Airport Details
Airport Full Name
Riyadh Airport
IATA Code
RUH
Location:
The airport is situated 22 miles (35km) from Riyadh city
centre.
Airport Facilities
Facilities include restaurants and cafeterias (no bars as alcohol is illegal), banks in Terminal 2 and ATMs in Terminals 2 and 3, first aid clinics, a post office, various shopping opportunities, and visitor information. A mosque is located in the centre of the passenger terminal. Facilities for the disabled are good.
Transfers
Prepaid airport taxis are available for transport to the city.
Contact
Tel: +966 (0)1 221 1000.
Climate Details (C)
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
| Min | 8 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 20 | 14 | 10 |
| Max | 19 | 22 | 27 | 32 | 38 | 41 | 42 | 42 | 39 | 34 | 26 | 21 |
Travel Guides: Riyadh
General Information
Rising from the barren desert, its towering skyscrapers glittering in the fierce sun, the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, is one of the most splendid and affluent cities in the modern world, sprawling across about 600 square miles (1,600 square kilometres) of desert in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.
Once a small oasis known for its date orchards (hence the origin of its name which in Arabic means 'place of gardens'), Riyadh's phenomenal growth spurt began in 1902 when the desert lord Ibn Saud took over the city determined to turn it into the centre of his Arabic kingdom. Thirty years later it became the capital of the new country of Saudi Arabia, and fuelled by the revenue of the country's abundant oil fields, it has burgeoned into an awesome modern metropolis with a population well in excess of four million.
Modern it may be, but visitors to Riyadh are never likely to forget that they are in the heart of the Arab world. In between the towering, futuristic buildings, glitzy shopping malls and broad, sweeping highways are nestled ancient mosques and other remnants of times gone by, shady trees and date palms line the avenues, and camels sometimes sway between the luxury vehicles. The city is also run on a strictly Islamic moral and cultural code, and visitors should respect the rules while exploring the sights, both ancient and modern, in this fascinating city. Women have restricted access to certain attractions and sites.
The original 'wadis' (dry river beds), where wells were sunk to water the historic infant oasis settlement, have now been supplemented by numerous vast dams and piped in desalinated seawater to adequately quench the thirst of this prosperous capital, quite justly dubbed 'Queen of the Desert'. Travellers can therefore drink deeply of this unique urban landscape, which will not be found wanting in both historic interest and modern wonder.
Getting Around
Public transport is available to a limited degree, consisting of minibuses, which ply a few routes and usually operate for men only. Buses that do admit women have a screened off area, separating them from the men. A better option for visitors, though, are taxis (white in colour), which can be booked through the hotel or hired directly from an amenable driver. Fares are reasonable and the taxis are metered. Car hire is also possible, but driving can be a little daunting, despite the deceptively easy-looking wide roads. Directional road signs tend to have English translations, but street signs are in Arabic only. Some traffic rules differ from those in the west, and penalties for speeding or reckless driving are severe.
Activities
Al Murabba'a Historical Palace, Riyadh
Al Murabba'a Historical Palace was built in the early 1900s as private accommodation for the king. Now a principal component of the King Abdulaziz Darat (an institute and library devoted to preserving Arabian history), situated just outside the original city walls, the palace has been preserved as a living example of Arabian royal life in days gone by. On the ground floor are the guard's room and storerooms, while upstairs visitors can view the reception salons, political offices and private apartments.
Opening Times:
Sunday to Friday 9am-12pm and 2pm-9pm. Women may only
visit with male family members on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday afternoons. Closed Saturdays.
Admission:
Free
Al Musmak Castle, Riyadh
An important landmark and heritage site in the city of Riyadh, the Musmak fortress was built around 1865 and is the site associated with the foundation of the Saudi Arabian kingdom as the original stronghold of King Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Rasheed. The castle is open to the public, who can explore its impressive rooms, pillared mosque, gate, watchtowers and well.
Opening Times:
Saturday to Thursday 8am-12pm and 4pm-9pm. Men only
on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. On the other days women may
visit accompanied by male family members.
Admission:
Free
Riyadh Museum of History and Archaeology, Riyadh
This museum, chief among the numerous museums in Riyadh, showcases local art, religion and culture, as well as the diverse and intriguing history of the Arabian kingdoms, in eight sections. Artefacts such as clothing, weapons, jewellery and musical instruments, dating as far back as the Stone Age, are on display. Other city museums worth visiting are the National Museum, which contains ancient documents and furniture; the King Abdulaziz Military Museum; and the Museum of Antiquities and Folklore.
Admission:
SR15
Kingdom Centre, Riyadh
The place to see and be seen in central Riyadh is at the remarkable Kingdom Centre, the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, owned by a Saudi prince and built to an unusual elliptical award-winning design. Besides containing modern offices, apartments, the Four Seasons Hotel and a fitness club, the Kingdom Centre also houses a state-of-the art three-level shopping mall with more than 160 stores, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Debenhams department stores. The centre also boasts dozens of world-class international restaurants.
Opening Times:
The shopping mall opens 9am-12pm and
4pm-11pm.
City of old Diriyah, Riyadh
The ruins of the historically significant city of Diriyah, standing imposing and silent in the desert about 12 miles (20km) northwest of Riyadh city centre, provide an interesting excursion. The city, stronghold of the powerful Saud family, was the site of an important Islamic reform movement in around 1745, when two influential Imams called for the people to return to the true faith and abandon heresy, polytheism and superstition. The city was once the biggest in the Arab Peninsula, but was overtaken by Riyadh after being destroyed by the Turks in the early 19th century. The ruins of many of the mud-brick buildings remain to be explored.
Opening Times:
Saturday to Thursday 8am-6pm, 3am-6pm on
Fridays.
Admission:
Free
Events
Haj
Haj is considered the duty of every able Muslim: a pilgrimage to Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed. It is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, guided by the prophet, and each year roughly two million devout Muslims take the journey. The pilgrims, or hajjis, wear white as a symbol of their purity and equality throughout the occasion whereupon all gather around the Great Mosque in Mecca to walk seven times around the Kabah shrine before kissing it, in one of the most famous displays of religious duty in the entire world. It is almost impossible for non-Muslim's to partake in the event as they are not allowed in Mecca, although many have tried and succeeded over the years, including famous explorer Sir Richard Burton.
Date:
24 - 27 October 2012
Venue:
Mecca
Riyadh Motor Show
The Riyadh Motor Show is the oldest and most important motor show in the region. The top manufacturers from around the world display their stuff to the largest market in the Middle East. This year it is expected to gather almost 100,000, automotive consumers under one roof as the event runs concurrently with Saudi Autoshop.
Date:
11 - 15 December 2011
Venue:
Riyadh Exhibition Centre
Restaurants
The Globe
The globe's idyllic location on top of Al Faisaliah Tower in a golden geodesic orb is incredible and there's no guessing how this popular restaurant got its name. Specialising in modern European cuisine, guests can gawk at panoramic views of the city while enjoying a delicious, mouth-watering meal high above the city. Open for lunch, dinner and high tea on weekends. Bookings recommended.
Address:
4148, King Fahad Road, Olaya
La Campagne
Rated as one of Riyadh's best Lebanese eateries, La Campagne may, at first glance, appear roomy and spacious but this popular restaurant can be heaving with hungry patrons on busy nights. The fresh mezze and a shaded terrace area create a winning recipe on a warm summer's day. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
Address:
Tahlia St, Olaya
Villa Restaurant
The Villa restaurant is a favourite with foreigners due to its range of Thai and Filipino dishes, including noodles, curry, beef, chicken, fish, and other seafood options. The ambience is relaxed with plastic tableware that belies its quality menu. It has a segregated family section.
La Piazza
One of the most popular restaurants in Riyadh, La Piazza is a great Italian restaurant located in the Sheraton Riyadh. Serving a selection of pizza, pasta and other Italian dishes, the restaurant has a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere, and is known for its excellent service. La Piazza is open daily for dinner.
Address:
Sheraton Riyadh Hotel, corner King Abdullah Road
Al Saraya
This restaurant is popular for its Turkish dishes, including mezzes and their famous sesame bread. It has a large, curtained family section, or you can sit on the 2nd floor overlooking the 'animal garden'.
Address:
Talateen Street
Mama Noura Juice Center
Mama Noura is a 'singles only' restaurant that is popular in Riyadh due to its fresh food and quick service. the falafels, schwarmas, fatayers, and mezzes are complemented by their custom juice blends, ranging from orange and apple to pomegranate and tamarind.
The Noodle House
Don't let the name fool you, this Thai restaurant in the upscale Centria Mall has much more than just noodle dishes. The food is pricey, but the pan-Asian inspired dishes and the juice cocktails are wildly popular. It has a family section.
Tokyo Restaurant
A dining affair to remember, this Japanese eatery combines tradition, Zen décor and incredible authentic cuisine and has become the finest of its kind in Riyadh. With a delicious selection of sushi, imported Norwegian salmon and udon, lovers of Japanese fare will not be disappointed.
Address:
Al Oraoba Street
Steaky
This trendy restaurant is riding the recent boom of steak eateries that have opened in Riyadh in the last five years. A wide selection of good-quality cuts is accompanied by a salad bar and non-beef menu items like grilled jumbo shrimp and chicken kebabs. The most popular dish on the menu however, is the sticky ribs. Steaky has a family section as well as a children's playroom.
Address:
Musaad Al Angri Street, near Al Jazeera Super
Market
Al-Najdiyah Village
Serving Lebanese and American food, Al-Najdiyah Village is a favourite restaurant with tourists in Riyadh. Diners relax on large cushions on the floor, and enjoy traditional Nadji dishes in an authentic Bedouin atmosphere. The restaurant is open to women and families on Fridays only, so booking ahead for those days is essential.
Address:
Al-Takhasusi Street
