BusinessTravel Guide
Riyadh
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The maze of Saudi Arabia
R I Y A D H
RIYADH
can shroud the city in dust, while winter can see the temperature drop to just above zero. Although you will have to endure the blazing heat in between a busy schedule, a saving grace is the lack of humidity in the air, with summer evenings occasionally bringing about a Saudi Arabia’s young capital is the perfect combination of cooling breeze while you enjoy your free time. modern business acumen and traditional values Riyadh provides the perfect Writer: Phoebe Calver demonstration of modern Saudi contradiction; for the eager business iyadh (‘The Garden’) has Riyadh provides the perfect setting traveller its sparkling modernity, come a long way since for a business traveller; by combining juxtapositioned against the conservative its days as a stopping modern westernisation with traditional traditions to provide both an enticing point along the desert Saudi values. and intriguing backdrop to your travels. trading routes, now one Due to its location in the middle of When you incorporate the fine of the wealthiest cities in the world the country, the city is prone to some of dining, excellent hotels and the rare and the Kingdom’s financial and Saudi Arabia’s most extreme climates. sights that you would expect from a political capital. The summer season will often bring city rich in history, Riyadh is not Ruled by strict adherences to temperatures of more than 50°C, only the perfect business hub but sensibilities recognised the world over, along with bone-dry conditions that also a captivating place to explore.
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FACTS & FIGURES
Country:
Saudi Arabia
Languages:
Arabic, English, French
Area:
4,900 square kilometres
Population (2016):
8,000,000
GDP (2016):
121,395
Currency:
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Time zone:
UTC+3
Dialling code:
+9661
Internet TLD:
.sa
Climate:
Hot desert climate
‘...for the eager business traveller its sparkling modernity, juxtapositioned against the conservative traditions will provide both an enticing and intriguing backdrop to your travels’
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R I Y A D H
The Business End
RIYADH HAS experienced rapid expansion in both population and infrastructure in its recent history; only 100 years ago it was simply a dowdy walled town that provided a stopping point on a trade route through the city. The city was made the capital of Saudi Arabia when the country was born in 1932 and has since worked tirelessly to create a reputation in both culture and business acumen to make the city a success, and a natural choice for
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business travellers the world over. Riyadh is a part of both Saudi Vision 2030 and National Transformation Programme 2020, both of which are placing a large amount of emphasis on increasing private sector involvement, while also working to increase privatisation and investment of a large number of Government businesses as well as development of a variety of industries. As both the financial and political capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is now working on developments in various industries such as mining in order to reform it and stimulate both growth and job opportunities. Looking to obtain an environmentally friendly status is becoming an increasingly
important topic of conversation, and the city is subsequently aiming to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons by 2020. Whilst working on this, there is also a focus on the oil & gas industry and continued localisation in the sector; increasing gas production and its national gas distribution network in the process. In the present day Riyadh provides the perfect platform to gather business professionals the world over, with a prime example being Saudi Arabia’s fourth accounting and auditing conference at Al Faisaliah Hotel. Business, finance and government leaders the world over will gather to discuss the plans for success driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
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Transport Links
Hamad International Airport
RIYADH IS a long way from anywhere, but luckily has excellent connections by air, with the city’s King Khaled Airport located approximately 35 kilometres north of the city. However, due to the airport’s location, it remains a notoriously tedious place to get stuck in; so in order to avoid running late on your busy schedule, ensure you have planned your route into the city well in advance. Carrying valid identification at all times is vitally important, as you may experience issues if you are stopped at any of the city’s check-points. A taxi ride into the city will take around 30 minutes in good traffic and you can download Uber, Easy Taxi and Careem ahead of your trip to book
private taxis. Bear in mind that Riyadh is very much a car-oriented city and public transport is underdeveloped in comparison to other popular cities. It is advisable to carry a map and the phone number of someone at your destination when travelling around the city. Most drivers will be familiar with the major local landmarks, and from that point you will often be expected to know the way to your destination. Leaving yourself a little extra time when negotiating Riyadh is definitely worthwhile. If you find yourself with extra time in between meetings and are feeling adventurous, walking around Riyadh is a great way to see the city. However, pedestrian bridges are few
and far between and combining that with the – at times – risky driving, and the formidable summer heat, it is no surprise that you will see relatively few people making their way across the city on foot. Plans for expansion to the city’s railway and metro systems have been approved, which will introduce six lines to Riyadh, scheduled to open in 2019. This will provide an exciting new way to get around the city, and not only that, it will make Riyadh a lot more user friendly to the busy business traveller.
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R I Y A D H
Outlook recommends “Nowhere are the contradictions of modern Saudi Arabia more evident than in Riyadh. Seen from afar, soaring, sparkling, stunning modern towers rise above the desert and shiny 4WDs throng modern highways. Up close, Riyadh is cautious and sober, not to mention conservative and deeply rooted in Saudi traditions.” - Lonely Planet
HOSPITALITY
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS
ART & CULTURE
Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski elegantly combines Arabian values with the Kempinski hospitality and flair, the hotel provides 349 rooms and suites inspired by modern Najdi architecture. Offering the busy business traveller a peaceful rest-bite amidst the hustle and bustle of such a dynamic city, with a variety of dining experiences on offer combined with a classic European spa, fitness centre and spacious lounges to relax in.
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre
City of Old Ad’Diriyah
Al Thumairi Gate City of Old Ad’Diriyah Al Musmak Castle FOOD & DRINK
Kingdom Centre
Antiquities Museum Kingdom Centre Najd Village Ata bin Ali Restaurant Four Seasons Hotel website
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Beit al-Hashi
Owais Souq Riyadh Zoo Narcissus Hotel & Residence
Home of Luxury in Riyadh
B U R J R A FA L H O T EL K EM P I N S K I blends the Arabian values of hospitality and warmth with Kempinski management expertise and our remarkable European flair to bring you 349 rooms and suites with inspired, tasteful and stylish modern Najdi architecture.
A peaceful oasis amidst a dynamic city, the hotel offers a wide range of outstanding services. These begin with an exquisite variety of dining experiences in exceptional restaurants including authentic Ottoman cuisine, and go on to include exclusively distinguished lounges, a barber shop, fitness centre and two separate swimming pools and spa facilities for men and women. For more information please call us on +966 11 511 7777 or email us at: reservations.burjrafal@kempinski.com Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski 7647 King Fahad Road, Sahafa Unit 1, Riyadh 13315-2174, Saudi Arabia Tel: +966 11 511 7777 ¡ Fax: +966 11 511 7778 ¡ kempinski.com/burjrafal /BurjRafalHotelKempinski
@BurjRafalHotel
@BurjRafalHotelKempinski
ANNIVERSARY
R I Y A D H
Out & About RIYADH PROVIDES just the right balance for the fastpaced living of a business traveller, with its variety of historical landmarks and traditional entertainment. Many tourists visiting Riyadh will often be in search of a similar offering to western nightlife, however this city offers up something a little different, providing a quiet insight into the actual Saudi culture. There are no bars or clubs to wind away your evenings in, instead you will find more of a restaurant culture in which to unwind. With an abundance of both local and international cuisine available, there is something for everyone’s tastes and the Riyadh nightlife experience will leave you relaxed and ready for another day of business and exploring.
As a business-oriented city, there is the perfect combination available of ease and efficiency, with an array of historical landmarks throughout. Stepping out of the hustle and bustle of the city slightly and you will find yourself transported into another world, surrounded by sand and original Arabian architecture. A perfect example of this can be found at Al Musmak Castle, just 10 kilometres out of the city centre. As an important part of the city’s history - constructed during Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Rasheed’s reign - the castle is now open to the public following its conversion into a museum. If you are looking for an authentic cultural experience where getting involved in bargaining is a must, look no further than Owais Souq. From traditional flea-market stalls, to gold jewellery and beautiful fabrics, the Souq is one of the most popular amongst the locals and will provide you with an insight into life in Riyadh.
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Landmark Attractions Sky Bridge
“Extending 65 metres in length, the SkyBridge which is a steel structure weighting about 300 tons sits on top of the 300-metere height tower and overlooking the whole of Riyadh. Its unique position gave it the advantage of being one of the most important attraction point for tourism in Riyadh. The trip to the SkyBridge passes through two elevators, first elevator will take about 50 seconds to reach the height of 180 metres to the Transfer level, and second elevator will take less than 40 seconds to reach its final destination the Sky Bridge. – kingdomcentre.com
National Museum
“Inside the National Museum, Riyadh, you can find a captivating display of Saudi Arabia’s culture in past and present forms. There are different types of antiques, manuscripts, documents and display boards that showcase an erstwhile era.” – nationalmuseum.org
Masmak Fortress
“It’s a scene out of the movies: a big fortress representing an empire. Surrounded by sand, this squat fortification was built around 1865... The roofs are covered with painted palm-trees; taramic and ethel wood and exude an old-world charm
that evokes an Arabian painting. Inside, the information panels and short, chest-thumping films on the storming of the fortress and the ‘reunification’ of Saudi Arabia are reverential towards the Al Sauds but worth watching nonetheless.” – Lonely Planet
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BusinessTravel Guide ENQUIRIES joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672