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Riyadh Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Riyadh
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Riyadh Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Riyadh - Rising from the barren desert, its towering
skyscrapers glittering in the fierce sun, the Saudi Arabian
capital, Riyadh, is one of the most splendid and rich cities in the
modern world, sprawling across about 600 square miles (1,600 square
kilometres) in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.
Once a small oasis known for its date orchards (hence the
origin of its name which in Arabic means 'place of gardens'),
Riyadh's phenomenal growth spurt began in 1902 when the desert lord
Ibn Saud took over the city determined to turn it into the centre
of his Arabic kingdom. Thirty years later it became the capital of
the new country of Saudi Arabia, and fuelled by the revenue of the
country's abundant oil fields, it has burgeoned into an awesome
modern metropolis with a population well in excess of four
million. Modern it may be, but visitors to
Riyadh are never likely to forget that they are in the heart of the
Arab world. In between the towering, futuristic buildings, glitzy
shopping malls and broad, sweeping highways are nestled ancient
mosques and other remnants of times gone by, shady trees and date
palms line the avenues, and camels sometimes sway between the
luxury vehicles. The city is also run on a strictly Islamic moral
and cultural code, and visitors should respect the rules while
exploring the sights, both ancient and modern, in this fascinating
city. Women have restricted access to certain attractions and
sites. The original 'wadis' (dry river beds),
where wells were sunk to water the historic infant oasis
settlement, have now been supplemented by numerous vast dams and
piped in desalinated seawater to adequately quench the thirst of
this prosperous capital, quite justly dubbed 'Queen of the Desert'.
Travellers can therefore drink deeply of this unique urban
landscape, which will not be found wanting in both historic
interest and modern wonder.
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Riyadh
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Kingdom Centre
Al-Urubah Road, between King Fahd Road and Olaya Street,
in the Olaya business district
www.kingdomcentre.com.sa/kc |
What is it? The place to see and be seen in central
Riyadh is at the remarkable Kingdom Centre, the tallest building in
Saudi Arabia, owned by a Saudi prince and built to an unusual
elliptical award-winning design. Besides containing modern offices,
apartments, the Four Seasons Hotel and a fitness club, the Kingdom
Centre also houses a state-of-the art three-level shopping mall
with more than 160 stores, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and
Debenhams department stores. The centre also bristles with dozens
of first class international restaurants.
Hours of Operation: The shopping mall opens 9am to 12pm, and again from
4pm to 11pm
Phone:(0)1 211 2222 |
2. Riyadh Museum of History and Archaeology
West of the old city centre, Al-Bathaa
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What is it? This museum, chief among the numerous museums
in Riyadh, showcases local art, religion and culture, as well as
the diverse and intriguing history of the Arabian kingdoms, in
eight sections. Artefacts such as clothing, weapons, jewellery and
musical instruments, dating as far back as the Stone Age, are on
display. Other city museums worth visiting are the National Museum,
which contains ancient documents and furniture; the King Abdul Aziz
Military Museum; and the Museum of Antiquities and
Folklore.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(0)1 419 1210 |
3. Al Musmak Castle
Al-Bathaa, city centre
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What is it? An important landmark and heritage site in
the city of Riyadh, the Musmak fortress was built around 1865 and
is the site associated with the foundation of the Saudi Arabian
kingdom. The castle is open to the public, who can explore its
impressive rooms, pillared mosque, gate, watchtowers and
well.
Hours of Operation: Saturday to Thursday 8am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm. Men
only on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. On the other days women may
visit accompanied by male family members
Phone: |
Riyadh
holidays - Top Events
1. Riyadh Motor Show
From 2006-11-22
To 2006-11-26
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What is it? Now in its 25th year, the Riyadh Motor Show
is the oldest and most important motor show in the region. The top
manufacturers from around the world display their stuff to the
largest market in the Middle East. This year it is expected to
gather the largest number of automotive consumers under one roof as
the event runs concurrently with Saudi
Autoshop.
Where is it? Riyadh Exhibition Centre |
2. The Hajj
From 2006-12-30
To 2007-01-02
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What is it? The Hajj is the duty of every able Muslim, a
pilgrimage to Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed. It is
the fifth and final pillar of Islam, guided by the prophet, and
each year roughly two million devout Muslims take the journey. The
pilgrims, or hajjis, wear white as a symbol of their purity and
equality throughout the occasion whereupon all gather around the
Great Mosque in Mecca to walk seven times around the Kabah shrine
before kissing it, in one of the most famous displays of religious
duty in the entire world. It is almost impossible for non-Muslim's
to partake, although many have tried and succeeded over the years,
including famous explorer Sir Richard
Burton.
Where is it? Mecca |
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