Riyadh

Riyadh is at first glance a modern metropolis, its highways hives of activity amongst urban highrises. But delve beneath its shiny new façade and the city’s fascinating centuries-old history can still be found within its atmospheric souqs, compelling museums and ancient architecture.

Throw in a burgeoning art scene with contemporary settings like Mono Gallery and Noqtah Studio, and this blend of medieval and millennial makes for a beguiling cultural union, one where Arabia’s first roots can be traced, and where its bold future can be envisaged. It’s the perfect setting for a staycation or weekend break, exploring the best of the capital’s cultural appeal.

Saudi, the future

Upcomming Saudi wonders

Discover upcoming Saudi experiences

The Red Sea is the world’s most ambitious luxury tourism development. It will be an exquisite sanctuary offering indulgent experiences, seamlessly customized to the unique needs of each visitor. Meanwhile, AMAALA will be an ultraluxury resort destination spanning three sites. It will be a place of self-transformation, inspired by the arts, wellness and the purity of the Red Sea. Both wonders will be open to the public from 2022.

On the other hand, Qiddiya will be the capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts in Saudi. It is being built around five cornerstones: Parks & Attractions, Sports & Wellness, Motion & Mobility, Arts & Culture and Nature & Environment. And NEOM will become the world’s most ambitious futuristic and sustainable ecosystem for living and working, over 33 times the size of New York. These two wonders are scheduled to be open to the public from 2023 and 2030, respectively.

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The Saudi National Museum

The Saudi National Museum has over 3,700 antiquities on show, documenting the grand history of Arabia over millennia. Beginning with pre-historic skeletons and a meteorite from the vast Rub Al Khali desert, through pre-Islamic Arabian kingdoms, it portrays the birth and rise of Islam, and the creation of the modern kingdom, following the 1902 capture of Riyadh. The famous battle behind this birth centres on another must-visit location, Al Masmak Fortress. Built in 1865 and superbly preserved, the fort houses a collection of photographs charting the city’s evolution over the years.

Souq Al Zal

Located only a few minutes’ walk from the Masmak Fort, the Souq Al Zal remains as noisy and vibrant as when it first emerged back in 1901. Filled with the scent of burning oud and the din of cheerful hawkers, the crackle and hubbub here is at its peak on Friday evenings during the Haraj auction, when merchants display their rarest goods of the week. Everything from gold coins to quirky handcrafts and dusty antiques can be found here, with traditional Saudi items such as dallah coffee pots, hooked jambiya daggers and mabkhara incense burners making for excellent souvenirs.

Sample Saudi cuisine

Perhaps the best way to experience Riyadh’s cultural fusion is through its cuisine, with combined dining and heritage experiences like that at Najd Village. Here, faithfully recreated Najd architecture creates a traditional environment and authentic recipes like kabsa, jareesh and hashi are served in a setting ideal for group dining, with its plentiful platters the best way to sample the full menu.

Further information

Saudi culture

Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and traditions have been shaped by its position as a historic trade hub and the birthplace of Islam. In recent years, the Kingdom has undergone a significant cultural transformation, adapting centuries-old customs to fit the contemporary world. For example, while modest dress is still encouraged for both men and women — tourists are advised to avoid tightfitting clothing, and women must cover their shoulders and knees — female visitors no longer need to wear an abaya and hijab (robe and head covering). Unmarried guests to the country may now stay together in hotels, and female tourists (as well as locals) may also drive.

The official language

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia and the first language of all native Saudi people. It is the primary language used in all public transactions and is a language spoken by Muslims all over the world. However, English, which is a compulsory second language in schools, is widely spoken in the Kingdom. And most road signs are bilingual, showing information in both Arabic and English.

Time zone

The standard time zone of Saudi is Arabia Standard Time (AST). The time zone is 3 hours ahead of GMT (GMT3+) with no daylight savings.

Getting to Saudi

With 13 international airports, served by global carriers, getting to and around the Kingdom couldn’t be easier.

1. King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – Riyadh

2. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Jeddah

3. King Fahd International Airport (DMM) – Dammam

4. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) – Medina

5. Taif International Airport (TIF) – Taif

6. Abha International Airport (AHB) – Abha

7. Hail International Airport (HAS) – Hail

8. King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (GIZ) – Gazan

9. Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) – Qassim

10. Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (TUU) – Tabuk

11. Prince Abdulmohsin Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (YNB) –Yanbu

12. Al Jouf International Airport (AJF) – Jouf

13. Al Ahsa International Airport (HOF) – Al Ahsa

Saudi Arabia also operates 15 domestic airports, for short hops between regions. For further information, visit the General Authority for Civil Aviation.

Getting around Saudi

A first-rate transportation system connects Saudi Arabia’s provinces and cities, some of the modes of transport include car rentals, taxis, ride-hailing apps, trains and buses.

Weather in Saudi

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always hot in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom experiences four distinct seasons —from chilly winter breezes in January to peak desert heat in August —and a climate that varies between regions. Read on for a seasonal overview of the kingdom’s weather.

Spring in Saudi Mid-March to Mid-June

Spring in Saudi Arabia can be brisk, particularly in the north, where the temperature at night can drop below 15 degrees C. The central and southern regions are warmer, averaging around 20 degrees after nightfall. Rainfall is at its highest during spring, particularly in the central region and in the southwest over the Asir Mountains.

Summer in Saudi Mid-June to Mid-September

With the exception of the comparatively mild highlands in the southwest, summer signals the start of rising temperatures across most of the country, with the average hovering around 45 degrees C. The early mornings and long evenings are more temperate, so take advantage of the warm seas to explore Saudi’s world-class scuba diving sites, or try sailing and snorkeling.

Autumn in Saudi Mid-September to Mid-December

Autumn brings gentler weather and cool breezes in both Saudi Arabia’s northern regions and the southwestern highlands. While daytime temperatures remain warm and can reach the 30s in early fall, evenings are milder and fit for outdoor strolling, especially along Jeddah’s waterfront, indulging in alfresco dining or visiting Al Ahsa’s cool desert springs.

Winter in Saudi Mid-December to Mid-March

Take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s beautiful winter weather to explore the kingdom. The balmy days and cool nights are ideal for camping, rock climbing or exploring Saudi Arabia’s verdant highlands and bustling cities, from Riyadh to Jeddah. Average winter temperatures are in the teens, but visitors might be lucky enough to see snowfall in the mountains of the northern regions blanketing the slopes and desert sands.

Other important Q&A

The customs and laws

Cultural heritage and religion inform the public etiquette that’s expected and practiced in Saudi Arabia. If you’re not familiar with Saudi Arabia’s laws and customs, don’t worry: Behind these conventions are values that people across many cultures are accustomed to, including respect for others, decorum in public and protection of privacy. Before your trip, learn more about how to act and dress in Saudi Arabia, as well as the role of religion and rules about alcohol and other substances.

Saudi dress code

In public, both men and women are asked to dress modestly, avoiding tight-fitting clothes and items with profane language or images. Women should cover their shoulders and knees in public. (Consider packing blouses with sleeves, scarves or shawls for your shoulders and mid- to maxi-length skirts and dresses, capris or pants to cover your knees.)

Public decency laws

Public displays of affection are not consistent with the local culture. Visitors should also avoid using profane language or gestures.

Saudi currency and payments

Currency exchange and transactions are easy in Saudi Arabia. And even if you don’t yet know the difference between a riyal and a halala, there’s no need to worry: Many businesses in the kingdom accept credit cards and contactless payments. Use this guide to learn the ins and outs of Saudi currency and exchange rates so you can get back to scuba diving, sightseeing and shopping instead.

Respecting Saudi religion

During prayer time in Saudi Arabia, five times a day, music is turned off in public places and many shops close briefly. For one month a year, during Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. If you visit during Ramadan, the most sacred month of the year in Islam, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day out of respect. Learn more about how to participate in Ramadan, whether you’re visiting Jeddah or Riyadh.

Illegal substances and alcohol

The sale, purchase and consumption of alcohol are illegal in Saudi Arabia. It is also illegal to bring alcohol or drugs into the country, so plan to unwind with coffee or tea at one of the country›s many cafés instead.

What is the Saudi exchange rate?

The U.S. dollar is equivalent to SAR3.75 (fixed rate). All banks in the kingdom offer currency exchange services. You can also find exchange bureaus at airports, some shopping centers and other locations throughout the country. Banking hours are generally from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday to Thursday. (Exchange bureaus are often open later, although they may charge higher commission fees.) Banks are usually open at international airports and currency transactions are at a lower rate than specialist currency exchanges. ATMs are widely available for the withdrawal of funds using the Visa and Mastercard networks, and credit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted throughout the kingdom. Many businesses also accept digital payment methods, such as Apple Pay.

Contacts

Important contacts to keep on hand in the event of an emergency. There are individual emergency numbers and services in Saudi to connect you with the relevant local authorities. General emergency - 112

Police services

There are two emergency numbers for police assistance in Saudi. There is also an app that allows citizens and residents to file security and traffic reports for humanitarian assistance outside the urban area. Police assistance – 911 / 999 / Kollona Amn

Fire Services

The General Directorate of Civil Defense is responsible for dealing with fire emergencies in Saudi. Fire emergency response – 998

Ambulance Services

Public ambulance services – 997
Flying Ambulance – 123
Saudi Red Crescent Authority ASAFNY

Road and Traffic Emergency Services

Traffic accidents – 993
Roadside Assistance (RSA) – 920003922 / Morni
Najm (non-emergency traffic accident team) – 920000560

Tourism Services

Tourism Call Center - 930
Tourism International Call Center - 920000890

COVID - 19

COVID19- hotline - 937
Whatsapp assistance: 920005937 / mawidapp