Riyadh Culture
Riyadh and the whole of Saudi Arabia is a very conservative Muslim country. Traditional roles are highly valued, and whether you agree or not, you will be expected to follow the strict moral codes whilst traveling within the country. Men and women do not commingle much in this country. For example, museums and other sites within the city have separate operating times for men and for families. Unaccompanied women are expected to chaperoned at all times. (Chaperoning will be especially important in travel, as women are not allowed to drive cars or ride bicycles in public, making travel from one place to another quite difficult when traveling by one's self. In addition, when in public, in order to conform to local customs, women should adopt the traditional dress--clothing that is shapeless, covered by the black abaya is to be expected. Females will also want to either wear, or carry with them at all times, a veil to cover their head from their hairline. Following the local customs will help to avoid any misunderstandings, hassling, or harassment by the moral police. Long story short, take it for what it is. Following local customs will help you to have a richer cultural experience while traveling through the region.
Riyadh Health & Safety
Travel to Riyadh takes a lot of planning, especially if you are a woman, even more so if you are a woman travelling alone. Saudi Arabia is a conservative Islamic country, and women are expected to be covered from head to toe whenever in public. This requirement is not something that you can get around. Mutawwa, or religious police, are especially vigilant in Riyadh. Be sure to wear shapeless ankle-length long sleeve dresses whenever outside; the full-length black Abaya is preferred. Although not required, in order to be less conspicuous, women will want to wear a headscarf as well. If you choose not to wear one, be sure to carry one at all times, as you may face harassment otherwise. In addition, women are forbidden from traveling alone and must have a sponsor in order to travel to and within Saudi Arabia. Driving and riding bicycles on public roadways is strictly forbidden for women.
The US Department of State currently suggests against any non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. Terrorist attacks, especially against Westerners and Western interests have occured in the past; most recently an attack against the US Consulate in Jeddeh resulted in a number of injuries and significant damage to consulate facilities. If you still choose to travel to the region, be sure to register with your country's embassy upon arrival.
Keep a copy of the front page from your passport, any tickets, and any other important information in a location separate from the originals. You may also consider leaving a copy of these pages with someone back at home, whom you can contact if necessary if you get into trouble abroad. These copies will come in handy if you are a victim of theft.
Saudi Arabia isn't one of those places that you decide to go to on a whim. You will definitely want to spend plenty of time planning your trip before purchasing tickets and hopping on a plane.
Riyadh Arriving & Departing
Airport (RUH) is the major airport that serves Riyadh and the surrounding area. Most major international airlines provide service to Riyadh. Travel within the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is provided only by Saudia airlines. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal to take you into the city proper.
If you plan to rent a car, you can pick it up at the airport; international car rental companies such as Avis and Budget have service desks in the terminal. Some of the larger hotels also have car rental desks. It is important to note that women are not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. In addition, driving can be extremely dangerous within the country; Saudi Arabia has one of the highest vehicle accident/fatalilty rates in the world.
The bus station is located near to Al-Bathaa Street downtown. A number of buses provide daily service to Jeddeh and other destinations throughout the country.
