Riyadh looks like any other cosmopolitan city with its neon lights and skyscraper skyline, but nightlife here goes as far as your neighborhood coffee shop or a visit to your favorite restaurant. The dress code dictates that women regardless of nationality have to wear the abaya, and men must wear long sleeves. There are a number of recreational parks in the city. Riyadh, which means “the gardens” in Arabic, is the capital of Saudi Arabia, located in the Central Province. In an advantageous location in the Hanifa valley, the city and surroundings are very green and boast many parks. Summers bring extreme heat and dryness, followed by mild winters and cool nights with occasional rain.

Long stretches of coast and spectacular coral reefs make water sports such as snorkeling and wind surfing easily accessible. In addition, the Kingdom has established a network of national parks and preserves so that visitors can observe protected wildlife and ecosystems. Saudis enjoy a wide range of leisure activities. Families can relax at hundreds of parks, campsites, picnic grounds and other facilities throughout the country.

This recreational center for kids is located in the diplomatic area of Riyadh. It is famous for its theatrical activities in which kids can participate and showcase their talent. Besides this, there is swimming, tennis and karate. There is also a toy shop and special meals are served to kids.
Three grassy 9-hole golf courses, one 27-hole desert course and about ten 18-hole desert courses exist in the Kingdom. And more than half of them have been developed in the past eight years, indicating that golf is on the up- swing in Saudi Arabia. By mid-summer of 1998, Riyadh will have another 9-hole grass course and its first 18-hole grass course. In the Eastern Province, plans are underway to develop that region’s first 9-hole grass course.