Car Hire Riyadh - Mini guide to Riyadh

Riyadh is a high-tech city built up almost entirely with Saudi oil money in the last 30 year to serve as the Kingdom’s capital. Although Riyadh contains some interesting sights, it should be remembered that Saudi Arabia does not issue tourist visas, so if you are thinking of visiting you will need either an invitation or to book a special tour with the government of the country.

It should also be noted that due to the recent instability in the Middle East many western governments have issued travel warnings to many countries in this region including Saudi Arabia.

The center and oldest part of Riyadh is called Al Bathaa. In the center of the old city is Masmak Fortress, built in 1865 and recently renovated, the fortress in now a museum featuring the history of the unification of the kingdom by Abdul Aziz. To its west is the Riyadh Museum, which covers the history of the country from the Stone Age to modern days.

As a modern city, Riyadh contains good hotels and restaurants. However, as Saudi Arabia is a strictly Islamic state in should be remembered that drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden.

Just north of the city proper lie the ruins of Dir’aiyah, which are easily accessible by car. Founded in 1446 and razed in 1818, Dir’aiyah is now a major archaeological site and a popular tourist attraction. In this ruined city you can find both reconstructed ruins of palaces, homes, and mosques, as well as less worked over areas.

The city has one of the largest airports in the world and flights are available to and from the city from all over. There are also frequent links to cities around the region.