Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, a fan of lively markets, or a connoisseur of coffee and cuisine, Riyadh has it all.
“How do you spend time on weekends apart from visiting the malls?” is a question I get frequently ever since I relocated to Saudi Arabia four years ago. At first glance, Riyadh may appear as a sea of sand and beige, but beneath its surface lies a captivating history and a culture brimming with vibrancy, waiting to be explored. When I recently asked a participant during one of my Saudi cultural awareness workshops what his first impression about Riyadh was, he promptly replied, “This city has a soul”.
Come along then, let’s explore some ways to engage in soulful and culturally enriching experiences in Riyadh!
Museums
Museums are a great way to dive into local history and culture. The Saudi National Museum with over 3700 artifacts on display, takes you through an immersive journey from the pre-historic ages to meticulously curated galleries highlighting the ancient Arab kingdoms, Prophet’s Mission, the Hajj pilgrimage and Two Holy Mosques. For another remarkable experience, venture to Masmak Fortress, an architectural marvel dating back to 1895, whose robust walls echo the tales of unification and the Kingdom’s evolution. Wander through its rooms, delving into the chronicles of Saudi states, the valiant national heroes, and battles that have shaped the nation’s destiny. Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Salwa Palace nestled in the At Turaif district of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the very birthplace of a nation.
Art Galleries and Exhibitions
With a blooming art scene in the capital, if you’re an art enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. AlMousa center boasts of a variety of heritage and contemporary galleries spanning two floors. During my last visit, I had the pleasure of interacting with Saudi artists exhibiting their unique paintings on palm leaf canvases representing the Asir region. My personal favorite galleries are Ahlam, Naila, L’ArtPur, Fenaa AlAwwal and Lakum Artspace. You may also want to keep an eye out for annual exhibitions like the Noor Riyadh festival of light art, Biennale at Jax01, Saudi design festival, to name a few.
If you’d like to indulge in creating art, there are many art cafes like BeeHive, Cosfan, Café Céramique that offer workshops on acrylic painting, sculpting, pottery, candle making, tie-dying while sipping on a hot cuppa and brewing new friendships.
Souq
The word ‘souq’ is synonymous with the Middle East and Riyadh has its fair share to explore. Souq Al Zal in the Al-Dirah neighborhood is Riyadh’s oldest market that carries over 100 years of history within its lively alleyways. From old record players, vintage coins, magazines, carpets, handicrafts, oud perfume to Bishts (formal robes), Shibshibs (Saudi sandals), antique decor; you name it. If you’re lucky you might even witness the exhilarating spectacle of Dallahs (Saudi brass coffee pots) being auctioned in the market square. Another souq to explore is the Taibah market, also known as Kuwaiti souq. With a variety of sections dedicated to Abayas and other traditional Saudi clothing items, gold, carpets, food stalls; it makes for an ideal evening hangout with the family.
Cafes
If you haven’t explored Riyadh’s delightful array of cafes and coffee shops, can you truly call yourself a Riyadhizen? Riyadh has an evolving ‘Friday brunch culture’ with several themed cafes offering Saudi and international cuisines. Some of my usuals are Flour and Firewood, Hustle n Flow, Chapter and Brekkie. It’s undeniable how easily one can be overwhelmed by the abundance of cozy coffee shops the capital boasts. Have a little date with your book in a quiet nook at Book Club Library Store or soak in the nostalgic 70s vibe at Seventies Café or grab your laptop and head to cafes like Sociale, Draft, Ashjar or Equal to beat those ‘work from home’ blues.
Learn from Locals
If you’ve been in Riyadh for a while and never had a chance to visit a Saudi home, I have the perfect experience for you. HiHome (www.hihome.sa) offers this unique opportunity to meet and converse with a local Saudi family, learn about their lifestyle, savor a delightful home-cooked meal and even engage in artsy activities like painting traditional Al Qatt patterns. During my own HiHome experience, I had the pleasure of joining Mohammed and his family for a Ramadan Iftar meal. Another great way to learn about Saudi culture is by getting on a city orientation tour offered by Hadyyah (www.hadyyah.com). The tour led by knowledgeable English-speaking Saudi guides takes you around city highlights including a visit to a mosque and concludes with an authentic Saudi dining experience.
Riyadh offers a wealth of opportunities to immerse oneself in its rich culture and heritage beyond the bustling malls and avenues. By embracing these diverse experiences, I’ve come to truly appreciate the cultural tapestry that weaves through the city, and I hope you do too.
