10 things to not miss when in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is considered one of the most conservative nations across the globe. With its modernization and the opening of the tourism sector, here are some things you can do. I have jotted down the top 10 things you must not miss during your visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1)      Shawarma

Let us roll with the first one, literally! Shawarma it is. One cannot simply come to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without having Shawarma. Though not originally discovered in Saudi Arabia and not the native dish of Saudis, it has been topping the food chart for ages; without a doubt. The reason I have placed it at number one on the ‘to-do list’ is simply its availability in every corner of the city, and that not a single person would not like it. Like absolutely no one! 

Shawarma wrap

Shavings cut from a block of meat on a rotating spit were originally invented in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire. Saudi Arabia adopted it, and since then it has been its signature and patent dish.

As a snack, a starter, or a dinner meal, grabbed with a Pepsi or a mixed fruit drink, this is the most beloved food item. Found in almost all the cities in the country, the most authentic one can be found at Yamal Al Shaam, Mama Noura, and Maccoy’s. My personal favorite would be from Maccoy’s in Rawdah on Hasan Bin Ali Street. The complimentary fries with mayonnaise just does it for me.

2)      Kabsa and drinks (qahwa with dates).

Saudis love to feed and feast. Their love for food and socializing is evident in their gatherings. With large chunks of meat on a huge dish of rice, it is enough to feed 100 to 200 people at a time.

Not just for its gatherings, Saudi Arabia is also famous for its restaurants. From the world’s top-notch best restaurants to the most local of the local food places, Saudi Arabia has it all.

Let us stick to the local food, the soul of every country. Kingdom, as such, doesn’t have anything of its own. Apart from the types of rice and meat dishes that can be named on the fingers of one hand, it's the dishes from across the world that make it famous. Pakistani cuisine to Indian to Filipino to Turkish to Egyptian to Lebanese to Syrian to Moroccan to Italian, or any other.

It is impossible to try them all on a short visit to the kingdom. Romansia, Shawaya House, and Saudi restaurant are among the few restaurants that cannot be missed! Even if you are running out of time, these are a must-have.

Jareesh, Haneeth, Hininy, Madfoon, Saleeq, Mandi, and Jalamah are local food items of Saudi origin. The kingdom is famous for its Kabsa, Mandi and Madfoon the most.

Anatolia Turkish Grill restaurant

Not to miss, qahwa with dates is an everyday thing. Available at all times, it is the most common gesture you will see. From workplaces to hotels to homes, qahwa and dates are the best combination you can find in Saudi homes.

The traditional way of serving qahwa and dates

Saudi girls serving dates and qahwa at an event

3)      Albaik

Dating back to 1974 when it was first opened by renovating a warehouse; Shakkour AbduGhazalah, developed the 18 secret herbs and spices recipe in the 80s and by 1986 he had registered a trademark in Saudi Arabia.

The first Albaik restaurant was opened in Makkah in 1990. Soon after, the Albaik spicy chicken was introduced and since then has been the most beloved chicken for the residents of Saudi Arabia. With more than 40 branches in Jeddah, 8 in Makkah and 3 in Madinah, it has extended to Riyadh, Taif, Yanbu and Al Qunfudhah.

It has the record for serving the most people at a time. Besides serving the most-liked and affordable chicken to its customers, its fish nuggets have made a special place at dine-ins in recent times. 

                                                             4)      Jenadriyah Festival

Haya tour during the festival (courtesy - Google)

Dating back to 1985, this festival draws the attention of many. It receives nearly a million visitors every year. Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, Jenadriyah has been the most prominent place and face in recent times. The festival is celebrated during the early months (February and March) of the Georgian calendar.

Saudis dancing during the festival (courtesy - Google)

Jenadriyah, also known as ‘Rowdhat Souwais ’, holds multiple events ranging from camel racing, horse racing, folk poetry, traditional costumes, dances, and many more. 

A Western couple during the festival (courtesy - Google)

This is a must-go place when in the kingdom. A different feel altogether.

Saudi women clicking during the festival (courtesy - Google)

                                                             5)      Diriyah

Old Diriyah

Royal Palace

As the old capital of the country, Diriyah, or even Dariyya, has been home to the rulers of Saudi Arabia’s Al Saud family since the early 19^th century. From the sand palaces and old mud houses to the much-talked-about Wadi Hanifa, this is an amazingly significant place to visit. Diriyah has played an important role in the country's reform.

The old palace of King Abdul Aziz, the founder of the kingdom, still exists in the area.

The present King, Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, also lives in Diriyah, and most of the delegates he receives are taken here as a gesture and introduction to the kingdom’s heritage and culture.

Historical Diriyah

                                6)      Tahlia street (Jeddah and Riyadh) and malls in the kingdom.

Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street, nicknamed Tahlia Street, is the fashion hub of the country’s capital as well as the city of Jeddah. From Prada to Gucci to Versace to Cartier to Chanel to Louis Vuitton to Giorgio Armani to Dolce and Gabbana, and the list goes on and on. The best and the most expensive cars, bikes and food joints can be found here. Many upscale shops and boutiques have been here for ages. It wouldn’t be wrong to call Tahlia Street the wealthiest district of Saudi Arabia.

This street is the destination for football fans; driving up and down, waving club scarves and honking their horns to celebrate victory is a common sight.

Visiting Tahlia just for the sake of it wouldn’t be a regret at all!

On the other hand, the malls in the kingdom have taken a special place over the years. Nakheel Mall, Panorama, and Riyadh Gallery are all the finest and largest shopping hubs. The all-women’s mall, yes, you read that right, Royal Mall is famous for the latest Abaya collection.

Riyadh Gallery

Kingdom Tower

Panorama Mall

                                                       7)      Buggy bikes – Thumamah

A Saudi lady riding a buggy (courtesy - Google)

One outdoor activity that is the most famous among the residents of the kingdom is going to a nearby desert for some quad biking. Quads, four wheelers, sand buggies, whatever you call them, are a blast to drive. On a 20km stretch, the Thumamah sand dunes outside Riyadh are a popular place to rent quads on weekends. Families can rent tents and private yards.

Camel and horseback rides are add-ons.

                                         8)      Causeway and the other highways; long drives

Connecting the eastern province of the country with the neighboring island of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Fahad Causeway is 25km long. Having been open for 3 decades, it is still one of the most beautiful experiences one can have.

With water beneath the bridge, the long drive with the view above the water is astounding. One cannot have enough of it in one go.

With the finest highways across the country, Saudi Arabia has the best road connections. Highway 65, also known as the Qassim Highway, connects the capital city, Riyadh, with Buraidah, Hail, and Sakakah in the northwest. It goes down to Al-Kharj in the southeast and goes up to Qurayyat to the Jordanian border. Stretching for 1200 kilometers, the highway intersects Highway 40 in Riyadh and Highway 60 in Buraidah.

                                                               9)      Camel Meat/Milk/Laban

The national animal of the kingdom is also the most commonly used animal for feasting. Camel meat dishes are among the many dishes at Saudi gatherings. Camel milk (laban) can be found in deserts. Shawarma made from camel meat is also enjoyed by many. A must for all the non-vegetarians out there.

10)      Religious visit to Makkah and Madinah

Makkah

Saudi Arabia is the custodian of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Makkah, the heart of Islam, has been secured and protected by the Saudi government. One doesn’t need a reason to visit Makkah and Madinah. Although crowded with hundreds, thousands, and millions of people, the peace and tranquility are incomparable.

As they say, New York doesn’t sleep; they haven’t seen Makkah yet. Indeed!

Madinah

Praying behind Sheik Sudais and Sheik Shuraim is the best feeling ever. There can be no better sound to the Quranic recitation. Such an exotic feeling in itself. The aesthetic beauty and exquisiteness of the place is incomparable. This is simply a no-miss even if you are in the kingdom for just a while.