A business traveller’s guide to Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, is quickly becoming the Gulf’s go-to business hub, thanks to the kingdom’s booming economy and rapid growth in sectors like hospitality, technology and manufacturing. For business travellers, Riyadh is a dream destination that’s seemingly designed for striking deals. And with streamlined visa processes and a host of high-end hospitality options that have emerged in recent years, visiting the city has never been easier. 

Where to start

Riyadh is a city of 7.7 million people that sprawls over almost 1,800 square kilometres, but most business happens in three areas – King Abdullah Financial District in the north, Olaya in the centre and Qurtubah near King Khalid International Airport. Government ministry offices are scattered between these areas, while high-level meetings often take place at the Royal Court in the west.

Travelling around the city is a breeze – well-priced taxis are available through Uber and a local app called Careem – though traffic can be particularly heavy during the rush hour periods, so leave plenty of time to get to your destination.

Where to take clients 

Riyadh’s restaurant scene has exploded in recent years, with dozens of exciting new openings adding to the city’s catalogue of long-standing local shawarma joints and late-night cafés. 

To impress, head for upscale dining district King Abdullah Financial District in the city’s north, sparkling Via Riyadh Mall next to the Ritz-Carlton or Bujairi Terrace in the Unesco-listed historical area of Diriyah. 

At Via Riyadh, you’ll find well-heeled residents dining on fine Indian cuisine at Gymkhana , among old-school interiors, as well as an outpost of Spago , Wolfgang Puck’s iconic Californian fusion spot that first opened on the Hollywood strip in 1982. Meanwhile at Bujairi Terrace, you’ll be able to dine at the beloved Barcelona breakfast haven Brunch & Cake .

For local flavours, make your way to one of Riyadh’s three branches of Najd Village , where sprawling spreads of camel meat kabsa rice and margoog vegetable stew are served in carpeted courtyards that draw on the traditional Najdi architectural style. 

Where to stay 

Global chains like Hilton and IHG have dozens of properties in key locations, offering familiar rooms and coveted loyalty points, but if budget allows, snag a reservation at The St. Regis Riyadh . This hotel boasts the city’s best spa – a vast 1,240-square-metre underground bunker of rejuvenation with rainfall showers, hot tubs and fireplace relaxation rooms – plus a rooftop pool area that doubles as a chic shisha spot after sunset. 

Other popular hotels include the central Four Seasons set across 50 floors within Riyadh’s glass-fronted Kingdom Centre (the lobby lounge is the Royal Court’s de facto tearoom), and the newly renovated Mandarin Oriental , which bookends Olaya’s Al Faisaliah Tower with two low-rise collections of sophisticated suites. All guests can visit the neighbouring Globe Experience observation deck free of charge for sweeping views of the city. 

What to say

Saudis are incredibly proud of their country, excited about the future and famously welcoming to visitors. You’ll experience warm interactions everywhere – from coffee shop counters to hotel check-in desks.

Locals love when visitors sprinkle in a few Arabic words. “Marhaba” means hello, and “shukran” is thank you. “Alhamdulillah” (all praise and thanks be to Allah) is used to express gratitude for good things in daily life and is often shortened to “hamdillah”. 

In the corporate world, government ministries, hotels and restaurants, English is widely understood. However, outside these areas, especially among older generations, comprehension can vary. To get the best experience, hire a good driver or explore the city through your Saudi connections.

What to do in your free time 

Beyond Riyadh’s restaurants and malls, there’s plenty to see and do in this city that seemingly never sleeps. The lively shisha spots lining Tahlia Street in Olaya are open well into the early hours, as are most cafés around town – at the weekend, design-centric coffee shops like Elixir Bunn , Joan’s On Third and all-vegan Moonshell serve excellent Arabian blends with indulgent pastries. 

Discover Riyadh's rugged beauty with walking trails carved through the rocky terrain surrounding the city's wadis. Wadi Hanifa, lined with palm trees and perfect for picnicking, stretches for an impressive 120 kilometres. For a wilder adventure, book a day tour or camping trip to the Edge of the World, where majestic cliffs overlook endless desert landscapes, offering an unforgettable encounter with Saudi’s stunning scenery. 

What to know

Don’t expect to seal deals in a single meeting – Saudis place huge value on trust and personal relationships, so take the time to build connections over coffees and dinner.

Local women aren’t always comfortable with shaking hands, so wait to be offered first – a flat hand on your chest is the usual alternative – and it’s generally best to avoid initiating conversations with women you don’t know in public outside of business settings. On rare occasions, particularly with government ministries that are less used to dealing with international visitors, meetings may be conducted in Arabic with a translator.

There are a few rules that visitors should respect regarding dress codes in Riyadh. While women aren’t required to wear abayas (the traditional cloak) or cover their hair, it’s better to opt for loose-fitting, modest clothing to be respectful of local customs. Malls tend to be a little more conservative, requiring men to avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. 

With the exception of embassies, alcohol is not allowed in Saudi Arabia, and pork is prohibited. Visiting in Ramadan, the Islamic holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, brings slightly different rules.

Take something home

Forget the malls – Riyadh’s traditional markets are where the real treasures lie. Souq al-Zal, the city’s oldest and largest antique marketplace, brims with incense, oud perfumes, handmade camel leather goods, textiles and more. Navigate the colourful alleyways, haggle with vendors and discover unique finds within its 38,000 square metres of stores. For fresh herbs, coffee and traditional Arabic clothing, Souq Al Thumairi is a must-visit. And for the ultimate splurge, the Gold Souk dazzles with its array of jewellery and trinkets made from precious metals.

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