The capital and largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is home to more than 5 million people in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. Once a nomadic settlement, this modern desert city offers visitors plenty of opportunities to explore its blend of old and new. Discover ancient Saudi Arabia in Old Riyadh and browse local souks before exploring the Bedouin desert on a camel ride or practicing the sport of tat’ees (dune driving). A visit to the National Museum provides an escape from the heat as well as an opportunity to explore the country’s rich and diverse history and culture.
GETTING THERE
Major international and domestic airlines such as Saudi Arabian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, British Airways, Jet Airways, Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa fly to King Khalid International Airport, located approximately 30 minutes from the city center. Taxis are the only mode of public transportation available to and from the airport. Authorized taxis, marked with the airport logo, are available 24 hours a day. Average prices start from approximately $16. Many major car rental companies also serve the airport.
GETTING AROUND
Construction continues on the multibillion-dollar Riyadh Public Transport Project; slated to finish by 2018, the project will add metro, bus and other transport services in the city. Visitors can travel around the city in rental cars; Riyadh’s white taxis, for a starting fare of approximately $1.30; or Uber, for a base fare of about $1.60. Be advised the country’s Islamic establishment bans women from driving, and it is the law in Saudi Arabia that every woman must be accompanied by a male guardian.
9–5
Brasserie on Four
Before getting down to business, visit Brasserie on Four, located inside the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh, for a power breakfast. The restaurant serves a super breakfast buffet every morning, including fresh-baked breads, fruits, pastries, cereals and international cuisine.
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
Set close to vital sites for business, the dining venues at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre offer the perfect spots for a business lunch meeting, offering cuisine fit for any palate, from Middle Eastern and Asian to Mediterranean. The Grill features an express business lunch menu including a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert, all served within 45 minutes.
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
Catering to business travelers, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh features 62,000 square feet of hotel conference space ideal for international summits, high-profile board meetings and corporate celebrations. With the latest technology and stunning décor, venues including ballrooms, boardrooms, symposiums and meeting rooms can accommodate as few as 20 or as many as 2,000 attendees.
AFTER 5
Addiwan Tea Lounge
Treat a client to after-work drinks of the non-alcoholic variety, as the country prohibits alcohol consumption, at the Addiwan Tea Lounge inside the InterContinental Hotel Riyadh. Open until midnight, the lounge serves light snacks, coffee, tea and non-alcoholic cocktails, including its famous Lazy Morning and Purple Rain drinks especially popular with both locals and guests.
Globe
Perched atop the Al Faisaliah Tower in a gold geodesic orb, the Globe is an exclusive fine-dining restaurant boasting spectacular panoramic views of the city as well as a menu offering modern European dishes like duck with honey, vanilla and celeriac purée; or lamb with pumpkin, tomato and pecans.
Strike Bowling Alley
Open daily until 12 a.m., Strike Bowling Alley is a popular high-end attraction at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, offering a variety of entertainment options including billiards, bowling and sports viewing on impressive 100-inch televisions. In addition to six bowling lanes, the spot features a juice bar and serves American bar food favorites, shared platters and finger foods. Special themed events take place throughout the year highlighting holidays like Cinco de Mayo and Halloween, and Saturday and Tuesday nights are exclusively reserved for ladies.
RESOURCES
For more information, visit arriyadh.com
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