The Heartbeat of the Kingdom

Riyadh is undeniably the heart of Saudi Arabia. Sheltered by the vast desert, even in the face of the rapid modernization of the country, Riyadh holds to the country's oldest traditions. Visitors and residents are expected to dress modestly and respect local customs. This combination of the old and the new makes the capital fascinating and serves as a bridge between the Kingdom's history and its future. As an example, Diriyah, the country’s original capital, is on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh. Built entirely from raw earth and sun-dried mud bricks, Riyadh's history is written right into the walls of Diriyah, the "City of Earth." Yet if you look down the road, you'll see gleaming glass towers, luxury shopping havens, and massive developments that signal the Kingdom's rapid modernization.

Unexpected Comforts

Moving to Riyadh comes with its own set of surprises. For one, the city is exceptionally safe. You are allowed to let your guard down in ways you would not likely consider in other metropolises. Don't be surprised if a casual introduction turns into a lunch invitation within minutes -- and no, it's not an elaborate ruse to scam you!

Many expats arrive expecting a stark desert lifestyle, but Riyadh is far more than just sand and sun. Take grocery stores for instance: thanks to a massive foreign population, you can find almost any exotic spice, noodle, or vegetable imaginable. Despite sitting in the middle of a desert, you'll even be able to find plenty of fresh seafood.

If you're ever feeling homesick, the city offers endless avenues for familiar comfort:

• Missing winter? Visit Snow City at Al Othaim Mall.
  
• Craving Asian cuisine? Head to Al Batha for tastes of home.
  
• Need some nature? Take a walk through Wadi Hanifah to clear your head and touch some actual grass. (Not familiar with a wadi? It is a seasonal river. In the case of Wadi Hanifah, its 120km path passes through Riyadh.)
  

Even the traffic will remind you of home.

But if you didn't move across the world to recreate your old routine, Boulevard World is your shortcut to exploring the globe. There, you will experience a mix of global cultures in just one corner.

Or if you want to leave the city lights behind, 100km into the desert brings you to the "Edge of the World," an extensive escarpment with stunning vistas and ancient artifacts scattered along the desert floor. Like the Grand Canyon in the southwestern USA, it is breathtaking.

The Social Glue

While exploring, you'll undoubtedly notice the weather. It's a desert. Of course it is hot. But it's a dry kind of heat. Surprisingly, you will rarely sweat … actually, you sweat a lot, but it's so dry, it immediately evaporates. In any case, it's far more manageable than the suffocating humidity of coastal cities.

However, you'll quickly discover that the warmth in the region doesn't come from the sun at all -- it comes from the people. And their favourite way to share that warmth is served in a small cup. In Saudi Arabia, coffee isn't a hasty morning injection of fuel. It is the social glue. Deeply rooted in local culture, pouring a cup of traditional gahwa is about connection. It bridges the gap between different communities, serving as an open invitation to sit, slow down, and actually talk.

Every city has a story, but Riyadh has thousands to share. All it takes is slowing down enough to listen.