Riyadh Tourism

Riyadh Holiday Planner

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Riyadh, is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of Riyadh Province, and belongs to the historical regions of Najd and Al-Yamama. It is situated in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, and is home to 5,254,560 people, and the urban center of a region with a population of close to 7 million people.
In 1744, Muhammad ibn Abdel Wahhab formed an alliance with Muhammad ibn Saud, the ruler of the nearby town of Diriyah. Ibn Saud then set out to conquer the surrounding region with the goal of bringing it under the rule of a single Islamic state. Ibn Dawwas of Riyadh led the most determined resistance, allied with forces from Al Kharj, Al Ahsa, and the Banu Yam clan of Najran. The First Saudi State was destroyed by forces sent by Muhammad Ali of Egypt, acting on behalf of the Ottoman Empire.
riyadh travel insurance

History of Riyadh

In 1999 a new central Museum was built in Riyadh at the eastern side of the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre. This National Museum of Saudi Arabia combined several collections and pieces that had up till then been scattered over several Institutions and places in Riyadh and the Kingdom. For example the meteorite fragment known as the "Camel's Hump" that was on display at the King Saud University in Riyadh became the new entry piece of the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.

Summer temperatures are very hot, approaching 50 degrees Celsius. The average high temperature in July is 43.5°C. Winters are mild with cold, windy nights. The overall climate is arid, receiving very little rainfall, but the city receives a fair amount of rain in March and April. It is also known to have many dust storms.The old town of Riyadh within the city Walls did exceed an area of 1 square km, therefore there are very few significant architectural remnants of the original walled oasis town of Riyadh exist today. The most prominent is the al-Masmak fort and some parts of the original wall structure with its gate which have been restored and reconstructed. There are also a number of traditional mud-brick houses within these old limits; however they are for the most part dilapidated.

Popular tourist destinations in Riyadh

Riyadh Zoo
Riyadh Zoo

Large, popular zoo opened in 1987, featuring 1500+ animals, train rides & prayer halls.

Wadi Hanifa
Wadi Hanifa

Wadi Hanifa is a wadi in the Najd region, Riyadh Province, in central Saudi Arabia.

hokair-land
Al Hokair Land

Rides, games & other amusements are offered at this large theme park with a dramatic design.

Abdullah Park
King Abdullah Park

Big city park with 12-m. walkways, play & sports areas & daily dancing water fountain displays.

Shopping

  • Al Faisaliyah: Al Faisaliyah is a lovely and secure shopping complex with a variety of shops although the emphasis is on shops for women. Al Faisaliyah is located in the Olaya district.
  • Granada Mall: Again here you can find women's shops, it also has an Obeikan bookstore inside. It also has an outlet of the unique gift shop "Traditional."
  • Sahara Mall: Sahara Mall is among the largest malls in Riyadh. It's a mall for walking. While this among the largest of malls, the majority of shops in this mall are for women and specialize in clothing, accessories, shoes, make-up and perfumes.
  • Royal Mall: Royal Mall is a smaller mall very much specializing in formal dresses for women. It also boasts an indoor ice-skating rink which is fun to sit around and watch the skaters.
  • Azizia Mall: Azizia mall is located off of King Fahad road heading outside of the city. It is a smaller mall but a safety and comfortable mall. The majority of shops are for women but it also has a Panda grocery story too.

Places to visit

  • Musmak Castle: The Masmak Fortress is a 19th century mud fortress at the heart of Al-Bathaa, Riyadh's old quarter. It houses collections of traditional dress and crafts, a traditional diwan or sitting room.
  • Desert: Located in the lowest area in Riyadh, about 25km from City Center you can find Dirab Desert. It doesn't have fine rusty color sands but the view and the mountains surrounding it is really breath.
  • Edge of the World: Here the things to do tip or off the beaten path tip Edge of the World are located up straight from the Acacia Valley. This place is also called therock framed window.
  • The World Largest Integrated Dairy Farm: This desert region can host the largest dairy farm in the world. It's takes an hour drive to roam around the dairy farm.
  • Amusement park: This amusement park is one of the best ways to enjoy life in Riyadh, and one of the most famous family activities for both residents and visitors.

Transportation

bus
Buses: The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Co., the national bus system, does not provide public transportation inside the city, but transports passengers to several cities across the kingdom and neighboring countries.The city is served by a modern major highway system. The main Eastern Ring Road connects the city's south and north, while the Northern Ring Road connects the city's east and west. King Fahd Road runs through the center of the city from north to south, in parallel with the East Ring Road.
metro
Railway: Saudi Railway Authority operates two separate passenger and cargo lines between Riyadh and Dammam passing through Hofuf, and Haradh. Two future railway projects connecting Riyadh with Jeddah and Mecca in the western region and connecting Riyadh with Buraidah, Ha'il and Northern Saudi Arabia are underway.
airport
Airports: Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, located 35 kilometers north from the city center, is the city's main airport. It's one of the seven international airports in the country serving over 15 million passengers a year. This Airport handles a huge load of passengers which is increasing year by year, especially during the Muslim festival season in which mostly foreign residents travel to their home countries.

Visa Information

Indian Embassy at Riyadh
Embassy of India B-1, Diplomatic Quarter P.O.Box No. 94387 Riyadh- 11693, Saudi Arabia
Telephone 00-966-11- 4884206
Fax 00-966-11- 4884713
Timings Working hours: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm(Sunday to Thursday) Submission of Labour contracts for attestation: 9.00 am to 12.30 pm
Delivery of attested documents: 9.00 am to 12.30 pm
domestic travel insurance

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