Living in Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital and largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Once a small walled city, today it is home to more than 7.5 million people and is one of the fastest developing cities in the world.

The city skyline is dominated by skyscrapers, including the Kingdom Tower with its iconic sky bridge which provides stunning views of the city below. New districts are being developed all the time and there is an ever-growing number of shopping malls selling well known brands; cinemas; entertainment and leisure facilities; and restaurants serving a wide range of western and local cuisines to suit all tastes. With a lively cafe culture, as well as a burgeoning art and music scene, Riyadh has become one of the Middle East’s most alluring cities, attracting professionals and families from the region and the world.

High profile sporting fixtures regularly take place in the city and well-known musicians such as Imagine Dragons, Bruno Mars, Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta and Post Malone have all performed in the past six months. The city offers a host of green spaces to enjoy, as well as a wide range of sporting activities including golf, tennis, cycling, running and horse riding. Within easy reach there are UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore, Dune Bashing to enjoy, and trekking opportunities to ‘The Edge of the World.’

Riyadh is certainly a city that is seeing significant change and any perceptions of it being a closed society are outdated. Visitors will a find a welcoming and multicultural environment with all the conveniences expected of a world city. Women no longer have to wear abayas or have their head covered and they are free to travel around the city unaccompanied.

Beyond Riyadh, destinations such as Jeddah and the Red Sea are just a short flight away. There you can visit beautiful coral reefs, enjoy white sand beaches and take part in some of the best diving in the world.

Those who like to spend their time above sea level should head to Azir in the South for breath-taking mountain scenery, a plethora of hiking trails and cool temperatures year-round. The AIUla Valley provides an unforgettable desert experience and should be on everyone’s bucket list! As KSA’s first World Heritage Site, its rock formations are an iconic symbol of the unexplored beauty of the country.

For those wishing to venture further afield, Riyadh International Airport serves as a regional hub and offers regular flights to Europe, The Far East and beyond