Al Olaya is a sleek financial district in the heart of Riyadh, characterised by soaring steel-and-glass skyscrapers and luxury malls. Shop at designer boutiques, dine at stylish restaurants and take in stunning views from one of the tallest buildings in Saudi Arabia.
Things to do in Al Olaya
One of the tallest buildings in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom Centre soars 302 metres over the city skyline. On the 99th floor, the Sky Bridge unlocks panoramic views over Riyadh. A high-speed lift whisks you up to the vertigo-inducing platform, which features slanted floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Centria is one of the most prestigious malls in Riyadh, with boutiques by luxury brands such as Prada, Christian Dior and Gucci. The mall also houses high-end cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy French pastries, authentic Italian pasta and Asian fusion cuisine.
For a low-key meal, head to one of the family-run shawarma restaurants that dot the streets of Al Olaya. Other local specialties include “kabsa” rice flavoured with ginger and saffron, “madfoon” spiced chicken and “jalamah” lamb cooked with onions and spices.
King Khalid Grand Mosque welcomes you with soaring domes and minarets. It’s one of the oldest mosques in Riyadh and offers separate rooms for male and female worshippers. The cavernous main hall can accommodate several hundred worshippers.
Getting around Al Olaya
Al Olaya is located in Riyadh and taxis are a fast and comfortable way to get around. King Khalid International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.