Giving You A Million Reasons To Love and Travel To Riyadh

Since the day I started exploring Riyadh’s nature and architectural wonders, the interest in learning about and seeing more of them did not wane.

 

Riyadh has redefined my idea of what a modern Muslim city in the desert looks like: unique, stylish, and relevant. Over the years, it has proven its worth as one of the most exciting places to visit or live in spite of religious-related restrictions. From the imposing architectural wonders, amazing desert scenery, tucked away places, crop of gorgeous malls, rich culture, Islamic art, to a variety of world-cuisine restaurants & cafes, there is absolutely a multitude of things to do and see here. 

Let these set of pictures and snapshots, which were all mostly taken from “non-mainstream tourist places and landmarks”, on the blog’s Instagram to do the rest of the talking. By talking I meant giving you a million reasons to travel to or love Riyadh. Of course, that is an overstatement or outright hyperbole but mind you, it is yours truly’s idiolect. After all, the modern world has taken the old idiom, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, into a new level. With social media’s help, a photo nowadays could speak a million words through its likes, comments, shares, and reach.

It is high time to highlight the beauty that Riyadh’s ordinary or less talked about places have while the whole Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in the midst of introducing the general public and the world to more open forms of tourism and entertainment.

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I have been frequenting this part of Riyadh in Sulaimaniya since last month because of the supermarkets in the area where I get to buy stuff for work related purposes. I love Tahlia Street during daytime primarily because this swanky "I Love Riyadh" art, which echoes through all expats here, appears well-lit. I love it more though during nighttime because it transforms into a walking street, particularly on weekends. It is that time when people flock to this place to dance with time in the malls, restaurants, and cafes that line up on both sides of the street. If you are up to taking long walks or passing the time with that authentic city vibe in the background, this is the place to be. #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #cityscape #citytrip #tahliastreet #hangoutplace #riyadhguide #riyadhphoto #riyadh #travelphotography #iloveriyadh #travelblogger #travel #iphoneography

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Mar 30, 2017 at 3:04pm PDT

ARCHITECTURE

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I'm literally looking on the bright side now… #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #reflection #city #cityscape #architecture #olaya #kingfahadroad #riyadh #saudiarabia #ksa #iphoneography

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jul 9, 2016 at 12:28am PDT

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Sometimes, a high riser doesn't need a designy exterior to capture a sightseer. The photo is an illustration of neatness and simplicity taking over swankiness. #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #travelersnotebook #riyadhguide #riyadhphoto #highriser #riyadhhotels #riyadh #ksa #iphoneography

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Feb 14, 2017 at 12:45pm PST

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Wordless Friday Series (Episode 1) #instariyadh #streetphotography #cityscape #sulaimanyah #kingdomcentre #kingdomtower #shawarmahouse #riyadh #saudiarabia #ksa

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Sep 16, 2016 at 2:20am PDT

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The concrete jungles in the city do evoke that awesome feeling when thy eyes catch their astonishing vantage points, like the one in the photo. #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #summer #architecture #streetlamps #riyadhlife #riyadhguide #riyadhphoto #travelingram #travelnotes #iloveriyadh

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jul 26, 2017 at 5:27am PDT

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I was initially feeling pestered at the hazy weather yesterday while cruising along King Fahad Road. It all changed when I began snapping photos upon reaching the most frequented part of Riyadh for floor coverings (i.e., Taybah Market) until waiting for the end of salah. Fog blanketed most parts of the city while dust storm enveloped the sky. I had to literally find a silver lining. I found it through this photo. #travelnotes #riyadhguide #riyadhphoto #simplethings #riyadhlife #riyadhtrend #riyadhdiaries #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #sauditourism

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Apr 26, 2017 at 10:58am PDT

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Wordless Friday Series (Episode 2) #instariyadh #street #streetphotography #streetphoto #alfaisaliah #alfaisaliahtower #dabab #sulaimanyah #riyadh #riyadhguide #saudiarabia #ksa

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Sep 16, 2016 at 2:26am PDT

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#redorange#sunset#riyadh#saudiarabia##unusual#fierysky

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Apr 10, 2014 at 3:02pm PDT

DESERT SCENERY

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Saudi Arabia's Hidden Valley is fortressed by some of the kingdom's autochthonous rocky hills. This spot is a geographical site to lay eyes on where vast sandstones and granite ridges ascend from desert sands to create spectacular shapes due to years of erosion from desert springs. #escarpment #ridge #sandstone #desert #riyadh #saudiarabia

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Feb 7, 2016 at 4:25am PST

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Back to the desert scene…#camel #desert #plateau #snapshot #ontheroad #travelphotography

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Apr 28, 2016 at 9:36am PDT

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I have already captured and shared a lot of sunset photos on my social media platforms. But when it comes to sunrise, I only shared one here on IG and none on my other social media platforms. So I want to wrap this day up by sharing the very second of it. When it comes to color, sunrise and sunset photos in the Middle East appear to be in vibrant orange frequently. Their tropical counterparts, on the other hand, are usually in bright yellow. Nonetheless, I owe those colors big time for creating that "magic" in my book — when they intermittently change from soft to strong and gradually spread out over the sky. #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #thewanderingstenographer #TravelTodayTV #travel #reflection #sunrise #kingsforest #nature #gift #riyadh #saudiarabia #sunsetandthecity #svfsunsetquotes

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Aug 26, 2016 at 9:29am PDT

TUCKED AWAY PLACES

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Earlier today, we finally set foot on what I now call The New Zealand of KSA: "Wadi Namar". #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #travel #story #wadi #namar #lake #dam #riyadh #ksa #nature #landscape

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jul 6, 2016 at 6:12am PDT

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMqW3kQj_oV/?taken-by=thewanderingfeetandmind

GORGEOUS MALLS

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Comfort in the familiar… #architecture #ceiling #ceilingdesign #lovinsaudi #visitsaudiarabia #visitsaudi #saudiimages #sauditourism #architecture #cityscape #citylights #facade #facadedesign #cityatnight

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jun 28, 2018 at 12:12am PDT

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“The Ceilinh Chronicles” Feasting on the best of Arabic designs at #saharamall … #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #traveldiaries #travelblogger #travelersnotebook #arabicart #art #interiordesign #riyadhart #riyadhguide #riyadhphoto #ksa #iphoneography #ceilingdesign

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Apr 10, 2017 at 11:42am PDT

RICH CULTURE & ISLAMIC ART

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The place where architecture, history, and nature dance in harmony. #architecture #history #nature #naturelovers #travel #museum #riyadh #saudiarabia #instapic #photooftheday #instalike #flowers #FotografiaUnited #landscape #outdoors #cityscape

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Mar 5, 2016 at 6:21am PST

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This is that part of Deira where a peculiar view caught my attention: A man, who was sunbathing to mollify the freezing blows of the winter season. Sometimes, the best photographs are usually the ones from stolen shots. He simply exuded some of life’s subtleties that make for a unique and captivating photo. All because he did not feel self-conscious. #deira #souq #carpet #street #streetphotography #streetstyle #travel #traveler #instapic #instalike #instaphoto #stolenshot

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Feb 26, 2016 at 2:49pm PST

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#camelcorner #incense #streetphotography #traditional

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jan 17, 2016 at 12:14pm PST

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#gold #brass #camelcorner #deira #traditional #antique

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jan 17, 2016 at 12:03pm PST

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“The Ceiling Chronicles” Arabesque(ing) #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #travel #travelblogger #traveldiaries #travelersnotebook #riyadhphoto #riyadhart #riyadhguide #interiordesign #saharamall #arabicart #arabesque #mediasource #riyadh #ksa #iphoneography #ceilingdesign

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Apr 10, 2017 at 11:46am PDT

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'Cause you're a hole full of gold, I gave you my lens. #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #travelblogger #travelersnotebook #art #islamicart #islamicarchitecture #riyadhguide #riyadhphoto #riyadhart #mediasource #riyadh #ksa #iphoneography

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Apr 7, 2017 at 11:12pm PDT

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It's amazing how a cup of coffee makes for a quality time. #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #coffeetime #coffeetales #mediasource #coffeeart #coffeetable #riyadhphoto #riyadhguide #riyadh_life #qualitytime

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Apr 8, 2017 at 9:52am PDT

WORLD-CUISINE RESTAURANTS & CAFES

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The sweetness of doing nothing but eating…#storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #travelnotes #spaghetti #foodporn #eatpraylove

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jul 26, 2017 at 5:30am PDT

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Sultan Steakhouse: Not Your Ordinary Steakhouse (1) #visitsaudiarabia #lovinsaudi #arab360 #riyadhguide #riyadhphoto #riyadhfreetours #cityscape #nightscape #lifeinsaudiarabia #riyadhrestaurants #steak #steakhouse #sauditourism #ksa

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jul 18, 2018 at 12:01am PDT

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#antiques #frenchdecor #paulbakery #paulpattiserie

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jan 1, 2016 at 11:51am PST

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Best friends plus special food equals good times! #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #bestfriends #foodporn #gifttoself #travel #foodtrip #reflection

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on May 29, 2016 at 8:51am PDT

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Hot Belgian Chocolate #chocolatefondue #dipndip #riyadhgallery

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Aug 15, 2015 at 2:52pm PDT

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The moment I saw these items in unison, I thought art could be everywhere…all we need is a pair of inquisitive and appreciative eyes. #visitsaudi #visitsaudiarabia #lovinsaudi #arab360 #riyadhguide #riyadhphoto #coffee #coffeetime #coffeeart #art #riyadhfreetours #lifeinsaudiarabia #lifeofsaudiarabia #sauditourism #findingsomethingbeautifuloutofthemundane

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jul 5, 2018 at 4:29pm PDT

SIDE TRIPS

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The replica of Turkey's Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, in Riyadh's World Sights Park looks stunning on its spot. (https://yobynos.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/its-the-clouds-its-the-blue-sky-its-world-sights-park/) #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #travelstoriesworld #architecture #mosque #iphoneography #riyadh #saudiarabia

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Nov 24, 2016 at 1:55am PST

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Flowers give life to a garden while colorful pots bring air to a museum. #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #alsalem #museum #coffeepot #colorful #pots #reflections #riyadh #ushaiger #heritage #village #saudiarabia

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Jun 18, 2016 at 3:00am PDT

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has, once again, proven its relentless efforts on introducing the general public to a new form of entertainment all for strengthening the country’s economy and global competitiveness and in harmony to its Saudi Vision 2030 (“Let the show begin: Word-class entertainment comes to Saudi Arabia“). The stereotypical picture of the cultural entertainment in the Kingdom is indeed changing into a new face—one that is modern and open-minded. #storiesofthewanderingfeet #storiesofthewanderingfeetandmind #motorsport #monsterjam2017 #monsterjam #supercross #motorcross #travelphotography #instadaily #instalike #instagram #riyadhguide #riyadh #ksa #iphoneography

A post shared by Sonyboy Fugaban (@thewanderingfeetandmind) on Mar 17, 2017 at 5:42pm PDT

Without a doubt, Riyadh has a lot to offer when it comes to playgrounds for sightseers, shoppers, foodies,  and/or travelers. Of course, do not forget that those photos are just but a glimpse of what Riyadh has to offer as we speak. There are obviously more attractions to come such as the eventual advent of movie theaters and the kingdom’s most ambitious leisure project—giant entertainment city that aims to draw a considerable number of visitors with resorts, golf courses, car racing tracks, and a Six Flags theme park.

Related Articles

Saudi Arabia is gearing up to become a tourism destination (independent.co.uk)

Saudi Arabia To Boost Its Tourism Sector With 2.7B Riyal Investments (forbesmiddleeast.com)

Saudi domestic tourism to rise 40% by 2020 – Construction Week (constructionweekonline.com)

Saudi Arabia to build entertainment city near Riyadh (aljazeera.com)

TRAVEL: Saudi Arabia tourism (washingtontimes.com)

13 really fun places to visit in Riyadh (stepfeed.com)

Why expat life in Saudi Arabia is more fun than you might think (independent.co.uk)