The capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has become one of the Middle East’s most alluring cities for professionals, attracting experts from the region and the world.
Its ultra-modern skyscrapers and extraordinary vision contrast with the richness of the city’s ancient cultural sites, including Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom and a World Heritage Site, situated close to our campus.
New districts are being developed all the time, contributing to the vitality one feels as one of its more than 7.5 million residents. With a lively café culture, as well as burgeoning arts, music and culinary scenes, there is always a choice of things to do when not at work.
Destination shopping and eating has become increasingly popular, with many new malls, restaurants and hotels providing lots of choice. Popular options include Boulevard City, the high-end VIA Riyadh, a luxury experience with restaurants, stores, and a world-class cinema, and The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) which offers premium retail brands, dining and entertainment all in one location.
Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, the city offers a host of green spaces to enjoy. The spectacular Wadi Hanifah valley runs 120 kilometres north to south through Riyadh and serves up beautiful desert scenery along the Wadi Hanifah waterway, making it perfect for biking and hiking.
For golfing enthusiasts, Riyadh Golf Club is located just 20 minutes from Central Riyadh, while family fun can be had at Riyadh Zoo, Saudi Arabia’s largest wildlife sanctuary and home to more than 1,500 animals.
Cultural events include the annual Janadriyah Festival which celebrates Saudi camel racing, dance, poetry, arts and crafts, as well as traditional Saudi food. The Riyadh Season has also become a hugely popular carnival-style event, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Further afield, visits to Medina, Mecca (Muslims only), Jeddah and the Red Sea are just a short flight away making them popular for weekends. And if you’re looking for a special desert experience, the AlUla Valley needs to be on your bucket list. As the Kingdom’s first World Heritage Site, its rock formations have become an iconic symbol of the unexplored beauty of Saudi Arabia.
Finally, Saudi Arabia's ambitious giga projects, including NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, are reshaping the nation's landscape with futuristic cities, luxury tourism destinations, and entertainment hubs, offering potential newcomers a glimpse of the Kingdom's bold vision for economic diversification and modernisation.
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