Expats, curious tourists, Saudis from around the world, if you’ve ever wanted to travel to Riyadh or have wondered what it would be like to actually live here, we’ve compiled a list of tips to keep in mind. Here are a few things you should know as you make your way to the magical city of Riyadh!
1. Eat your way through the city and DEFINITELY join a gym
After scarfing down your fifth shawarma and 20th muttabaq in one week, you’ll be glad that you had the foresight to join a gym and hit the weights!
2. Get a humidifier.
The dryness during winter will wreak havoc on your sinuses.
3. Account for traffic!
Traffic can get a little intense in Riyadh, with congestion being particularly rough at random time slots as opposed to during rush hour. That’s why it is important to factor traffic into your journey time, and always be sure to leave (extra) early.
4. Understand that driving is a WHOLE different world in Riyadh.
Speaking of traffic and driving: think you can hack it on Riyadh’s highways? Think again! Missing an exit can tack on a significant amount of time to your journey, so be sure to be a passenger for quite a while and get familiar with all the routes before you flex your driving.
5. Stay up to date on all the latest festivals happening throughout the year.
Periodic festivals like the MDL Beast Music Festival and Riyadh’s Season Festival are sure to brighten up your month. Keep a cultural calendar so you can stay up to date on all the latest happenings to ensure that you make the most out of your time in Riyadh.
6. Speaking of Festivals…
Season: a FIVE MONTH long festival takes place across Saudi every year, celebrating KSA and its people. This delightful megafestival includes hundreds of events, concerts, and adventures, and will enable you to first off, have a great time, and secondly, learn all about Saudi culture.
7. Enjoy
The last tip is possibly the most straightforward: enjoy your time in this city. It is home to so many one of a kind experiences that are not found anywhere else! Check out our section of guides and things to do for more ideas on making your plans.