About Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh cover 694 square miles with a population of roughly 7,125,180. Football is the celebrated sport of this region, so much so that it is common for the large stadiums to host football clubs here. Temperatures between May and September can become unbearable for those unaccustomed to extreme heat. For occasional rain and more mild temperatures, the best time to visit is between November and March. The region’s history and architecture are some of the most popular visitor draws.
Popular Destinations in Riyadh
Looking for activities once your private jet arrives in Riyadh? A sampling of attractions most frequented by visitors are listed below:
Ruins of Old Diriyah: These ruins once served as the first Saudi capital and were home to the Saudi Royal Family. Main attractions here include houses made from mud. Also to note, this is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.
National Museum: The National Museum is made up of eight well-designed halls, each of which detail a different aspect the Saudi Arabian heritage. The halls are as follows: The Hajj and the Two Holy Mosque, The Unification, First and Second Saudi States, Islam and the Arabian Peninsula, the Prophet’s Mission, the Pre-Islamic Era, Arabian Kingdom, and Which Are Man and the Universe. Each hall contains a collection of artifacts, miniatures, manuscripts, antiques and other historical remnants. To make the visit complete, audiovisual presentations are offered in both Arabic and English.
The Edge of the World: Visitors will swear that they are at the world’s edge when on location at this impressive place. This is arguably one of the best photo opportunities in the region; it is made up of breathtaking rock formations, seemingly bottomless valleys, and sharp cliff edges with sudden drop offs. Some speculate that this was actually once located at the bottom of an ocean.
Al Safi Dairy Farm: Al Safi is not just any dairy farm. Rather, it is the world’s largest integrated farm. So huge is this farm that its population of 50,000 Holstein cows holds the Guinness World Record. Cars entering the area must be carefully disinfected. Nevertheless, the tour itself takes place on a farm-owned bus. The tour offers hands-on opportunities for children, and the free giveaways complete the tour for all to enjoy.
Sky Bridge at Kingdom Center: As cityscapes go, the view from the 56m high Kingdom Center’s Sky Bridge is by far the best panoramic image available. Whether during the daytime or evening hours, the view from the Kingdom Tower’s 99th floor is unrivaled. The Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, restaurants, and shopping malls are additional elements of this attraction.
Deer Souk: The Arabic word for bazaar or market is “souk”, so this attraction is appropriately named. This is one of Riyadh’s best places to find items to take home that cannot be found elsewhere. Unique spices, flowing dresses, scented oils, lanterns, carpets, shawls, and scarves are only a few gems that can be found here.
Luxury Lodging in Riyadh
Seeking luxury accommodations once your private jet has arrived in Riyadh? Some of the most luxurious hotel and lodging facilities in Riyadh include:
- Al Faisaliah Hotel
- Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski
- Four Seasons Riyadh Kingdom Centre
- Hotel Al Khozama
- InterContinental Riyadh
- Ritz Carlton Riyadh
- Riyadh Palace Hotel
Airports In or Nearby Riyadh For Private Jets
Riyadh offers a wide array of airports in and around the city for private jet users, including:
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH): This airport is located 18 miles away from Riyadh and occupies an area of 78,000 acres. It sits at an elevation of 2,000 feet above sea level and has two asphalt runways each measuring 13,796 feet. The airport handles over 22 million passengers a year and serves both commercial and private aircraft.
- Al-Ahsa Domestic Airport (HOF): This airport mainly serves the Hofuf region and is 178 miles away from Riyadh. It has an elevation of 588 feet above sea level and has a single asphalt runway measuring 10,039 feet in length. It’s a relatively quiet airport but air traffic is expected to increase due to its strategic location: proximity to Qatar, Bahrain and Dubai..
- King Fahd International Airport (DMM): Located in Dammam, this public airport was opened in 1999 and currently has a turnover of more than 9 million passengers annually. Located 228 miles from Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport has two asphalt runways each measuring 13,123 feet in length.
Interested in a Private Jet Charter to Riyadh?