Saudi Arabia: Riyadh – National Museum of Saudi Arabia

February 14, 2025
Saudi Arabia
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The museum, nestled in the heart of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, stood as a beacon of the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. As we received a warm welcome and were very happy to find that it was free to enter.

Our exploration began in the Man and the Universe Hall, where there are displays of ancient fossils, meteorites, and relics that traced the origins of life in the Arabian Peninsula. The exhibit showcased the region’s prehistoric landscapes, with realistic dioramas depicting early human settlements. There were interactive displays that allowed us to get a deeper understanding of the history and culture.

Moving forward, we entered the Arabian Kingdoms Gallery, which tells the story of the rise of early civilisations in the peninsula. There were artefacts from the ancient kingdoms of AlUla, Tayma, and Najran, each piece telling a story of trade, craftsmanship, and spiritual beliefs. The intricately carved statues and inscriptions offered a glimpse into the daily lives of those who once inhabited the land.

The Islamic Era Hall explains the spiritual significance of Islam’s spread across Arabia and beyond. Manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an, ancient mosques’ architectural models, and some relics from the Prophet Muhammad’s time are exhibited.

The journey continued through the Unification of Saudi Arabia Hall, where we learned about the struggles and triumphs that led to the founding of the modern Kingdom. Detailed dioramas and multimedia presentations narrated the life of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, whose vision and leadership shaped the nation. The exhibits highlighted the transformation of Saudi Arabia from scattered tribes to a unified, thriving country.

As we approached the final galleries, we delved into the Hajj and Two Holy Mosques Hall, an awe-inspiring tribute to Makkah and Madinah. The scaled models of Al-Masjid Al-Haram and Al-Masjid An-Nabawi were incredibly detailed, capturing the magnificence of these sacred sites. We were particularly moved by the historical photographs of pilgrims from different eras, illustrating how the journey of faith has evolved over the centuries.

We were glad we had come to the National Museum – these are always great places to visit to get a deeper understanding of a country’s history and culture.

Planning your visit to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is located in the Al Murabba neighborhood near King Abdulaziz Palace in Riyadh. As of December 2024, the Riyadh Metro is operational, offering a convenient way to reach the museum. The Green Line (Line 5) includes a station at the National Museum. Depending on your starting point in Riyadh, you can take the appropriate metro line to reach this station. Alternatively, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are widely available in Riyadh. Depending on your location, a taxi ride to the museum typically costs between 20 to 30 Saudi Riyals.

Getting to and around Riyadh

Getting around Riyadh, Saudi Arabia can be done in several ways, depending on your preference for speed, comfort, and budget. Here are the main transportation options:

1. Metro (Riyadh Metro)

The Riyadh Metro is fully operational soon and has six lines covering most of the city.
It is be one of the best ways to avoid traffic.

2. Buses (Riyadh Public Transport)

Riyadh Bus Network (operated by SAPTCO) offers affordable travel.
Buses have dedicated routes across the city, making them useful for budget travellers.
Tickets can be purchased through the Riyadh Bus app.

3. Ride-Hailing Apps

Uber, Careem, and local Saudi ride-hailing apps like Jeeny are widely used.
They offer convenient door-to-door services and can be paid for using cash or card.

4. Taxis

Regular taxis are available but can be expensive compared to ride-hailing apps.
Always negotiate the fare or ensure the meter is running.

5. Renting a Car

Riyadh has well-maintained roads, making car rentals a popular option.
Major car rental companies like Hertz, Budget, and Sixt operate in the city.
Driving is on the right-hand side, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.

6. Walking

Riyadh is not very pedestrian-friendly, as sidewalks can be limited, and distances between attractions are large.
However, certain areas like Boulevard Riyadh City, Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) are walkable.

7. Cycling & E-Scooters

Limited bike lanes exist, but cycling is not a common mode of transport.
Some areas, like Riyadh Season events or tourist zones, offer e-scooter rentals.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is during the cooler months from November to March. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Best Time (November – March)

Weather: Pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Ideal for: Sightseeing, outdoor activities, desert excursions, and festivals.
Events: Riyadh Season (a major entertainment festival with concerts, exhibitions, and performances).

Shoulder Season (October & April)

Weather: Warm but tolerable, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
Ideal for: Exploring cultural landmarks before extreme heat sets in.
Caution: Late April can start getting too hot.

Avoid (May – September)

Weather: Extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 45°C (113°F).
Not recommended for: Outdoor activities; even locals prefer staying indoors with air conditioning.
If visiting: Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities to early mornings or late evenings.

Where to stay

1. Mid Range: Golden Dune Hotel AlFayhaa

The Golden Dune Hotel AlFayhaa is a 3-star establishment located on Saud Al Uthman Road in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including Superior Double Rooms, Superior Twin Rooms, Executive Suites, Presidential Suites, and Deluxe Queen Rooms. Each room is equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, tea and coffee making facilities, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.

Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant, which serves a continental breakfast and a selection of Eastern and Western dishes throughout the day. Additional facilities include free Wi-Fi throughout the property, complimentary private parking, a 24-hour front desk, and business services like faxing and photocopying.

2. Luxury – Narcissus The Royal Hotel

Narcissus The Royal Hotel & Convention is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the Al Olaya district of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Situated approximately 600 meters from Al Faisaliah Mall and less than 1 kilometre from Al Faisaliah Tower, the hotel offers convenient access to key city attractions.

The hotel features a range of accommodations, including Deluxe King Rooms, Junior Suites, Premium Suites, and Royal Suites. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.

3. Budget – Al Furat Madayin Hotel

Al Furat Madayin Hotel is a 3-star accommodation located in the Al Olaya district of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Situated on King Fahad Road, behind Al Habib Hospital, the hotel is conveniently positioned near prominent landmarks such as Al Mamlaka Tower and Burj Al Anoud. The hotel’s address is King Fahad Road, Behind Alhabib Hospital, Al Olaya, 51000 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Accommodations and Amenities:

The hotel offers 78 air-conditioned rooms and suites, each featuring wooden furnishings and carpeted floors. Standard amenities include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, and a private bathroom equipped with both a bath and a shower. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the property