Last Updated on March 24, 2022
When it comes to traveling in the Middle East, there are lots of places that can make your holiday incredible. Dubai, Jerusalem, and lots of other major cities and countries come to mind. However, one of the best places for traveling with a big group of friends, or a big family, is in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh, the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is definitely one of the best destinations to visit in the Middle East. There are lots of things you can do here as a group. In order to make your planning a little easier, we’ve put together a list of the five best group activities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia just for you!
Visit the National Museum
One of the best group activities in Riyadh is a visit to the National Museum. Not only will you find fascinating outdoor spaces and learn about the history of this incredible Middle Eastern country, but you can find so much more!
There are lots of activities and lectures designed for groups. Not to mention you have something for everyone here. So whether you want to learn more about how ancient peoples of this area used camels for more than transportation, or see the huge collection of airplanes, the Saudi National Museum is an excellent destination for you and your group!
The Saudi National Museum is located next to the beautiful National Park. It’s a quick trip downtown from the King Khalid International airport. So you can Book Saudia flight for a morning arrival, and spend the afternoon in the National Museum in downtown Riyadh. Spend your day learning and enjoying fun group activities at the Saudi National Museum.
A Day of Shopping
If there is one thing you can do nearly everyday in Riyadh, it’s spend time shopping at one of the many incredible malls. The rich and glamorous of the Middle East know that Saudi Arabia’s bustling capital is one of the best places to spend your hard earned money.
If you and your friends want to come home with more than a few tourist trinkets, then there are plenty of places in Riyadh to find the best stores and boutiques!
Here are just a few of the popular malls in Riyadh for your shopping spree:
- Panorama Mall – More high-end shops, global brands, includes a women’s wellness complex, and more
- Riyadh Gallery Mall – Huge mall with brands from all over the world
- Granada Mall – More than 235 stores, amazing brands, and beautiful architecture throughout
- Hayat Mall – Larger mall, split into three arching shopping walkways. Great for a morning of shopping
- Centria Mall – High-end and luxury stores like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton.
Though Saudi Arabia is known for being one of the best winter destinations, as well as being an amazing place to explore history and the incredible desert, it’s also one of the best places to shop till you drop! A day of shopping at any of these incredible malls is one of the best group activities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!
Taking a Tour
One of the best ways to spend your time in Riyadh is to take a group tour. There are lots of tours throughout the city that focus on everything from the best restaurants to the most stunning natural outdoor locations. You can book your tour with a big company, or find the tour in Riyadh after you arrive.
The most efficient way to participate in these tours is to book ahead of time. Not only can you make certain you picnic on a stunning cliffside, or tour natural wonders, but you can also get you and your group a decent discount by booking ahead. You can easily make money while you travel, but spending it all on a tour is NOT the way to go!
The city tours of Riyadh, as well as the natural wonders in the provinces surrounding the Saudi Arabian capital are extraordinary. The Edge of the World tour is one of the most highly rated tours in the whole country. Be sure to read lots of reviews before you book to know which tour will work best for your group!
Red Sand Dunes Day
One of the most popular reasons for groups to visit Riyadh is to travel to the Red Sand Dunes. Not only can you and your friends ride on camels through the heat of the Saudi desert, but you can also ride four wheelers through the sand and dine like a desert nomad.
The overall beauty of this place can sometimes be overwhelming. As the vast expanse of the sand dunes is truly breathtaking! Spending a day at the Red Sand Dunes is one of the best group activities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia because it is fun, outdoors, and inexpensive.
The Al Janadriyah Festival
If you are lucky enough to book your trip to Riyadh in the late winter / early spring months, then you are definitely in for a wondrous treat! Each year, for two weeks, Riyadh hosts the Al Janadriyah festival for local craftsmen, artisans, dancers, and so much more!
It is truly a once in a lifetime experience for your group to see millions of festival goers immersed in the culture of Saudi Arabia. From folklore troupes and dancing, to rare Saudi arts, there is so much to experience here. Not to mention there is a permanent heritage village for all festival goers to walk through a blast from the past.
This colorful, cultural, and enchanting festival is simply one of the best group activities in Riyadh. Not only will you have a lot of fun, but you can also see first hand some of the most incredible artists in all of Saudi Arabia!
The Best Group Activities in Riyadh for Your Holiday!
Traveling in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will be fantastic for your group holiday. Whether you and your friends want to spend the day riding four wheelers through the Red Sand Dunes, or your family wants to dance to traditional music at the Janadriyah Festival, there is so much to do!
This list of the best group activities in Riyadh will make your next group holiday to the stunning capital city of Saudi Arabia the trip of a lifetime!
Photo Credit: All images used via Flickr’s Creative Commons Licensing. National Museum of Saudi Arabia by Active Steve; Shopping in Riyadh by Edward Musiak; Red Sand Dune by Aditya Prabaswara
