It’s not likely you’re going to visit Riyadh unless you’re headed here as a business traveler. Saudi Arabia requires an official invitation as a prerequisite to getting a visa. However, if you do make it here, you can be suitably impressed by the modern glitz and high-tech glam of the capital’s skyscrapers and luxury hotels. The main attraction is Al Bathaa in the center of the city, where you can soak up the shopping and find all the necessary tourist amenities.
There’s not a lot of tourists in Saudi Arabia’s capital – but then again, tourists are not allowed to enter the country so that makes sense! Business visitors will find the city made up of some shiny skyscrapers and expensive hotels, with just the necessary amenities to function. Entertainment consists of shopping and eating, and alcohol is banned in the country. The ultra conservative Muslim society keeps men and women separated in public, even in restaurants.
Al Bathaa in the heart of the city is where you can satisfy your shopping habits at the modern malls. Cuisine is good and clean, and there are even some Western fast-food joints. Dira Souk is one of the larger markets and you can find handcrafted goods and antiques here. Also check out the Falcon Souk and the Gold Souk, where Bedouin jewelry, spices and other items are for sale.
Highlights
Al-Musmak Fortress: dates from the 19th century and is a landmark of the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia. Fully renovated, this is a mud and brick structure representative of the beautiful architecture of the city and is just 10 miles from the city center. It is now a history museum with exhibits in Arabic and English.
Al-Thumairi Gate: there were at one time nine city gates that existed before the city walls were torn down in 1950, and this is a very good restoration of one of them.
Shisha ‘bars’: although alcohol is banned, you can still go out for a night of socializing in the desert at one of the many shisha places, with the most popular being the Al-Shallal. There are indoor and outdoor areas for enjoying tea and the traditional shisha water pipe.
Riyadh Zoo: is the biggest zoo in the kingdom. You might find it interesting that children may be accompanied by either their mother or their father, but not by both parents.
Ad-Dir’iyyah: is the ancient ruined capital of the Al-Saud and has been perfectly resotored.
King Abdul Aziz Historical Area: houses many artifacts and photos, and also has beautiful outdoor gardens.
National Museum: boasts eight galleries with lots of photos and information on Saudi Arabia.
Bedouin communities: it’s possible to arrange daytrips to the traditional Bedouin communities that provide interactions with Bedouin hosts and discussions about their culture.