BY THE PINK TARHA
We are often asked on what activities residents and visitors can do in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. If you asked us a few years ago, that would be mall hopping, shopping, and eating out. However, these days, Riyadh has so much to offer, including physical activities that can boost a healthier lifestyle! Wait, shopping involves walking right? Haha. From various sports to thrilling adventures, the city has finally opened up pathways to a more active lifestyle.
One activity that’s gaining popularity in Riyadh is paragliding… power paragliding that is! Also known as paramotoring, powered paragliding is a form of ultralight aviation where the pilot has a back-mounted motor and a chute that provides enough thrust to take off using a paraglider. Some paramotors can sit two persons. This activity is not that new in Riyadh; we’ve seen these paragliders in the desert before but now, there’s a tour group named Experience Riyadh (+966-59-362-7485) that specializes in paragliding complete with snacks, transportation, air-conditioned waiting rooms, and ambulance on stand-by in case of emergency.
Another sport that has picked up speed in the past few months is biking or cycling. The Diplomatic Quarter has SPiN Rentals (IG @spin.sa), a bike rental shop that lets you enjoy the scenic route of the DQ trails. You can find more details on SPiN Rentals on page 40 of this issue. If you’re outside the DQ, try Meow Bikes (Whatsapp +966-58-144-5948) where you can rent bikes anytime and anywhere (in Riyadh). They will deliver the bikes to your location and you can ride it anywhere you want to go. Just be careful, of course. Read on the fast-growing biking/cycling culture in Riyadh in DQ Living’s 2020 Issue 2. You can also get tips and a list of bike shops from the article.
Archery has been used for hunting and combat for centuries but in this city, it’s a recreational activity. There are some archery ranges in Riyadh and the most popular is the Archery Range (yes, that’s the well-thought of name, Whatsapp +966-55-880-8617) where you can aim and shoot arrows for a bull’s eye. They also sell bows and arrows, provide training, and rent ranges and arcade games for your events. Rates start from SR 150.
Are you fascinated with equestrian? We’ve always been fascinated with this sport and it’s our most watched game in the Olympics of yesteryears. We also watched the Equestrian Festival during the Diriyah Season last year. There’s something about horseback riding that’s elegant and breathtaking. If you’re interested in the sports (and not just watching like we do), there are equestrian centers in Riyadh that you can enroll in. Visit the Al Khayala Equestrian Club (+966-56-227-1900) in Ash Sharq or the Vogue Equestrian Club (Whatsapp +966-53-414-4444).
If you’re not into a particular sport but want to be more active, then walk. Walking in Riyadh has been a default physical activity and with the opening of more parks in the city, there are more venues for you to walk, brisk walk, jog, or even run. Do it around popular places like Prince Sultan University or the King Fahd Medical City. If you want a change of scenery, go out of Riyadh center and visit the Lakes Park or King Salman Park.
Find the sports or hobby that works for your body and lifestyle. Be more active and have some fun.
ABOUT THE PINK TARHA
Janelle Vales-Yasay and Reina Tejano-Berina are the power duo behind the successful multi-awarded blog “The Pink Tarha”, an online lifestyle guide in Saudi Arabia. They started their blog in 2009 and since then have inspired many people by showcasing the fun and interesting side of living in KSA. What started out as a hobby for the girls has gained so much positive attention and appreciation in the process winning them the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Award.
Facebook/Instagram: @thepinktarha
Website: www.thepinktarha.com
