Discover Riyadh: why now is the time to visit the futuristic capital of Saudi Arabia
The futuristic capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, is a major commercial and financial center located on a desert plateau in the center of the country.
This city is the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSI), which combines historical treasures hidden in old palaces with modern skyscrapers, shopping centers and gourmet restaurants, Euronews writes.
Riyadh's golden sand dunes also offer a variety of activities, including sandboarding, dune bashing, and ATV riding along the undulating ridges.
As KSI and Riyadh expand their tourism offerings, the world's richest city is rapidly adding new hotels, attractions and infrastructure.
The introduction of a new international airline, Riyadh Air, shows how seriously Saudi Arabia is taking tourism and global connectivity.
Sky Bridge: a breathtaking panoramic adventure
The curved Sky Bridge, located 300 meters above the burning city of Riyadh, offers visitors a bird's eye view of the sprawling city.
This architectural wonder is suspended between the two towers of the famous Royal Center, providing a breathtaking experience of the capital.
As you step onto the glass-floored bridge, you can see panoramic views of Riyadh's ever-evolving skyline, from shimmering skyscrapers to the vast expanse of the Arabian Desert.
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia: a dive into history
Housed in a striking modernist building, this museum displays artifacts and exhibits that trace the kingdom's heritage from ancient civilizations to the present.
Wander the museum's halls and marvel at intricately crafted artifacts, including ancient ceramics, intricate textiles, and priceless works of art. See vivid rock art, models, and a full-scale reconstruction of a Nabataean tomb by Madain Saleh.
Explore the museum's open-air exhibits to get a glimpse of Saudi Arabia's natural landscape and archaeological wonders.
Al Masmak Palace: discover Saudi heritage
Discover Saudi Arabia's royal past at Al Masmak Palace, a historic fortress in the center of Riyadh.
Built in the 19th century and surrounded by sand, this mud-brick palace was the backdrop for key moments in the kingdom's history, including Ibn Sa'ud's daring 1902 raid on the Rashids that recaptured Riyadh.
As you explore the palace's elaborately decorated rooms and tall, crenellated walls, look for fascinating photographs of Saudi Arabia from 1912 to 1937.
Don't forget to visit the museum located on the palace grounds, which offers insight into the lives and times of Saudi Arabia's founders.
Wadi Namar: an oasis in the desert
Escape from the city and head to Wadi Namar Oasis, a lush green area built near the 2-kilometer Namar Dam.
The park features an industrial lake and dam, and you can walk or bike along the trails that stretch for 2,000 meters.
Food stalls and picnic areas are also available to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are play areas for children and the opportunity to feed the resident ducks.
Boulevard Riyadh City: where culture meets commerce
Experience the bustling energy of Riyadh Boulevard, the city's largest entertainment center, where culture and commerce converge in a dazzling display of lights and sounds.
Stretching through the city's central business district, Riyadh City Boulevard offers designer shops, fine dining and entertainment venues, including theater shows at Bakr Al Sheddieh Theater, go-karting and skiing in the "snow zone".
It also features a colorful dancing fountain surrounded by outdoor and indoor seating where you can watch a spectacular water show.
As TravelWise previously reported, Saudi Arabia has been recognized by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for its pioneering achievements in the tourism sector. The country has exceeded its ambitious goal of attracting 100 million tourists, reaching this figure seven years ahead of the original 2030 deadline.
