Riyadh Corporate Traveller Guide

Staying in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The name Riyadh may translate from Arabic as ‘gardens’, but today the Saudi Arabian capital is more concrete than jungle. Emblematic of the region’s growth, the skyline is littered with high-rise developments and brightly lit compared to its desert surrounds. With many major banks headquartered in the city and one-third of the country’s factories, Riyadh is a key financial and manufacturing centre that attracts large numbers of expatriates.

Whether you’re relocating and joining Riyadh’s considerable expat community or just passing through for some corporate commitments in the city, read our corporate traveller guide before you set off for the key information you need to know.

Riyadh Key Information

Weather in Riyadh

Saudi summers are notoriously sweltering – between April and October temperatures average above 30° and can reach above 40°. It rarely rains in Riyadh but March and April experience a little rain, and sand storms can be common. Riyadh is warm and dry year-round, so you’ll need a breathable wardrobe with light layers for inside air-conditioned buildings. 

Currency in Riyadh

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

1 Saudi Riyal is divided into 100 halala. While ATMs are available throughout the city, card and digital payments are widely accepted. Some smaller shops may charge for card payments and cash tips are preferred – in restaurants (around 10-15%), for tour guides or housekeeping staff – so a supply of cash is always useful.

Health & Well-being in Riyadh

Riyadh has plenty of parks and scenic neighbourhoods ideal for biking or jogging, Al Nahda Park and Wadi Hanifa Parks are two of the best options. Jogging/biking is accepted in public for both men and women, but make sure you dress modestly in-keeping with the Public Decorum Charter.

The mountains that surround the city also make for great hiking trails: Camel Trail is a firm favourite and Tuwaiq Mountain is a popular sunset route. Although, given the high temperatures in Riyadh, gyms and exercise classes are a safe bet especially in the hotter months.

Data in Riyadh

Lots of public areas like hotels, restaurants and cafés have free Wi-Fi so you can usually stay connected when out and about. You need to be a resident to get a mobile phone contract in Saudi Arabia and you will need to present your Iqama (resident permit) with your passport to get it, however visitors can buy a prepaid SIM card to use while staying in Riyadh.

STC SIM cards offer extensive 4 and 5G coverage, but make sure your phone is SIM unlocked before you arrive to ensure you can swap to an international SIM.

Plug Type: Type G

Cuisine in Riyadh

Local cuisine consists largely of rice, meat, flat breads and is packed full of spices. Top dishes include Jareesh (ground wheat cooked with rice, onion, vegetables and chicken), Qursan (layers of thin, fresh bread topped with tomato and vegetable sauce, fresh onions and parsley) and Matazeez (flat dumplings cooked in a vegetable, tomato and meat stew).

Language in Riyadh

Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia, but you’ll find English is widely understood and spoken with it being a compulsory second language taught in schools. English is also commonly used for business but keep a note of a few key Arabic phrases to connect with local people:

Salam alaykum  = peace be upon you (a common greeting, like hello)

Kaifa halak? (asking a man) / Kafa halik? (asking a woman) = how are you?

Min fdlek  = please

Shukran  = thank you

Tasharrafna  = nice to meet you

Momken alfatorah law samaht?  = may I have the bill please?

Tetkalam Engleezy  = do you speak English?

Transport in Riyadh

Driving is very common in Saudi Arabia so, unless you hire your own car, taxis are regularly used. Uber is the largest hailing app, but local taxicabs are also available and run on a meter. Remember women must always sit in the back seat when travelling in a taxi.

Buses are operated by SAPTCO, and fares are paid using a rechargeable smart card. There are seven main bus routes with a frequency of between 10 to 20 minutes, and buses operate every day from 5:30am to 11:30pm.

There are only two passenger train routes that run through Riyadh: the North Train with night service runs from Riyadh to Qurayyat, and the intercity East Train runs from Riyadh to Dammam. The country’s third route is a high-speed service between Mecca and Medina, but the Mecca station is only accessible to Muslims.

Culture in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country and has several local laws governed by religion to be aware of. For example, the Public Decency Law explains what men and women are expected to wear when out in public: opt for loose-fitting clothing that covers to the elbow and below the ankle to be respectful to Muslim faith.

While children are welcome in many restaurants, if eating at a fancier place it’s advised to ring up before you go to check for any restrictions on bringing children with you.

If entering somebody else’s home, make sure you take your shoes off when you enter. It will also be mandatory to remove your shoes before entering religious places and houses of worship such as mosques.

There are also some unwritten cultural norms to abide by, such as to avoid using your left hand to shake hands, give/receive objects, and eat; avoid pointing at others; ask permission before taking a photo of somebody; and not show public displays of affection.

Riyadh Map

Now that you’ve brushed up on all the basics for your next business trip to Riyadh, browse our selection of Riyadh serviced apartments and get in touch to book today.