Saudi Arabia’s futuristic capital, Riyadh, is a bustling commercial and financial hub located in the center of the country. The city offers a unique blend of historical treasures hidden in old palaces and modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, and fine-dining restaurants. Riyadh’s golden sand dunes provide opportunities for activities such as sandboarding, dune bashing, and quad biking. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSI) and Riyadh continue to expand their tourism offerings, the world’s wealthiest city is rapidly adding new hotels, attractions, and infrastructure. This growth is exemplified by the introduction of a new international airline, Riyadh Air, which aims to revolutionize the travel experience through cutting-edge technology and digital aviation solutions.
Riyadh Air, set to launch its maiden flight in 2025, is a collaboration between Lufthansa Systems and Saudi Arabia’s capital. The airline plans to utilize technology at every touchpoint of the travel journey, from interactive flight planning tools to digitized crew management, in order to achieve maximum operational efficiency, safety, and stability. Riyadh Air’s CFO, Adam Boukadida, emphasizes that the airline will offer a full end-to-end digital journey management solution, promising travelers a unique and modern experience. With Riyadh Air on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start planning a trip to the Saudi capital and explore all that Riyadh has to offer.
For travelers visiting Riyadh, there are five essential experiences to consider. Firstly, the Sky Bridge provides a thrilling panoramic view of the city from a height of 300m, offering stunning vistas of Riyadh’s skyline and the Arabian desert below. The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a must-visit for those interested in the kingdom’s history, with displays tracing Saudi Arabia’s heritage from ancient civilizations to the present day. Al Masmak Palace, a historic fortress dating back to the 19th century, offers a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s royal past through its intricately decorated rooms and fascinating exhibits.
For a change of pace, visitors can escape the city and explore Wadi Namar, an oasis in the desert featuring a lush green park built around the Namar Dam. The park offers walking and biking paths, food stalls, picnic areas, and play spaces for children, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy nature. Boulevard Riyadh City, the city’s largest entertainment center, combines culture and commerce with designer shopping, fine dining options, entertainment venues, and a colorful dancing fountain. Visitors can watch theatre shows, go-kart, ski in the ‘snow zone’, and enjoy the impressive water show surrounded by indoor and outdoor seating.
As Saudi Arabia and Riyadh continue to develop their tourism offerings and infrastructure, the addition of Riyadh Air in 2025 marks a significant step towards enhancing global connectivity. With a focus on digital innovation and technology, the new airline aims to provide travelers with a seamless and modern travel experience. Combined with the city’s historical charm, modern amenities, and diverse attractions, Riyadh presents a compelling destination for both leisure and business travelers. Whether exploring ancient palaces, admiring futuristic skyscrapers, or indulging in cultural experiences, a visit to Riyadh promises a memorable and enriching journey.
