About Riyadh

Riyadh (الرياض ar-Riyāḍ) is the capital of Saudi Arabia, slightly east of the center of the country in the heart of the Tuwaig escarpment.

Source: Wikipedia

Essential Information

Currency

Saudi riyal (SAR)

Symbol: ر.س

Language

Arabic

Phone Code

+966

International dialing code for Saudi Arabia

Driving

Drive on the right

Standard for Saudi Arabia

Region

Asia

Western Asia

Connectivity

Internet cafes can be found in the computer souq in Olaya. Riyadh is also pushing forward with its "Smart City" program, which will attempt to provide wireless access throughout the city in the major coffeeshops and hotels, particularly on Tahlia St in the downtown area.

How to Get to Riyadh

Transportation options and arrival information

Riyadh is a long way from anywhere, so odds are fairly high you'll be arriving by plane.

Getting Around Riyadh

Local transportation and navigation tips

Riyadh is very much a car-oriented city, although the Riyadh Metro finally provides an alternative. There are no street addresses as such in Riyadh, as mail is delivered to post office boxes, so getting around requires knowing landmarks near the place where you want to go. The only reliable means of transport in Riyadh is a car: you would either depend on cabs or you would have to rent your own car. Generally prices are lower in Riyadh than most other big cities in the world.

Safety in Riyadh

Moderate Safety (Global Peace Index: 2.288)

About the Global Peace Index: Global Peace Index measures peacefulness on a scale of 1 (most peaceful) to 5 (least peaceful)

Riyadh is more conservative than Jeddah or the Eastern Province. Women mostly cover themselves with anabaya(available in shops everywhere in Riyadh) but covering the face has become less common as of 2018. Read, understand and follow the guidelines in theSaudi Arabiaarticle to stay out of trouble.

Source: Institute for Economics & Peace (2022)

Where to Stay in Riyadh

Accommodation tips and recommendations

Most of Riyadh's budget accommodation is in al-Batha. It is advised that you should check the room condition and proper functioning of all equipment (e.g. TAP/FLUSH/TV/Power Outlets etc.)in budget hotel prior to check in.