attractions REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
National Museum Built as part of Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Historical Centre in 1999, this beautifully landscaped, wide-open site is a popular attraction for tourists wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover its rich history. The National Museum provides an insight into the country’s religious social and natural heritage and celebrates the life of its founding father, King Abdulaziz bin Saud. Themed to cover the First and Second Saudi States, the Arabian Kingdoms, the Unification of the Kingdom, Islam and the Arab Peninsula, The Hajj, Prophet Mohammad’s Mission and the Two Holy Mosques, the museum’s audio-visual exhibits are spread across eight halls. Visitors to the landscaped
park will find a series of outdoor gardens, water features, 360 kilometres of pathways and lawns. Other nearby features include a library, mosque, King Abdulaziz’s Murabba Palace and gardens and Darat Al Malik Museum, which incorporates the renovation of the historic Saudi Treasury building.
Full-day museum tour Get in early to avoid the rush Take a tour guide
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WHY NOT TRY?
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, RIYADH
Te newly remodelled hotel in the Kingdom Centre has nine meetings rooms, the largest of which can host 3,000 people, as well as a number of ouside spaces. It also has an on-site support team to help plan and manage an event. +966 11 2115000
fourseasons.com/riyadh
THE RITZ-CARLTON, RIYADH
Tis palatial hotel offers more than 5,800 square metres of conference
rooms and meeting space, including two colossal ballrooms in a separate wing. It is already gaining a reputation as the city’s premium venue for elite meetings. +966 11 8028020
ritzcarlton.com/en/ Properties/Riyadh
Al Dir’iyah District The original home of the Saudi royal family, Al Dir'iyah District is located 20 kilometres northwest of Riyadh and enjoys independent administration within the capital. Sitting on the bank of Wadi Hanifa, the city was the seat of the Al Saud family from 1745 and capital of the first Saudi state. A 14-kilometre wall with several watch towers was constructed during King Abdulaziz bin Saud’s reign. Today, visitors will find several
palaces of the Al Saud family including the Royal Palace (Salwa Palace), settlement areas from the First Saudi State and public buildings, including Dreesha fortress. It was proclaimed a site of patrimony by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2010.
Architecture enthusiasts Daily 9am to 4pm With a lot of walking involved, wear comfortable, yet hardy, shoes
Murabba Palace Murabba Palace has a special place in the Saudi’s history as the venue where the agreement to begin oil exploration in the kingdom was signed. Earlier in 1936, King Abdulaziz bin Saud authorised construction of the palace to establish a residence for his growing family, a government office for the royal court and as the venue for royal functions. The initiation of a telegraph
system and introduction of several regulations for public works projects, labour and travel were also carried out.
Afternoon tour Daily except Saturdays from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 9pm Ideal for avoiding the heat
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SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT The Al Olaya district in Riyadh is also the heart of the kingdom’s retail and entertainment scene. Both iconic Kingdom Tower and the Faisaliah Tower dominate the skyline and host some of the most fashionable stores as well as some of the classiest restaurants and accommodation. At 302 metres in height, the
Kingdom Tower is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia. Its 99 floors include the Mamlaka Mall, a Four Seasons hotel and luxuriously appointed apartments. The Kingdom Tower also has the distinction of being home to the highest mosque in the world. Key stores in the Mamlaka Mall are Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Saks Fifth Avenue. An entire basement floor is dedicated to a food court while two floors are reserved exclusively for women, with service and management entirely by ladies. The traditional abaya can be abandoned here.
MURABBA PALACE HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN THE KINGDOM’S HISTORY AS THE VENUE WHERE THE AGREEMENT FOR OIL EXPLORATION WAS SIGNED
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