Saudi Arabia’s capital city, Riyadh, is a premium destination for international travellers. Here, the ancient traditions blend with the modern wonders. You will find the historically rich Diriyah and the modern Kingdom Towers.
Saudi Arabia celebrates a series of vibrant festivals that highlight its culture. When you explore the outdoor adventures, you can also immerse yourself in the colourful festivities. Festivals like Riyadh Season, Janardriyah National Festival and Noor Riyadh offer a glimpse into Saudi culture.
You can travel by the kingdom’s first low-cost airline to reach Riyadh. Flynas booking can be easily made online through the official website or third-party booking sites. The airline serves 54 destinations across 99 routes.
Outdoor adventures in Riyadh
Kingdom Tower
It has an altitude of 300 meters and is the first skyscraper in Saudi Arabia. You can buy tickets and take an elevator to the 99th floor entrance. From here, you can see Riyadh’s picturesque skyline. At the top, there is a 65-meter-long and 300-tonne steel Skybridge, which offers panoramic views of Riyadh.
Open from 12 pm – 10.30 pm from Saturday to Thursday and 4 pm – 10.30 pm on Fridays.
Masmak Fort
This is an ancient fort constructed in 1865 using clay and mud bricks. Visit this fort to learn about the history of Riyadh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a historical site, and you can hear about the stories of the kingdom’s past.
It is also called Al Masmak, and this is where the battle to restore Riyadh was fought. The remnants of the battle and the mark of Bin Jalawi’s spearhead can be seen on the gate. There is also a museum about the story of how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was unified and created.
Open from 8 am – 9 pm Saturday to Thursday and 4 pm – 8 pm on Fridays.
Deera Square
It is also called the ‘Justice Square’ or the ‘Chop Chop’ Square. Public executions took place here, though they no longer happen now. It is still a sensitive place in Riyadh. You have to be respectful while visiting this place. It is open for visitors throughout the day.
Diriyah
It is an ancient mudbrick city and is also called Ad Diriyah. This is where the royal ruling family of Al Saud lived, and it is proclaimed as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It includes the At-Turaif district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city preserves over 600 years of Najdi architecture and traditions, and has now been developed into a tourist spot. Learn about the country’s story through Wadi Hanifah, Bujaiir Terrace, and At-Turaif.
It organises the Diriyah Season from October to February, which is a yearly festival celebrating the culture of the kingdom. Diriyah city is a 30-minute drive from Riyadh and is a good destination for a day trip.
Edge of the World
It is also known as Jebel Fihrayn and is a towering cliff located in the desert. It is located in the Tuwaik mountain range and drops sharply about 1000 feet into the vast desert below. Here, you can see the breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.
The easiest way to reach here is to book a guided tour, as it requires riding through the sand.
Saudi National Museum
It covers the kingdom’s history from ancient times to modern days. Here, you can learn about the story of the Islamic religion and how it grew worldwide. It shows the prized possession of the King who founded Saudi Arabia.
Arabian Desert
Your visit is not complete if you miss out on the beauty of the desert. You can take a guided tour to the popular Red Sand Dunes. It includes sandboarding, dune-bashing and a serving of food. The Camel trails let you hike through the desert.
Festivals in Riyadh
You can get the detailed schedule of these festivals and locations if you want to mark your calendars.
Riyadh Season
It is a celebration that converts the city into a hub of culture and entertainment. It spans several weeks and features art exhibitions, theatrical performances, concerts and culinary delights. You should look out for local talent and international artists. It is usually celebrated from October to December.
You can spend the entire day at the festival. Begin by attending concerts and theatrical performances. Check the schedule for the international artist you may want to see. Take breaks in between and try some Saudi dishes like Kabsa and grilled meats. At nightfall, the city comes alive with several shows that entertain the people.
Janardriyah National Festival
It is a celebration of Saudi heritage and features folk dances, traditional crafts and local cuisine. It is set against the backdrop of the Janadriyah Heritage Village and showcases diverse cultures and the kingdom’s rich history. Do not miss out on live performances that celebrate the Saudi tradition and workshops that teach about the local crafts. This festival takes place in January.
Noor Riyadh
It is a festival of light and art and transforms the city into a luminous wonderland. You can find art exhibitions, amazing light installations and interactive experiences. It is not a festival but a celebration of creativity in the city. It is celebrated in the month of March.
You can spend the day visiting the local cafes or relaxing. At nightfall, see the dazzling light installations and interactive displays and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
If you are visiting during these festivals, then do not miss out on indulging in the local Saudi cuisine. Saudi Arabia has a diverse culinary scene and offers a variety of traditional dishes. During the festival, you will find several food stalls and restaurants offering dishes from the local cuisine. You will find everything from saffron-infused dishes to aromatic Kabsa to sweet dates.
At the Riyadh Season, make sure you try out the popular food stalls offering dishes that have the flavour of Saudi Arabia. During the Janadriyah National Festival, do not forget to savour the traditional sweets like kunafa and baklava.