springs and low-brimmed olive and palm groves. Ushaiger – which, in a naming quirk, means ‘little blonde’ to reflect the nearby red mountain that looms over the yellow mud houses – still has a small community of residents, making use of its schools, shops and mosques. To walk its narrow lanes is to enter a living museum, draped with traces of an ancient way of life.
Al Hmdan Heritage Museum
The Hamdan Heritage Museum opened in Riyadh in 1434 Ah, it boasts a huge collection of heritage collections and pieces, it receives individuals, interested in history and heritage, researchers and university students specializing in archaeology and museums, it also boasts a number of recreational activities and events.
TOP RESTAURANTS & FOODIE HOTSPOTS
Riyadh has heaps of top-notch restaurants for dining out, so if you’re looking to eat out, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are plenty of well-known names to be found in the city. Whether you’re after a fancy feast or quick bite to eat, you won’t be hungry in Riyadh.
Myazu Japanese Unique Dining experience
Najd Village traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine
The Globe Arabic and modern European cuisine
Elixir Bunn café
TOP RESIDENCE AND HOTELS
Riyadh has no shortage of hotels to choose from, many offering spectacular views across the city. some of the best hotels in Riyadh are Hilton Riyadh Hotel, Fairmont Riyadh, and Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh.
Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences
Fairmont Riyadh
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh