Translate to English: Riyadh: The cultural capital of Saudi Arabia

The word "Riyadh" comes from the Arabic word rawḍah, which means "garden" or "meadow," referring to the vast fertile green gardens of the region. Riyadh is not only the administrative and political capital of Saudi Arabia, but also known as the cultural capital of Saudi Arabia due to its rich cultural centers, such as the Abdulaziz Historical Center (National Museum). The city is located on a plateau in the Najd region, surrounded by mountains and cliffs. Among them, the 99-storey Kingdom Centre Tower has become one of the city's landmarks, showcasing the charm of modern technology. In the outskirts of the city, the Edge of the World is another must-visit attraction, offering a spectacular view of the desert landscape as if standing at the edge of the Earth. The charm of Riyadh lies in the fusion of ancient and modern, as well as the collision of nature and art, which is truly breathtaking.

Kingdom Center Tower

The highlight of the Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh is a spectacular skybridge that reaches a height of 65 meters, resembling a closed corridor with windows on both sides for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the city. It is situated at the top of the skyscraper, and visitors can take two elevators directly to the floors where the skybridge is located. In addition, the building houses over 150 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, including the high-quality VOX cinema that offers private screening rooms and waiter service. The Kingdom Centre Tower offers tourists a complete shopping, dining and entertainment experience.

Draïa ancient city

Dareyya is a gem in Saudi Arabia, located in the center of Riyadh and rapidly becoming a tourist attraction. The most famous landmark is the UNESCO certified World Heritage Site of Al Turaif, built in the 15th century as the royal palace and capital of the Saudi dynasty. It preserves the narrow alleys and streets of the Najdi architecture style of the Arabian Peninsula. Across from it is the newly developed leisure and entertainment district of Bujairi Terrace, offering cuisine from different countries and unique gift shops, attracting many locals and tourists to spend their weekends and holidays here. This is an excellent tourist destination that satisfies travelers' needs for cultural history and cuisine.

Edge of the World

The World's Edge in the northwest of Riyadh is a worth visiting attraction. It takes a three-hour drive from the city center, but you can spend a whole day here. Standing on the hundred-meter high cliff, you can overlook the surrounding desert scenery, feeling the breathtaking beauty. Here, you can imagine that billions of years ago, it was a vast ocean, and now there are the dried-up river valleys and coral fossils in the desert. Combining with Arabic afternoon tea and sunset, the World's Edge will offer you the ultimate romantic and breathtaking experience. The World's Edge is spectacular, a famous tourist destination in Saudi Arabia, and a popular Instagram spot for many travelers.

Saudi Arabia National Museum

The National Museum, also known as the Abdulaziz King Historical Center, is a worthwhile tourist destination in Saudi Arabia. Here, you can learn about Islamic history and the history of the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Exhibitions focus on themes such as man and the universe, Saudi heritage, Arab Islamic culture, Arab kingdoms, the mission of the prophet, and Islam on the Arabian Peninsula. One interesting aspect is the reconstructed historical scenes of pre-Islamic era cities and markets, allowing you to learn about the lives of people at that time. In the "Hajj" and "Two Holy Sites" exhibition areas, you can see the complete ritual procedures of the pilgrimage to Mecca, changes in the pilgrimage routes, and the historical changes of Mecca and Medina. Even if you are not a believer in Islam, this is a three-dimensional popular science tour, with lively and interesting explanations.

Masamune Fortification

Abdulaziz Al Saud, after being exiled to Kuwait, captured a fortress and gained control of Riyadh in 1902, marking the formation of the Saudi Arabian nation. This fortress is now a museum in the center of Riyadh, open for visitors to explore. Additionally, the Qasr al Murabba historical palace is nearby, showcasing the king's personal items and photographs of meetings with famous individuals from around the world, making for a great combined visit.

Riyadh National Zoo

The National Zoo is located in the Middle East and is a place where visitors can observe a variety of animals and birds. It has over 1500 animals and more than 80 species of birds, and visitors can take a 20-minute train ride to tour the zoo. Animals in the zoo include black panthers, lions, tigers, chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, flamingos, and African grey parrots. It is better to visit the zoo in winter, as it is too hot in summer and animals often hide in shaded areas, making them difficult to see. Here, you can also see very rare birds that are almost extinct in Saudi Arabia.

Ushkuer Village

If you want to try visiting ancient villages around Riyadh, besides the Edge of the World, the oasis ancient village in the northwest Nejd region may be another option. The Bedouin settled here 1500 years ago, relying on water sources and palm groves, becoming a resting place for many pilgrims. Within the walls are hundreds of ancient adobe houses with interesting designs, triangular windows, exquisitely carved wooden doors and unique roofs, all reflecting the architectural style of the Nejd region. Some doorplates also show the names of past residents. The winding corridors and paths between houses are separated by lush palm groves. The village even has various facilities such as schools, shops, restaurants and mosques, almost no different from the past. The Al Salem Museum, spontaneously built by the villagers, displays local clothing, jewelry, ceramic cookware and weapons. Outside the museum is a mountain peak, where you can drive to overlooking the oasis and farmland, enjoy food and picnic, and admire the charming sunset.