Riyadh and Surrounds

The arabian capital-Riyadh is nothing less than a wonder.

This metropolis is situated in the heart of the Arabian desert and is the greenest of all the saudi arabian cities.

Located on a plateau of sandstone, the surrounds are simply stupendous and offer a plethora of visual treats.

Downtown Riyadh as seen from 99th Floor

There is plenty to do and see in Riyadh and surrounds.

The best way to start maybe is with a nice dune bashing and desert camping.

The most commercial location is Thumamah desert access around 50 km from city center to the east and can be reached via Thumamah exit close to the international airport.

Another way which is much more beautiful and no commercialization is the Dirab area.

Dirab off road park

Lovely dunes along the way to Jeddah

Downtown Riyadh:

The most prominent structure in city center is the Kingdom Towers.

Built by the Kingdom Holdings, it is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, standing over 300 mt and 99 floors.

It hosts a lovely glass skybridge on the 99th floor from where you can get a superb view of Riyadh.

The entry fee is 35 SR for unlimited time.

You can get your photograph clicked and printed by the staff for 20 SR.

The down side is they do not allow even semi professional cameras for taking snaps. So make sure you have a good compact camera!

The Kingdom Towers

View from Skybridge 99th floor

Jeddah @ Night

When the sun goes down, Jeddah shines.

Globe Round-about

The city is a treat whether you want to go out for a quiet coastal drive after dinner or for an evening night out.

Don't expect anything like "night life" but for a quiet time - Jeddah can offer a lot.

Jeddah has quite a few parks for families to unwind and enjoy a nice bbq enjoying a cool sea breeze.

Floating mosque - jeddah north corniche.

Jeddah Lanterns

If you find the night a little too warm, you may find it comforting to stroll in airconditioned souqs in a plethora of shopping malls strewn all over Jeddah. 

One of the best is the Red Sea Mall which has a fantastic arabic souq (market).

Al Khaleeli Bazaar - Red sea mall

Taif-Makkah:

If you are mountainous types a drive to Taif - about 3 hrs from Jeddah will reward you.

Taif is the closest hill station to Jeddah and the most popular getaway for locals.

The World famous Taif Rose comes from this place and is home to many rose gardens. 

The road to Taif...

There are many amusement parks in taif and it also houses a cable car.

Serene sunset at taif-al hada.

King Fahd gardens...Taif

Old city - Al Balad

The old city or Al Balad is situated south of the corniche (an endless road along the lovely Red Sea). 

This part of the city is mostly traditional family owned Souks (shops). 

You can expect to find anything you may think of (even some that you cannot!) and bargain as well. 

Mostly famous for fantastic Gold Souks, Perfumeries, Sheeshas (Hookah) and 

cheap electronic stuff PS3 and Xboxes are stocked by the roadside...

Some souks have a great variety of dates and because it is balad...feel free to bargain! 

   

With ancient coral houses all over, this old part takes you back in the '80s and is a charm of its own. 

  

Red Sea Secrets

The Red sea hides one of the best corals reefs in the world. 

Also, being home to some beautiful tropical fish, the Red Sea is an amazing place for snorkelling and diving. 

The high salt concentration makes snorkelling an attractive "To do" because you can simply float away on the surface for hours without even a single paddle....

Best locations for snorkelling are based around Jeddah, with countless private beaches all along the coast, which offer best preserved corals along with the necessary safety measures in place. These places usually charge an entry fee to the beach (Typically SAR 50-100 / person). The Dive shop rentals are extra. 

If you are on a budget, there are some good snorkel locations too north of Abhur (North Jeddah). But dont expect to find any safety measures around. Having said that, the shallow depths and calmness of the Red Sea, pose no evident danger on a usual day. 

Dive Shops 

The largest and the most economical rentals are from Desert Sea Divers who usually charge SAR 30 per person per day for the snorkel gear.  

They also have a few outlets all over Jeddah offer PADI certified dive courses as well.

Jeddah sea corniche