The World Travel & Tourism Council will this week convene in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, for the annual Global Summit.
The event is the most influential showcase on the calendar, and this year industry leaders gather with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.
As Saudi Arabia itself continues to develop its offering, Breaking Travel News is publishing a series of features on the destination in honour of the event.
Today we explore Saudi capital Riyadh – which blends medieval and millennial to make a beguiling cultural union.
Here, Arabia’s first roots can be traced, and its bold future can be envisioned.
The city’s fascinating, centuries-old history can be found within its atmospheric souqs, compelling museums, and ancient architecture, but it’s also a modern metropolis, with glittering high-rises and a burgeoning contemporary art scene.
The winter months are an ideal time to visit Riyadh.
Although average high temperatures in the summer can reach 44C, the top temps in December and January are in the low 20s.
So, what to see while you are in town?
Built in 1865 and superbly preserved, Al Masmak Fortress is a vast clay and mud-brick citadel that’s a favourite among tourists wanting to step back in time and explore Saudi’s roots.
In 1902, King Abdulaziz captured the fortress and took control of Riyadh (his ancestral home) after having lived in Kuwait.
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 on display, documenting the grand history of Arabia over millennia.
Riyadh, a thriving metropolis in Saudi Arabia, offers an unmatched shopping experience that artfully meshes together the richness of the old with the luxuries of the new. The city boasts everything from centuries-old markets that hum with life and tradition, to ultra-modern shopping spots dripping with high-end elegance.
Among Riyadh's renowned trading spots resides the historic Souq Al Zal. This bazaar has been the pulsating heart of the city's retail scene since 1901. Alive with raw energy, it offers an authentic snapshot of Middle Eastern life.
Diving into Souq Al Zal is akin to a treasure hunt; here you might discover anything from golden pieces of yesteryears to idiosyncratic crafts and worn antiques. Shoppers can even get their hands on seemingly mundane yet culturally-relevant items such as dallah coffee pots and mabkhara incense burners, traditionally signifying Saudi Arabian hospitality.
For a contrast to the traditional market experience, one could then turn to the contemporary, sprawling magnificence of the Riyadh Park Mall. The mall sports a captivating architecture of palm trees under a glass ceiling mimicking tidal waves. The mall is particularly noted for offering diverse entertainment options, such as its IMAX cinema and arcade, alongside its retail outlets. Other places such as the open-air complex, the Zone, offers a plaza surrounded by stores and eateries, while the Kingdom Centre stores offer retail therapy beneath a breathtaking skyscraper, marking Riyadh as a fusion of both modernity and tradition.
Exploring the diverse culinary landscape of Riyadh is an excellent strategy to sample the city's varied cultural influences.
The Najd Village offers a spectacular amalgamation of dining and heritage, with authentic Najd architecture reconstructed to perfection and original recipe cuisines like Kabsa, Jareesh, and Hashi gracing its menu.
For a refined experience, visit Takya, which serves a modern interpretation of Saudi fusion food using its regional inspiration. In line with this, Suhail presents a stylish reinterpretation of Saudi staples, offering a fresh perspective on traditional dishes.
Since its inception in 1988, the King Fahd International Stadium (KFIS) has distinguished itself as a pioneering fixture in both architectural brilliance and the prestigious events it facilitates.
Not only does it play a prominent role in hosting national and global sporting spectacles, including the renowned WWE's Crown Jewel competition in 2019, but KFIS also graces the pulsating rhythm of Saudi Arabia's flourishing entertainment industry. Momentously, it provided the spectacular stage for the 2019 concert of global K-Pop phenomenon BTS, set in the stadium's sprawling 500,000-square meter expanse. Its multifaceted appeal was further highlighted when it served as the backdrop for an awe-inspiring performance by the world-acclaimed Cirque du Soleil.
With its glinting skyscrapers and sparkling nightscapes, the metropolis of Riyadh is the ideal choice for a weekend of luxury.
Relax and rejuvenate at the city’s opulent spas, including Maison de Joelle and Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA, or go from serene to cerebral with a visit to its boutique arthouses, where the likes of Naila and L’Art Pur galleries showcase Arabia’s best emerging artists.
Add in an array of fine dining choices, upmarket malls and curated boutiques, and Riyadh is a city that can be embraced at any pace. After a day of exploring, you might want to unwind in one of the city's many stellar accommodations. You can take a look at these tophotels.com options to find a suitable five-star hotel in Riyadh. Of course, Saudi Arabia has more to offer beyond the borders of Riyadh. If you are considering extending your services to Mecca, there are also a number of exclusive hotels that you might want to consider. Make your stay in Mecca memorable by booking one of the best places from this selection - https://www.hotels-saudi-arabia.com/en/mecca-hotels-19483/.
For something different, head for an early morning game drive at Riyadh’s exclusive Nofa Safari to experience a piece of Africa in the Arabian Desert.
There are over 700 animals on show at this lodge-style resort that doubles as a conservation project, and its guided safari drives promise glimpses of giraffes, oryx, wildebeest, hippos and impalas, set against a horizon of apricot-hued dunes.
Further Reading
Get the lowdown on other captivating travel destinations within Saudi Arabia by checking out these related articles:
Emerging on the global stage: Saudi Arabia's preparation for the WTTC Global Summit
Step into history with Diriyah Gate, Saudi Arabia
Discover luxury at its peak in AMAALA, Saudi Arabia
Revealing the enigmatic charm of The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Exploring the architectural wonder of NEOM, Saudi Arabia
Unveiling the hidden beauty of AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Jeddah: A city that embodies modernization and traditional Saudi Arabia
Each of these locations holds unique enchantments and experiences that unveil Saudi Arabia as more than just a sandy kingdom. From the lavish luxury of AMAALA resort to the vibrant city life of Jeddah, there are plenty of gems to explore.