STAYING IN RIYADH

Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's welcome mat to the world as the country slowly opens its doors to more than just business travellers - and it has much to offer. The desert city is at once a glittering modern metropolis with skyscrapers rising above the desert sands yet at the same time a place where stoic tradition still reigns supreme. As Riyadh has developed, it has managed to protect - even nurture - its historical wonders, working with international organisations like UNESCO to secure recognition of some of its most precious sites including Masmak Fortress, the Murabba Palace and Al Shamsiah Palace.

Visitors to Riyadh will enjoy days spent discovering the city's historical and cultural wonders, including the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and Ad Diriyah Old City. Further afield, explore Saudi Arabia's wild natural heritage with visits to the Red Sands for some quad bike adventures, and a breathtaking hike along the Tuwaiq Escarpment.

RIYADH'S HISTORY

On the outskirts of modern Riyadh and only a short drive from your apartment hotel, you'll find Ad Diriyah Old City. The site is in some regards the birthplace of the First Saudi State, being the original seat of the kingdom's Al Saud royal family.Designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2010, the area has undergone a massive rejuvenation project. Wander through the mud brick and daub Al Bujairy district to gain a sense of what life used to be like before the country's rise as an oil-rich nation, and visit the restored Al Zawiha Mosque. Streetside demonstrations of traditional weaving and calligraphy add to the sense you've stepped back in time. There's a magic about the place that contrasts strongly with the skyscrapers and bustle of modern-day Riyadh. 

SAVOUR SAUDI FLAVOURS

Riyadh offers plenty of options for discerning diners of all tastes and budgets, from haute cuisine to cheap and cheerful streetside bites. Some of the best dining establishments are located conveniently close to your serviced apartments in Riyadh. For authentic Saudi-style food, look no further than The Najed Village, a large traditional restaurant serving delicious and authentic Saudi cuisine. Going with the traditional vibe, guests sit on carpets and lean back on cushions, sharing a variety of flavourful dishes including Mogalgal, a spicy lamb stew, and Sweet Sabeeb - butter and honey-soaked whole wheat pancakes. For high-end dining that takes the concept quite literally, book a table at The Globe Riyadh. The unmistakable architecture of the venue is part of the charm; the venue sits inside a golden glass sphere atop the Al Faisaliyah Tower offering 360 panoramic views of Riyadh below. The menu is French-inspired with definite nods to Saudi fare, and the High Tea is a delectable crowd pleaser.