Entertainment

Riyadh looks like any other cosmopolitan city with its neon lights and skyscraper skyline; but nightlife here goes as far as your neighborhood coffee shop or a visit to your favorite restaurant. The dress code dictates that women regardless of nationality have to wear the abaya, and men must wear long sleeves. This is a strict dictum, and the religious police insist that no part of a woman is uncovered, not even the head. This pertains to all public places including markets and shopping centers. Photography is also prohibited unless you obtain a special permit.

While dining, women and men sit in separate rooms or in a partitioned family room separate from the public. There are no bars or nightclubs as the consumption or possession of alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Despite the seemingly limited social activities, a stay in Riyadh is a unique experience – it provides an insight into an ancient Arabic land that has held on to its traditions while continuously evolving both economically and industrially.

Restaurants

Most restaurants in the city have the trademark hookahs and shishas, traditional lamps and seating, as well as Arabic food. But they also patronize much diversity. One can find all kinds of cuisine - from Indian to French to Italian - the city offers it all. Walk down King Fahad Road where most of Riyadh’s upscale restaurants are located and visitors are sure to find something they like. Spazio77 offers a bird’s eye view of Riyadh from the 77th floor, while Shaabyiah, another posh eatery, serves authentic Arabic dishes. Check out Biyano for French food, Aladdin for Indian and Mama Noura for Lebanese. If on a budget, the ideal option is to eat "street" food, which mainly comprises of shawarmas and falafel sandwiches. Also, most shopping centers have a McDonald’s and Burger King, an easy grab-and-run meal.

Shopping

If there is one relatively unrestricted activity in Riyadh that can be indulged in, it is shopping. Shopping constitutes the city’s parallel culture, and authorities have been sensitive to this by building mosques in every mall. They are impressive structures, brightly lit and usually open 24 hours a day - Kingdom Centre is the grandest of them all. It houses the swanky Al Mamlaka Shopping Mall, which has a special floor just for women called the Ladies Kingdom. Other malls also have floors solely catering to females, the most popular being the Sahara Mall and the Al-Jazeera Mall. There are numerous options in the city when looking for traditional Arabic furniture and carpets, but be prepared for expensive prices. If you are looking for an inexpensive souvenir, head to one of the local markets, and don’t hesitate to bargain.

Cultural Activities

When one thinks of Riyadh, one thinks of camels and mosques, of dates and dunes. There are several cultural activities that are a treat to watch. A favorite of the locals is the Annual King’s Cup Camel Race where thousands of young boys race camels. There are also weekly races in the city. To get a glimpse of Arabian architecture, visit Al Musmak Castle, seized by Abdul Aziz the founder of Saudi Arabia in the course of battle. If you plan to explore the city by foot, walk over to the Al-Thumairi Gate, once part of a legion of ancient gates, it has now been restored and is a great example of Arabic architecture. Another interesting option is a visit to the nearby town of Janadriyah, where a cultural festival is held annually - arts and handicrafts are showcased, traditional music is played, and folk dances performed. Poetry readings are also held, as are camel races. The town is located a few kilometers outside Riyadh and makes for an ideal day trip.

Parks

There are a number of recreational parks in the city. The Al-Khaima Recreational Park is especially beautiful in spring. Riyadh has over a dozen parks scattered throughout the city – unfortunately, only families are allowed inside. Camping is another popular trend, but beware of extreme temperature drops at night.

   Copyright © 1999-2009 wcities.com all right reserved