Welcome to Riyadh, a city with a unique blend of Medieval history and millennial trends. Through this beguiling cultural union, Arabia’s first roots can be traced and its bold future envisioned. The city’s fascinating, centuries-old history can be found within its atmospheric souks, compelling museums and ancient architecture, but it’s also a modern metropolis with glittering high-rises and a burgeoning contemporary art scene. As the winter months approach, it’s an ideal time to visit Riyadh, you’ve dodged the scorching summer heat that can dry freshly washed hair in minutes and can bask in the balmy days of the upcoming winter months. Welcome to your Riyadh guide.

ANCIENT HISTORY & HERITAGE

Diriyah

Diriyah is already becoming a major tourist destination for residents and visitors. With a nickname like the “pearl of Saudi Arabia”, you know that this will be a gem. As one of Saudi’s giga-projects, it aims to encourage tourism to the area. Diriyah will eventually encompass luxury resorts (you don’t have long to wait, as the first is set to open in late 2021), international hotel brands, dining, shopping and entertainment.

Don’t let the glitz and glamour distract you, however, as Diriyah has deep cultural roots. Diriyah’s history goes back thousands of years: it was once the eBay of its time and was an ancient trading (as well as pilgrimage) route, making it a meeting spot for people travelling to or from Asia, Africa or Europe.

Saudi Arabia has a whopping six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Riyadh is lucky to have one just 15 minutes north of the city. In the heart of Diriyah is the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif, which was founded in the 15th century. It is the original seat of power for Saudi Arabia’s Al Saud family and contains ruins of mud-brick houses connected by narrow alleyways.

In 2010 the site got the UNESCO seal of approval, but has since been closed to the public. We are buzzing with excitement, as the redevelopment will let you walk through history – literally – and stroll through the ruins.

Diriyah will become a cultural hotspot with more museums than you can shake a stick at: The Museum of the Saudi State and Arabian Peninsula; The Museum of Al Saud House will showcase the history of the ruling family and the kingdom’s heritage; The Museum of the 100-Stories Journey is where visitors can learn about Saudi history and culture; and Misk Heritage Museum is an educational institute aimed at encouraging young people to get involved with the nation’s history and heritage.

Central Riyadh

For the Arabian Game of Thrones, visit Al Masmak Fortress, a blockbuster destination retelling tales of family dramas and the birth of the nation. Built in 1865 and superbly preserved, Al Masmak Fortress may look like a vast clay and mud-brick citadel from the outside, but you can explore Saudi’s roots on the inside.

In 1902, King Abdulaziz had been living in exile in Kuwait and returned to Riyadh (his ancestral home) to capture the fortress. From this fortress, Abdulaziz Al Saud conquered and united the different kingdoms and provinces that make up the Saudi nation as we know it today.

Another must-visit location is the Saudi National Museum, which has more than 3,700 antiquities – including a replica of historical Jeddah – documenting the grand history of Arabia over millennia.

EXCITING SHOPPING & LEISURE

Unique destinations

From ancient labyrinthine souks to luxury malls and quirky boutiques, Riyadh sets the standard for a shopping destination. The city’s most famous market is the Souk Al Zal, which remains as noisy and vibrant as when it first emerged in 1901. Get ready to haggle – everything from gold coins to quirky handicrafts and dusty antiques can be found here, including traditional Saudi items such as dallah coffee pots and mabkhara incense burners.

For more modern shopping venues, choose from Riyadh Park Mall, with an IMAX cinema and arcade under its palm trees and wave-like glass roof; the open-air precinct The Zone, where stores and restaurants are clustered around a main plaza; or the shops at the Kingdom Centre, which are almost as impressive as the shiny skyscraper itself.

Designer and emerging brands

Riyadh is home to world-famous haute couture designers: Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Cartier are just some of the names you can find at the upmarket Centria Mall. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, Riyadh Gallery mixes high street brands with international labels. Follow the sparkles next door to Taibah Souk, which is where you can get your bling, as it’s the city’s gold and diamond market.

Among Riyadh’s independent boutiques, there’s Mira Y Mano, the self-titled home of independent fashion stocking a diverse haul of Arab and Saudi designers, and Recherché Fashion Gallery, where you’ll find Saudi labels such as Noora Alharthi and Hadeel Alhussain.

EXTRAORDINARY DINING

The best way to Riyadh’s heart is through your stomach. If you want to experience Riyadh’s cultural fusion, grab that fork or, better still, use your hands. Najd Village combines dining and heritage experiences with faithfully recreated Najd architecture, so much so that you are encouraged to sit on the floor. While words can get lost in translation, flavours certainly don’t – try authentic recipes such as kabsa, jareesh and hashi. You’ll savour the taste and
the experience.

More contemporary takes can be found at the sophisticated Takya, serving Saudi fusion food inspired by the country’s regions, and Suhail, with its modern spin on traditional Saudi favourites.

Riyadh boasts the cream of the restaurant crop. Live the high life at The Globe, one of Riyadh’s most famous fine-dining experience. Located in a golden glass orb atop of the Al Faisalah Tower, it offers spectacular views alongside a menu that fuses some of the Middle East’s most beloved classics with modern European cuisine.

For more international flavours, try the tuna and wagyu tacos at Okku or share a plate of nigiri and sashimi at another stylish Japanese favourite Myazu. You’ll have stars in your eyes at Maharaja East, as the man behind the upscale contemporary Indian restaurant, Vineet Bhatia, has collected multiple Michelin stars around the world.

Sample Mediterranean, mezze-style spreads at Bistro by Tao, a chic eatery with beautiful floral interiors in Riyadh’s Nojoud Mall. Try Eastern bites at Hualan or drink in Riyadh’s famed coffee culture at cafés Bateel, Five Elephants or Elixir Bunn, the latter is in Riyadh’s ancient Diriyah.

THRILLING DAY TRIPS

In the age of social media, there is no higher currency than the perfect backdrop for a selfie. You’ll find posts a plenty at the dramatic Edge of the World or Jebel Fihryan, 90km outside of Riyadh and part of the vast area Tuwaiq. Hikers can choose from a range of routes to the top where you’re rewarded with stunning views. An SUV, a good GPS and the right gear are a must – tour guides can also arrange overnight camping. Your Instagram will be raking in the double taps.

The oldest inhabitants of Arabia, Bedouin culture has evolved through the centuries and across lands. Spend a day in the desert for a glimpse of this nomadic world with open fires and tented camps. Admire the stillness of the sky and gaze at your very own starry night. For adrenaline seekers, there are not just dunes but a long list of activities to bash through, from sand boarding to hiking.

Just over 200km northwest of Riyadh stands Ushaiger Heritage Village, settled over 1,500 years ago by Bedouins and still inhabited today. In contrast to fast-paced Riyadh, Ushaiger offers a slower tempo and a charm completely of its own. Explore its labyrinth of narrow lanes, shaded pathways and mud houses, which reflect Najdi architecture with distinctive triangular windows and intricately carved wooden doors.

Complement this trip with a stop at Hlewa Museum Market and the Subaie Heritage House in Shaqra, as more of ancient Arabia awaits.

For more information, visit visitsaudi.com.