Flights from Dubai to Riyadh
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has grown to be one of the wealthiest cities in the Middle East. The city has a population of around 7 million people, which is vast and sprawling with Arabian culture throughout. Known as the city where old-world charm meets 21st-century vision, Riyadh is renowned for showcasing the KSA’s iconic beauty and wonder.
Attractions and activities to do in Riyadh
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or family, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit to experience the traditional culture of Riyadh. From exploring historical sites like old fortresses and palaces to discovering the many modern shopping malls and traditional markets, your trip to the capital will be action-packed with the many top attractions and fun things to do in Riyadh.
Visit top attractions in Riyadh
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Edge of The World
Also known as Jebel Fihrayn, it is one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular tourist attractions. The stunning cliffs are a geological wonder in the rocky desert northwest of Riyadh and can be reached in about 90 minutes by car from the city. Step out of your comfort zone and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the picturesque horizon once you reach the top.
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Saudi Arabia’s Biggest Museum
The National Museum in Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s biggest museum and one of the most visited places in the city. Incorporating local art, religion and culture, the museum includes a diverse history of the Arabian kingdoms. The museum can be entered for a small entrance fee but is free for children and students.
- Riyadh Front
A world-class destination, Riyadh Front is one of the most sought-after recreation hubs in the city. With outstanding shopping, dining and entertainment avenues, this iconic centre is home to many cinemas and over 200 shops, restaurants and cafes.
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Historical Diriyah
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diriyah, was once the home of the Saudi Royal family and the first Saudi capital. Located on the city’s northwestern outskirts, it is now a tourist destination where visitors can enjoy the ancient mud architecture, numerous parks, and fascinating spaces – including the Saad bin Saud Palace.
- Boulevard Riyadh
Indulge yourself in a variety of fun activities when you visit Boulevard Riyadh. With a number of scheduled events, games, restaurants, and more, Boulevard Riyadh is the perfect haven for those who are looking for a diverse experience that is tailored for all family members.
- Sky Bridge Kingdom Tower
Suspended 300 meters above the city, the Sky Bridge offers spectacular views across the Riyadh skyline and beyond – a must-do experience for visitors to the capital. The high-speed lifts take you to the 99th-floor, inside the Kingdom Centre, where you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking panoramic views from the highest place in the city.
Experience new activities in Riyadh
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Visit the largest park in the desert country
The King Abdullah Malaz Park (KAMP) stretches over a whopping 318,000 square metres – including plenty of cafes, a restaurant, several playgrounds for children and areas designated for sports. The vast amount of greenery and pedestrian pathway stretching round the hills is perfect for when Riyadh’s weather allows for outdoor fun.
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Explore the Royal Zoo
Originally built to keep the wild animals owned by Saudi Arabia’s kings, the zoo opened up to the public in the 1980s. It’s home to more than 1,500 animals from 40 different species, including a flamingo park and an area that preserves several local endangered birds.
- VIA Riyadh
VIA Riyadh is a new luxury shopping complex that opened in May 2023. The complex is linked to the world-renowned St.Regis Hotel and also boasts an array of designer stores, high-end restaurants, and a premium cinema. If you enjoy life's finer things, make sure you add VIA Riyadh to your travel plans.
- Riyadh Season: October – March 2023
With over 100 events spanning over three months, Riyadh Season is open for everyone to enjoy. The festival aims to serve all different segments of society through diverse entertainment, arts, and cultural activities and experiences.
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- Riyadh season usually takes place on October until March. 2024 dates are yet to be confirmed.
- Souk Al-Zal
This mammoth bazaar is located in Riyadh's Al-Diran district, right in the middle of the city. It's one of the capital's oldest markets, and years' worth of history can be discovered in its winding alleyways, architecture, and, of course, the antiques on sale.
- Riyadh Front - Shopping Area
This new hub in the heart of Riyadh is a major leisure destination designed to reimagine working, shopping, and dining. There is a dedicated business center and a shopping center. Visitors can enjoy world-class brands and a plethora of restaurants in the shopping section. Best of all, it’s all set within a green, lush development – which also boasts fountains and soothing waterscapes.
Saudi Arabia is known for its cafe culture, so of course, Riyadh is full of excellent spots for visitors to check out. Coffee or cake, lover? Consider adding the following eateries to your Riyadh travel itineraries.
- Al Masaa Cafe
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Al Masaa Cafe is the world’s biggest coffee shop. The cafe has over 1000 seats, so visitors have ample room. You can feast on various treats, including pistachio lattes, date cake, and French Toast. Al Masaa is also conveniently located opposite the famous Kingdom Tower, so it is the perfect place to take a break while sightseeing.
- 24 Hours Coffee Shops
One of the best things about Riyadh’s cafes is that many of them are open late; some establishments are even open 24/7. As a result, they’re great options for those looking to socialize into the early morning hours. If you are a night owl, we recommend checking out Glare Café, Capri Café, Cacti, Camel Step Roastery, L'ETO Caffe KSA, Laderach Chocolatier and Avendar Lounge. All of them provide fantastic food and drink in a convivial atmosphere.
Eating Out in Riyadh
Riyadh offers a wide variety of different food options with something suitable for everyone!
Although the city is deeply ingrained in Islamic culture, and provides incredible Arabic dishes everywhere you go, there are also many international restaurants for you to try.
We’ve picked out five that you might be interested in:
- Terrazo Brazilian Restaurant
Type: Brazilian
A peaceful, relaxed environment with good music provides the essence of this amazing establishment. A variety of different meats are barbecued on the open grill, and served on a buffet for guests to choose from as they like. Located on the terrace of the Faisaliah Hotel, you’ll also be presented with spectacular views of this wonderful city.
- Lenotre Restaurant
Type: French
This fine French eatery can be found on the third floor of the Centria Mall, on an outside terrace overlooking the Kingdom Tower. It serves delicious food items that will leave you satisfied.
- The Globe
Type: Middle Eastern/French
A classy, high-quality restaurant that defines fine-dining in Riyadh. The Globe, at the top of the Faisaliah Tower, is renowned for being one of the best eateries in the city, and for good reason. Its dishes vary from traditional Arabic, to more European-based (particularly French) – High Tea on Friday afternoon is a treat not to be missed.
- Elements
Type: Around the World
One of the most unique dining experiences you will ever have is at Elements, an “interactive” restaurant that has live cooking stands within an open kitchen. Food from all over the world is served here, with a different theme each day, including seafood night, Middle Eastern night, or Asian night.
- Ata bin Ali Restaurant
Type: Middle Eastern
This particular eatery, popular with the locals, provides excellent Jordanian dishes at very affordable prices. Amazing, home-cooked meals fill the menu to give guests a truly authentic Middle Eastern experience. If you want to avoid the tourist hot-spots, then this is the place for you.
A few things to be aware of…
- Brunch is incredibly popular on weekend, as it is in most Arab countries
- Restaurants are closed during the fasting hours of Ramadan, however you can still visit supermarkets
- Saudi Arabia is a conservative country and Islamic codes of morality are strictly enforced in its capital city
Hotels in Riyadh
There is an exquisite collection of hotels in Riyadh, with many populating the Olaya district, which is situated in the centre of the city. If you’re looking for a memorable stay in the beautiful city of Riyadh, we have handpicked our favourites for you:
- Hilton Garden Inn (4 Star)
The Hilton brand is one of the world’s most acclaimed hospitality labels, , and it’s easy to see why. The Garden Inn is based in the commercial center of the city, and offers deluxe rooms with an array of amenities.
- Radisson Blu Hotel (5 Star)
Located close to the historic centre of the city, this particular hotel is suitable for businessmen on a fleeting visit to the city. It offers luxurious accommodation, four different on-site restaurants and is suitable to host meetings and events.
- Al Faisaliah Hotel (5 Star)
This hotel is undoubtedly world class – consistently attracting the most prestigious guests from around the globe. It boasts executive suites, excellent business facilities and state-of-the-art health services make this one of the best hotels in the Middle East.
- Ibis Riyadh Olaya Street (3 Star)
A more affordable option, the Ibis on Olaya Street offers a comfortable stay with excellent service. It has a fantastic location, right across the street from the Kingdom Centre Tower, and within 30 KM of the King Khalid International Airport.
- InterContinental Riyadh (5 Star)
The InterContinental describes itself as “an oasis in the desert”, a fair claim given all that it has to offer. Not only does it have incredible, modern rooms – but also beautiful gardens, complimented by a range of sporting facilities. From a 9-hole golf course to floodlit tennis courts, you won’t even want to leave the hotel!
Click here to book your stay and enjoy our discounts.
Events in Riyadh
The city of Riyadh offers a host of fun events throughout the year. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Riyadh International Book Fair
Date: March
The largest annual cultural event in Riyadh is the International Book Fair, where authors, publishers and readers all gather for a series of book-related events.
- Janadriyah National Festival
Date: February/March
This festival takes place in the outskirts of Riyadh, but is accessible to all residents and visitors in the city. Things to look out for include camel racing, dancing and poetry exhibitions, falconry displays and singing.
- King’s Cup
Date: February – June
Football is the most popular sport in Saudi, and the King’s Cup is the most prestigious tournament. Riyadh plays host to a number of matches throughout the competition, so you should definitely attend a game while you’re there.
- Saudi National Day
Date: September 23rd
To celebrate its independence day, people across Saudi Arabia hold a public holiday on September 23rd every year. There are events in every city, including Riyadh, where people gather to show their appreciation for Saudi culture.
Transport in Riyadh
Riyadh enjoys an efficient, comprehensive, and convenient public transport system. Which includes both bus and train routes. A more flexible way to travel around is via car. You can either get a taxi, or hire a vehicle for the duration of your stay. There are a number of car-hire agencies found at international airports.
Culture and traditions in Riyadh
The rich culture in Riyadh is shaped by Islamic traditions making it one of the most conservative cities in the world. The common dress in Riyadh is the Thobe for men and the Abaya for women. Whilst tourists don’t need to adhere to this dress code, they are required to dress more conservatively. In Riyadh, similar to other Saudi cities, alcohol is not allowed, and the majority of restaurants and cafes offer a dedicated section for families to ensure privacy.
FAQs:
- Where can I find more details about changing or canceling my flight to Riyadh?
For more details about managing your booking visit Manage my booking.
- At which airport in Riyadh will my flight land?
Answer: International Flights: King Khaled Terminal 5
Domestic flights: Kind Khaled Terminal 3
- How can I get the cheapest fares available for Riyadh flights?
You can get the cheapest fares available when you book your flight to Riyadh at least one month before your trip.