Points of Interest in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

An Overview of Riyadh

Riyadh serves as the growing capital city of Saudi Arabia, built centrally on the Arabian Peninsula.  The city has undergone massive modernization and urban development, with new malls, stores, roads, districts and infrastructure all being incorporated into the ambitious city plan.  Riyadh is home to some of the most notable historic attractions in the country, including forts, major trade routes and ancient ruins.  

Additionally, the region embodies the desert culture of the nation, bordering impressive geological landscapes carved by eons of erosion and access to other vital destinations throughout the country.  The city is built in an arid environment, making indoor activities, shops and entertainment centers popular. Most of the city’s social venues are open into the night, when temperatures cool substantially, especially in the summer.  Bear in mind that the winter in Saudi Arabia, especially at night, can become quite cold. As Saudi Arabia is the home of Mecca, tourism infrastructure and Islamic sites are well-maintained for the yearly influx of pilgrims. 

Advice When Visiting Riyadh

While Riyadh has made strong pushes to update its public infrastructure, public transportation is somewhat lacking.  The Metro system is still being developed and bus routes aren’t well-established.  The vast majority of people in Riyadh use personal vehicles, ride shares or taxi services to get around.

When driving in Riyadh, expect cars to maneuver through lanes quickly.  The people of Riyadh don’t focus much on traffic lines, instead steering wherever cars need to go. 

While the Saudi Riyal is the primary form of currency in the country, it’s rare to see people use cash for transactions in Riyadh.  Digital payments or card payments are preferred.  While cash is still accepted, some people have trouble providing exact change. 

The heat in Riyadh is a devastating factor, especially in the summer.  If visitors plan on being outside for any period of time, water, sunscreen and a hat are needed.  Dehydration in the dry season is a real possibility, through the weather is arid, mitigating sweat somewhat. 

Public displays of affection, even among married couples, are considered socially unacceptable and uncomfortable for Saudi Arabian citizens.  Likewise, gaudy, bright colors and overly-revealing outfits are strongly discouraged.  With this being said, foreigners are given some leeway in casual venues.  Short-sleeved shirts are sometimes acceptable, as are soft-colored western clothes. 

Alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia.  Public intoxication is a major offense and may result in heavy punishments.

There are certain gender norms which should be observed in Saudi Arabia.  Shaking hands with the opposite gender usually isn’t allowed.  Likewise, there are often seating arrangements in places like cinemas or restaurants where genders sit in different areas.  Often, in restaurants, seating is divided between families in one space and singles in another. While women can chose between wearing a burka, a hijab, an informal head covering or wearing their hair freely, each person’s personal choice is generally respected.  Men generally greet one another with a handshake and it’s polite to keep hands open during conversations (don’t place your hands in your pocket.)

When handing someone money or an item, it’s polite to use your right hand only to offer and receive.  Though Saudi people don’t mind foreigners misunderstanding this rule, it’s a nice thing to observe.

Conversations in public places about sexuality, the Saudi government, women’s rights and religion is considered rude, though close friends are often happy to provide information in non-public settings.  Criticizing any of the aforementioned subjects is often seen as offensive. 

While Arabic is the main language of Saudi Arabia, heavy investments in education and global trade has caused English-fluency to explode within Riyadh.  Most people in the city can read or speak a little English and many signs are written in English alongside Arabic script.

When visiting homes or religious structures (such as mosques) there are additional rules to observe.  Shoes should be removed and sitting cross-legged with toes pointing towards another person isn’t respectable.

Official taxis in Riyadh are white but there are legions of illegal taxis found in Riyadh, mostly at the airport.  Ride shares are generally preferred.

Photographing a government building without a special permit is illegal.

As an Islamic society, the call for prayer happens five times throughout the day.  While there is some flexibility here, expect certain services to be briefly unattended while citizens pray.

Points of Interest in Riyadh

Cenomi U Walk

This is a large and popular outdoor shopping street for tourists and locals alike. The area is notorious for its long line of diverse restaurant options, its local cinema and shopping venues.

Historical Diriyah

One of the most architecturally significant preserved structures in the Kingdom, Ad Diriyah is home to old traditional ruins, also known as the Historic Diriyah Fort.  The fort, made of mud-brick building techniques, is the historic capital of the Emirate of Diriyah and the original home of the House of Saud. The crossroad fort has been reconstructed to rebirth the historical heritage, and the nearby area is surrounded by modern structures mirroring the historic style.  The site includes galleries, museums, restaurants, shopping venues, cultural facilities and preserved history, all created using the traditional Najdi architectural style. 

KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District)

Worthy of a visit, the large, growing financial district of Riyadh is distinct for its angular architecture and hyper-modernist designs.  Many of the buildings glow like patterned beacons in the night and their surfaces brush sunlight at strangle angles in the daytime.

Riyadh Boulevard

One of the largest recreational districts in Riyadh, the area is home to neon-lit walking streets, expansive fountains, glowing storefronts and unique art and recreation zones.

Tuwaiq Palace

This uniquely designed building serves as a venue center overlooking a valley below.  The structure includes an 800-meter “Living Wall” which shelters a thriving garden. 

Wadi Hanifa Lake

On the outskirts of Riyadh, the impressive Wadi Hanifa valley and river slices through the desert landscape.  One of the most popular access areas is Wadi Hanifa Lake, where visitors often picnic.  The water source is a wadi seasonal river, so the dramatic landscape is dry for portions of the year.  To see the river surging, one must visit in the aftermath of a rainstorm.

Hanoverian

This is an upscale coffee and chocolate shop with pale, delicate decorations and impressive treats.

Masmak Fortress

Otherwise known as the Masmak Palace is a clay and mudbrick defensive structure in Riyadh.  It is a symbol of unification in the Kingdom, as the structure was central during the battle to regain Riyadh.  Famously, the fortress bears a spear-mark on the gate from Prince Fahad bin Jiluwi, who missed a throw meant to strike Ajlan bin Rashid. 

Manakh King Abdulaziz Park

This is a large public park known for its narrow walking trails, dusty open grounds and industrial towers in the distance.

Camel Trail

Found to the southwest of the city, there are several rigorous hiking trails leading to stunning panoramas and overlooks of the desert landscape, complete with gullies, cliffs, dry plateaus and unique stone formations, such as Faisal Finger.

Imam Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Royal Reserve

This massive nature reserve rests to the northeast of Riyadh.  It’s famed for its untouched nature, fresh air, geographic features and heritage diversity. It’s also home to rare monuments dating back to about 8,000 BC.

Edge of the World

Known for an immense cliff overlook, the Edge of the World is an unexpected geological wonder curving into the desert.  The formation is attached to the rocky Tuwaiq Escarpment. Well-trodden camel caravans can often be seen below, following an ancient desert route.

Caravan Fort (Turkish Fort)

Found roughly an hour-and-a-half driving outside of Riyadh’s city center, this fortress is several centuries old, and made of rocks cut from the surrounding landscape.  It’s distantly visible from overlooks atop the Edge of the World.

Read more about points of interest in Riyadh and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog.

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