Desert Dreams
Travel+Leisure India|November 2023
From the vibrant streets of Riyadh to the coastal charm of Jeddah and the mystical wonders of AlUla, Saudi Arabia offers countless surprises to those who set foot on the magical land.
Bayar Jain
Desert Dreams

EMBARK ON AN EXTRAORDINARY journey to Saudi Arabia where the allure of opulence seamlessly intertwines with rich cultural traditions. Begin your sojourn in the vibrant city of Riyadh. VIA Riyadh is perfect for those looking for unparallelled luxury. Constructed in the beautiful Salmani style which combines modern architecture with the local heritage, this premier dining and shopping destination has exclusive brands, innovative Michelin-starred restaurants, and state-of-the-art cinemas.

Elevating the blending of old and new to unprecedented heights is the Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah. Opened in December 2022, it is a collection of 20+ restaurants and cafes, and overlooks At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is considered the birthplace of Saudi Arabia. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Najdi and Islamic architecture, explore castles made using mud and palm trunks, or delve into the historical significance of Salwa Palace—the government headquarters during the first Saudi state. Diriyah is also home to Museum of Social Life where you can get a lowdown on Saudi’s erstwhile social life including older methods of writing and education. The Arabian Horse Museum, meanwhile, enthralls with narratives of the strength, breeds, and beauty of Arabian horses.

This story is from the November 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.

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This story is from the November 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.

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