Lifestyle in Riyadh

The lifestyle in Riyadh can take some getting used to for Western expats. While there’s limited access to alcohol, Riyadh woos its residents in other ways – with restaurants, malls and souks. You might be surprised to learn that there are also plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed in sweltering Saudi Arabia, although these are best done in winter or in the early evening, when the sun is less ferocious.

Shopping in Riyadh

Buying the latest fashions from high-end international boutiques and sifting through the city’s indoor and outdoor markets (souks) for local items such as Persian rugs, leather goods, handbags, and local jewellery is a staple pastime for expats in Riyadh.

Souq al-Zal is the city’s oldest and largest market and overflows with brassware, carpets, clothing, jewellery, sandalwood, frankincense, and myrrh.

You’re sure to find almost anything your heart desires at one of the local malls, with the most popular being Al Nakheel, Riyadh Gallery and Kingdom Centre Tower.

Eating out in Riyadh

There’s no shortage of restaurants in Riyadh, and food prices are generally reasonable. The city hosts a large selection of Middle Eastern fare and a growing international cuisine scene. But one side effect of being an Islamic country is that Saudi Arabia has different dining establishments for different demographics. ‘Singles only’ venues are exclusively for men, while ‘family sections’ are for married couples and groups of women.

Wherever they eat, expats should use their discretion, follow the cues of other diners and go with what seems appropriate for the establishment.

Tahlia Street is known for its fine dining and affordable eateries alike, with even American chain restaurants appearing on either side of the avenue. For expats who want a five-star experience, many of Riyadh’s hotels have excellent options, and some don’t have gender-segregated sections.

Sports and outdoor activities in Riyadh

Sports enthusiasts can catch an Al-Nassr FC football game and marvel at world-class Cristiano Ronaldo’s skills at the King Fahd International Stadium or one of the local sports bars.

Those looking for a breath of fresh air may enjoy a stroll through King Abdullah Park or Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Park. Temperatures in Riyadh limit the time that one can spend exercising outdoors. That said, many compounds come equipped with gyms and swimming pools, which are great for fitness enthusiasts.

Making friends and meeting people in Riyadh

Moving to a foreign city and having to make a brand-new circle of friends can be daunting. But certain tried and tested methods for meeting people are always useful, no matter where in the world you find yourself.

Firstly, hobby and sports clubs create the ideal circumstances for meeting people with similar interests. Having common ground makes it much easier to strike up a conversation with a stranger, while engaging in a group activity gives you something to do, making small talk less awkward.

Another option is expat groups or meet-ups. These come in all shapes and sizes – some are for certain nationalities only, while others accept all expats. Certain groups may be just for women or solely for business networking. With all these choices available, you’re bound to find an expat group that’s your perfect fit.

Lastly, how about trying out volunteer work? Pick a cause close to your heart. Not only are you sure to meet like-minded people in the process, but you’ll also be doing a good deed that creates a sense of purpose.

Opportunities to meet others can be found all over the web, from social media networks to volunteering portals and specialised sites such as MeetUp.

Useful links

• MeetUp Riyadh
• Volunteer with Riyadh Municipality