Has anyone here traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?

I've not been to Riyadh, but I spent a week for work in Al Jubail. Saudi is one of the last places on earth I ever want to return to. But Al Jubail is their petrochemical center with a lot of pollution and poor foreign workers. Riyadh has to be better.

After Saudi I spent a week in Oman which is a far better place, if you are looking for a country in the region to visit.

Now, mind you it has been 5 years since last time I was there and it has become more "open"...

Obviously, alcohol is verboten, but they do have some terrific restaurants in Riyadh. Najd Village I had been taken to a couple times for Arabian food and always a great time. Also, if you like India, Zafran is really good.


Lots of good shawarma shops...never had a bad one.

When call to prayer starts, nothing moves. I would setup your phone to plan accordingly, ie if you need to go to the bathroom.

As for sites to see, it was mainly just malls and office buildings I was taken to, so no real recommendations there. I would look into a tour guide.

A colleague said Riyadh Season was pretty good for a visit.

Couple things, the hotel bars usually have great juice drinks.

I am on the larger side, but be prepared for lots of fat slobs.