#FlyWashington Magazine Fall 2018 | Page 42

RIYADH

All roads in Saudi Arabia lead to Riyadh — the capital , court , and heart of the kingdom . A mere hundred years ago the “ Queen of the Desert ” was a walled , mud-brick village of 27,000 people along a desert trading route , but now it is home to more than 5 million , and includes the country ’ s largest hospitals , universities , companies , banks , and more .
Thanks to the intensely hot desert climate , activities tend to take place behind closed doors . It ’ s only in the “ winter ” months , when temperatures drop to the 70s that locals come out to picnic in public parks , camp in the desert , and rent private chalets complete with swimming pools and playgrounds to vacation with families and friends . Public entertainment is limited in Riyadh but the newly created General Authority for Entertainment has already opened the city ’ s first cinema , with more to come .
SEE
Start at the Al Masmak fortress , erected in 1865 and looking every bit cinematic , with its clay and mud-brick watchtowers and thick walls . It ’ s here that the history of modern Saudi Arabia began , when leader , Ibn Saud , famously captured it in 1902 . Exhibitions and video presentations inside tell the story , as well as display vintage weapons , photography , and other traditional objects .
Fast forward to the 21st century at Kingdom Centre , a glistening , glass two-towered skyscraper rising 992 feet in the middle of the city . Home to a spectacular luxury shopping mall and the Four Seasons Hotel , it ’ s most famous for the stunning Skybridge on the 99th floor , which connects the two towers of the building and offers sweeping views of the city .
King Abdullah Park may sizzle during the day but by evening , particularly in the cooler months , the surprisingly lush and green space makes for a popular evening stroll . The highlight and main attraction is the huge “ dancing fountain ,” which features a colorful laser light show .
PLAY
In the city that is home to the king , it ’ s fitting that the “ game of kings ,” ( golf ) is so easily accessed . Several courses and clubs are within a half hour ’ s drive of the city , including Riyadh Golf Course , an official Par-72 championship course . Forty-five miles southwest of Riyadh , in the picturesque Tawfiq Valley , find Dirab Golf & Country Club . The 18 holes are just the start of the fun here , where you will also find horseback riding , tennis courts , a swimming pool , and clubhouse restaurant .
The desert dunes surrounding the city welcome ATVs and four-wheel drive cars for “ dune bashing ,” which essentially means putting the pedal to the medal while charging up and down the dunes . Don ’ t try on your own , however , as there is the danger of rolling the car over or getting stuck — always best to join a tour group or outfitter . For extra adrenalin , bring a snowboard for “ sand surfing .”
SHOP
Few places in the world can match the majesty of Riyadh ’ s super sleek modern shopping malls , which essentially serve as community centers . The queen of them all is the Al Nakheel Mall , home to more than
200 shops of most major world brands , dozens of restaurants , and a 20,000 square-foot play park for kids .
For a more traditional experience , head to the Deerah Souq bazaar just behind Masmak Fort . For souvenir hunters , this is the ideal spot to find scarfs , shawls , carpets , lanterns , scented oils , gold , spices , and much more . Don ’ t accept any price on face value — haggling isn ’ t just welcome , it ’ s expected .

JEDDAH

If Riyadh is the center of law and order , Jeddah is the vacation hub where Saudis cut loose . The promenades along the Red Sea — especially the “ Jeddah Corniche ” — see far more foot traffic than any boulevard in Riyadh . With greater tolerance comes more options for entertainment , including hookah cafes , live music , and amusement parks . Beaches , both public and private , provide optimal conditions for snorkeling and diving , and some even allow bikinis .
As Jeddah is only 55 miles from Mecca , and has the nearest major airport , it is more greatly affected during the annual Hajj pilgrimage , which lasts around two months and attracts about two million people from all over the world . In fact , the airport has a five million squarefoot Hajj Terminal , which can handle 80,000 arrivals during that time .
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 40 AUTUMN 2018