Riyadh

Tradition meets Modern Life

© Dr. Hans-F. Loth

Riyadh, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, artfully weaves together tradition and modernity. Its impressive skyline showcases soaring skyscrapers, a testament to rapid development, while historic landmarks like the Masmak Fort offer glimpses of rich cultural heritage. Bustling markets and traditional souks exude Arabian charm, inviting visitors on a sensory journey through past and present. Amidst progress, Riyadh stays rooted in customs, captivatingly blending the old with the new.

Beyond historical sites, Riyadh is a dynamic center for business, politics, and culture. As the political capital, it houses key governmental institutions. The city’s economic significance attracts international investors and hosts major conferences. Riyadh’s multifaceted appeal, where ancient traditions thrive in a modern landscape, entices global travelers to explore the heart of Saudi Arabia.

Geography

RIYADH – Nucleus in the Desert

Climate

Typical Desert Summers and Winters

Language

Arabic and English

Transport

Cars, Cabs, Trains, Metro, Bus

Airport

RUH, Gateway to the World

Religious life

Islam and the City’s Mosques

accommodation

All hotel categories are available. Many of the world’s hotel chains are represented, with 4 and 5 star categories being numerous. There are majestic, sometimes bombastic hotels with large parks as well as modern furnished houses. Some of the hotels were built at the beginning of the city’s modernisation phase in the 1970s and 1980s; the majority of the hotels are from recent years and thus reflect the thrust that this city is experiencing in the present.

Food & Drink

Outside the malls, the city also offers an incredible variety of gastronomic stops. In addition to the simpler coffee shops, which can be found literally on every street corner with the exception of the pure and genteel residential quarters, all of the world’s famous coffee brands are located in the city centre.

Activities & Attractions

ushaiger

Ushaiger Heritage Village

The Heritage Village When you have seen most of the sights in Riyadh, consider a day trip to Ushaiger Heritage Village, also called Ashikar. It’s in ...
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Tuwaiq Escarpment

Edge of the World, Faisal’s Finger and Others

If you have seen the main sights in Riyadh and still have some time left, a day trip or at least a half-day trip to ...
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imam abdullah bin saud palace turaif

Ad Diriyah

The Crown Jewel of Saudi Society – Made of Clay Today’s Saudi Arabia and today’s Riyadh are hardly conceivable without their common birthplace, Ad Diriyah (not to ...
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Riyadh Airport (RUH)

Riyadh’s Contemporary Architecture

Introductory Remarks For reasons of space, this part of the blog must limit itself to a few separately presented architectural examples that are solitary in ...
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King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)

King Abdullah Finance District (KAFD)

City within the City The King Abdullah Finance District (KAFD) is located in the northwest of the city. It’s previous goal was it to create a ...
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Park in Riyadh

Parks in Riyadh

Riyadh is surrounded by desert and arid areas. Therefore, green spaces are becoming increasingly important for life in Riyadh. Existing and newly planned parks play ...
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Al Safarat – Diplomatic Quarter (Riyadh)

Diplomatic Quarter

Planned more than 40 years ago, the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) is a government and embassy district, but it is not limited to the 80 or so embassies, ...
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King Salman Park

King Salman Park

King Salman Park is to be the largest city park in the world (https://kingsalmanpark.sa/en). It is being worked on at full speed. And it is ...
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Art & Culture

Entertainment

Especially during the autumn and winter months, Riyadh offers a colorful bouquet of entertainments and cultural events that are now known far beyond the country’s ...
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Al Faisal Arabic and Islamic Arts Museum (KFCRIS)

Al Faisal Arabic and Islamic Arts Museum (KFCRIS)

A Little Gem The KFCRIS is a true gem and an oasis of calm in the bustling city. Somewhat hidden between King Fahd Rd, Olaya ...
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museum of illusions

Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is located in the large Riyadh Park Mall next to King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The place hosts over 80 exhibits (according to the Museum), ...
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art galleries riyadh

Art Galleries in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia is taking great strides toward the future. This development is also reflected in the art scene, exemplifying the fact that Saudi Arabia is ...
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aviation museum riyadh

Aviation Museum

Aviation and aerospace museums may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But the Saqr Al-Jazeera Aviation Museum is a worthwhile goal even for those of you who ...
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Morabaa Palace

Murabba Palace

Palace The palace (Qasr al Murabba (Qasr = the “square” in Arabic) is located just opposite the National Museum and is, with it, one of ...
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