A Tapestry of Tradition and Tomorrow

A guide to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia curated by Huda Hashmi

Thankfully Huda exists. As one of many great women leaders driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation journey, Huda represents the new face of Saudi women; confident, creative, and globally minded, helping shape the Kingdom’s future while honoring its roots. In Riyadh, these women are at the forefront of progress, blending innovation with a deep respect for culture. And if there was ever an under the radar kind of place in the world to experience the past, present, and future of a culture so seamlessly, this is it. And make no mistake, its culture is an ancient one, deeply rooted in the desert heritage of Arabia. Yet its story is still being told. The thought leaders here have made an art out of walking the fine line between preserving the old and embracing the new a balance of honoring heritage while stepping into the modern world. For anyone looking to gain a deep-rooted appreciation for community, nature, and growth, Riyadh is a place worth knowing here are a few ways to do just that.

Photo by Damir Babacic | Unsplash

Eat & Drink

Camel Step Coffee Roasters

It should come as no surprise that Riyadh is big on coffee, as the capital of the country in which the first known coffee shop allegedly opened its doors back in the day. The culture around the hot caffeinated beverage ranges from the traditional cups of qawah to specialty, global brews. Enter Camel Step. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick espresso or stay talking over Saudi coffee and dates until the midnight hours. A true local experience and feel and a very high quality of the brew.

Explore Camel Step

Photo by Dilara Haziroglu | Pexels

 

Suhail

Lamb and rice, or mandi, should be on your plate when dining here, no questions asked. Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you. What might seem like a basic recipe at first glance is a dish steeped in ancient heritage. An ode to the ancestral Bedouin traditions woven into the tapestry of Saudi cuisine. Traditionally, the dish is prepared more or less by marinating a leg of lamb and burying it in the sand for about four hours. We wouldn’t be surprised if the folks at Suhail actually have a sandpit in the middle of the kitchen — their take on mandi is that good.

Eat good at Suhail

 

Almayass

If you’re looking to impress someone, or just feel a little impressed yourself, Almayass serves up the city’s best Lebanese food. It does plant-based like it’s been doing it for centuries (because it has). Think spicy eggplant, pumpkin kibbeh, tahini-roasted cauliflower, or ghanoujet almayass. Reservations aren’t critical, but not a bad idea, especially on the weekends. Sahten.

Reserve at Almayass

 

 

Culture

Diriyah

On the edge of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s story begins: Diriyah, aka “The City of Earth.” The birthplace of the country itself, this city dates back 600 years and was the original capital of the first Saudi state in the 18th century. Venture into the heart of it all, and you’ll find the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Previously destroyed by the Ottoman Empire, the historic site has been reconstructed from the ruins using the traditional Najdi architecture, nearly identical to the original mudbrick citadel. Which means as you wander through the narrow alleyways, it almost feels as if you’ve just stepped into a time machine to the 1400s. 

Explore Diriyah

Photo by swisshippo | Adobe Stock

 

Saudi National Museum

As you’re strolling through the museum, you might get the odd feeling that you’re walking through history. Well, that part’s intentional. Organized into eight main halls, the experience is mostly chronological. You’ll start in the realm of meteorites, astronomy, and dinosaur fossils before working your way through the rise of early civilizations and jumping into the region's religious history. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself gazing at a full-scale model of the ancient city of Diriyah, followed by the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the spiritual, architectural, and historical perspectives of the Two Holy Mosques. Truly a must for anyone looking to fully understand the Kingdom’s history, archaeology, and culture.

Plan your visit

Photo courtesy of the Saudi National Museum

 

The JAX District

It’s no secret that the desert has been a source of inspiration for creative minds throughout history. And Riyadh is no exception. At the center of the official art district, you’ll find the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art. Its beauty and uniqueness focus on blending unlikely pairs, in this case, local and international artists. This collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Diriyah Biennale Foundation ranges from shared studios to co-created, cross-cultural pieces. During Art Week Riyadh, visitors are invited to take a peek at where the paint flies and the magic happens.

Dive into the JAX District

Photo courtesy of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture from 

 

 

Nature

The Edge of the World

In the midst of a million-year-old geological formation lies the “Edge of the World,” aptly named for its sheer cliffs and jaw-dropping views of the desert plains beyond. So if a remote sense of adventure is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Look a little closer and you’ll find yourself face to face with Jurassic period marine fossils embedded in the eroding rock formations. Good for the amateur paleontologist in the group. If you’re looking for something more adrenaline-fueling, try hiring a local climbing guide. Whatever you choose, one thing is guaranteed here: The views really are better on the edge.

Plan your adventure

Photo by Ohood Abdulaziz | Unsplash

 

Stargazing

Not too long ago, AlUla was officially named the Kingdom’s first International Dark Sky Park. There are two areas this accreditation covers: the AlUla Manara and Al Gharameel nature reserves. Wherever you go, the key is to get a local guide — you’re going to want the expertise when it comes to looking up at the starry canvas. Plus ancient astronomy lessons in the very places where some of the first astronomers made their discoveries about our universe. A good way to bask in the ancient culture and mysticism of it all.

Learn more

Photo by Nick | Adobe Stock

 

Desert Camping

This isn’t your typical s’mores and tent kind of night in the woods. This is desert camping. A tradition that speaks volumes to the vitality of nature and community to the people who call Riyadh home. Travel by camel, Arabian rugs, storytelling by firelight, traditional cooking, sleeping amongst the dunes. And more importantly, part of a way of life that has been and continues to be passed down generation after generation. The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is a great place to start, but if immersion in the remoteness and cultural heritage is what you’re looking for, the Rub' al Khali or the “Empty Quarter” is worth the drive.

Head out to the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve

Photo by Tim Oun | Unsplash

 

Interested in Riyadh? We'd love to have you call Flow home. Check out Flow Narjis, Flow Granada, and Flow Olaya — communities located in the heart of Riyadh designed to connect you with yourself, others, and the natural world.

 

 

Feature Image by Morgan Maassen