Once a walled region along the trading routes, Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia is not only a major financial, administrative and political hub but also one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Riyadh, literally translating to garden, boasts of a modern character with stunning high-rise structures dominating the desert and stylish automobiles crowding the highways. The city is deeply rooted in its culture and has over 4000 mosques. With opulent hotels, restaurants, high-end shopping centres, malls, and some of the most brilliant tourist attractions, Riyadh becomes a definite addition to your travel list. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to explore Riyadh.

How to Reach Riyadh

• By Air: Riyadh King Khālid International Airport serves Riyadh and is located at 35 km north of the city. IndiGo now provides flights to Riyadh with direct connectivity between Riyadh and Delhi & Mumbai along with a seamless connection to other key destinations.

Getting around

• By Bus: The national bus network, Saptco is the easiest and cheapest and most comfortable mode to get around Riyadh.
• By Taxi: Taxis are known as ‘limousines’ and are available in larger towns. Remember to negotiate the fare first (like locals do) instead of using the meter.

Savour diverse culinary delights in Riyadh, from traditional Saudi cuisine to international fare, offered in elegant restaurants and vibrant eateries.

There are many things to do in Riyadh most of which include the following: 

October to March is the ideal time to explore Riyadh. Let us take a look at the various seasons round the year to help you plan your trip better.

• Winter (November – March): The average temperature during winter ranges between 8 °C to 25 °C. Riyadh also receives a small amount of rainfall with occasional hailstorms during the winter season. This is the most suitable time to visit the city.
• Summer (May to September): Summers in Riyadh are hot and dry with the temperature reaching up to 50°C and average temperature of 45°C. Most of the summer evenings witness thunderstorms resulting in cooler evenings and nights.

The most commonly spoken languages in Riyadh are Arabic and English, with Arabic being the official language and English widely used in business and tourism.

Riyadh is also home to some of the traditional souks that include leather goods, Persian rugs, and local jewellery. Remember shopping in Riyadh is tax-free, so, do look for good deals on high-end and luxury brands.

• Al Nakheel Mall: Riyadh has a lot of malls, Al Nakheel Mall is comparatively new and a favourite among the locals and tourists. You can shop for a wide range of products starting from affordable ones to high-end brands. The mall also includes an entertainment centre, several food courts as well as dining options.
• Souq Al Thumairi: If you are looking to buy traditional handicrafts, then you should visit Souq Al Thumairi. The small lanes are full of shops selling ornate silver jewellery, silver daggers, coffee pots and beautiful carpets.
• Owais Souq: From beautiful fabrics to gold jewellery, this souq is an ideal place to shop for traditional items. Brush up on your bargaining skills before you hit this market.
• Deira Souq: Deira Souq is a traditional market that offers a variety of goods, including clothing, accessories, spices, and traditional Saudi products. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Experience Riyadh's vibrant festivals celebrating culture, heritage, and tradition, featuring music, dance, food, and family-friendly activities for all to enjoy.

Here are some of the other places to check out on your trip to Riyadh.

• King Abdullah Park: Considered as one of Riyadh’s well-maintained and cleanest parks, this place is an excellent spot for a picnic, jogging, cycling, and recreational activities. The park also features an artificial lake, auditorium to host events and an evening fountain show.
• Wadi Namar: It’s a 2-km long dam surrounded by a waterfall, green spaces, rocky hills, and walkways. On your visit, you can take a stroll around the dam, ride a bike or relax by the lakeside with your dear ones.

If you are an Indian passport holder travelling to Saudi Arabia, you are required to complete an online application form on www.mofa.gov.sa. Once the form is submitted, please take a printed copy of the form along with the mofa number or reference number and submit along with the necessary documents. According to the new rule, the visa fee needs to be paid online and not in cash at the Embassy.

To ensure a hassle-free and seamless travel, here is a detailed information about the Saudi Arabia visa – www.goindigo.in/information/visa-information/saudi-arabia-sa-visa.html

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