Riyadh may not spring to mind when you think of outdoor fun, but don’t judge the capital too soon – it has lots to offer.
While the city may heat up during the summer, for six months of the year, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, from strolling through historical sites and hiking to sand-boarding and cycling.
Since 2019, Riyadh has become a hub for live music and sports, all of which can take place outdoors in the winter months. We’ve got all the best ways you can enjoy the great outdoors in Riyadh.
1. Hike through Wadi Hanifah
For centuries, Wadi Hanifah was Riyadh’s lifeline, but in the years following the oil boom, it became forgotten and unloved. A vast regeneration project in the mid-noughties master-planned the redevelopment of the site, which is now a popular destination for families and picnicking Riyadhis on the weekend.
And it is eminently hikeable: an 8km path runs south to north and includes a ‘lollipop’ loop that takes hikers out into the desert. It is extremely popular on weekends and features many spots for barbecuing and picnicking. Like most wadis, Wadi Hanifah is dry for most of the year. But when dry, it is a relatively lush and green place to wander amid the bustle of the city.
2. Step back in time by visiting Diriyah
The heart of historical Riyadh, first settled in 1446 CE, Diriyah has been lovingly restored in recent years and allows visitors the opportunity to see the traditional, original city before it became a modern metropolis. It was strategically located on the banks of Wadi Hanifah, the lifeline to settlers in this part of the Najd for hundreds of years. Today, many of its structures house buildings that outline the history of the Saudi state. In 2010, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are also parks and cultural spaces, many of which fill with performances and exhibits for Riyadh’s annual Diriyah Season, which also brings light shows and live music. Also worth a visit is the Muhammad Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab Mosque, which dates back to the founding of the Saudi state and was established by the religious cleric who founded Wahhabi Islam. Originally built of mud, it was recast in stone by King Fahad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1424.
3. Hike to the Edge of the World
Around 100km outside Riyadh, the Edge of the World in the Tuwaiq mountain range is so called because of the epic views of sheer mountain cliffs dropping thousands of metres to the desert below.
If it feels like this was once a towering cliff face battered by a vast ancient sea, that’s because it is exactly what it was: fossils have been found, and are still found, here. Many tour operators offer trips to the Edge of the World, some by 4x4, some on foot, some with a bit of both. Shop around to ensure you are getting a good deal. It is a buyer’s market.
Other, more ambitious hiking companies offer day and multi-day hikes in the Tuwaiq range, and in winter, it is a popular activity. While the trail heads are easily reachable if you have your own 4x4, it does make sense to go on an organised tour unless you know what you’re doing. Hiking is a nascent industry in Saudi Arabia, and many trails are unmarked and can be perilous. If you are camping out, bring warm clothes and lots of water.
4. Go quad biking in the desert
Of all the ways to traverse the desert sands outside Riyadh – by camel, on a board, in a 4x4 – quad biking is certainly one of the most fun. Several desert excursion companies offer quad biking in the desert near Riyadh, sometimes as part of a longer day or half-day package that might include a camel ride and an evening meal. A top destination is Al-Muzahamiya, commonly known as the Red Sand Dunes, close to Riyadh, which is also popular with sandboarders.
5. Take to the trails on two wheels
Anyone who has battled Riyadh’s traffic recently may laugh out loud at the thought that the Saudi capital could genuinely be a cyclable city, but the capital is home to dozens of bike rental companies and bike tour companies now. What was once a niche sport is fast becoming a craze along cycle trails in parks and neighbourhoods.
Darrajati, the largest cycling club in the country, is open to new members and organises a weekly ride from Diriyah. For those wanting a more competitive vibe, Riyadh Wheelers, the oldest cycling club in Riyadh, holds 14 races during the season, from September to April.
