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Muslim business traveller's guide
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Muslim Traveller Guide
Halal Riyadh
Riyadh, the Saudi capital, is one of the easiest cities in the world for a Muslim traveller: the entire country is Muslim-majority, so all food is halal by default (no pork or alcohol), the call to prayer marks the day, and mosques are everywhere — many shops and restaurants pause briefly during the five daily prayers. A new driverless metro (opened 2024) and the Careem/Uber ride-hailing apps make getting around the sprawling city straightforward.
SARArabia Standard Time, UTC+3 — no daylight saving.
5 halal places to visit
Mosques & sights in Riyadh
The mosques and Islamic-heritage landmarks worth your time around the expo.
At-Turaif District, Diriyah
Diriyah
UNESCO-listed birthplace of the first Saudi state, with historic Najdi mudbrick mosques.
Salwa Palace, Diriyah
At-Turaif, Diriyah
A restored historic palace complex that served the early Saudi royal family.
Masmak Fortress
Ad-Dirah, Old Riyadh
Mudbrick fort central to Saudi unification, now a heritage museum.
5 places to eat
Where to eat — top halal spots
Real, well-loved halal restaurants across Riyadh, from cheap local legends to special-occasion dining.
Najd Village (Qaryat Najd)
Najdi Saudi · Al Wahah / Olaya$$
Famous restaurant in a recreated mudbrick village serving classic Najdi dishes.
Al Romansiah
Saudi · Multiple branches, incl. Olaya$
Popular, well-priced Saudi chain known for generous kabsa platters.
Maiz
Modern Saudi · Olaya$$$
Smart restaurant giving traditional Saudi dishes a contemporary twist.
Where to stay
Hotels for every budget
Hand-picked places to stay, near the action.
Luxury
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
Diplomatic Quarter
Palatial five-star hotel set in landscaped grounds west of the city.
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre
Olaya
High-rise luxury inside the landmark Kingdom Centre tower.
Mid-range
Know before you go
The essentials
Everything a Muslim traveller needs to land in Riyadh with confidence.
Getting in
King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
• Careem / Uber — 30-45 min to the centre
• Airport taxi — 30-50 min
• SAPTCO airport bus — ~45-60 min
Getting around
The Riyadh Metro (six driverless lines, opened 2024) plus a city bus network now cover much of the capital; ride-hailing fills the gaps.
Careem and Uber are the simplest option; the city is large and car-oriented, so factor in distances.
Visa & entry
Many nationalities can apply online for a Saudi tourist e-Visa (or get visa on arrival), which also covers business-visitor travel for events; others need a visa from a Saudi mission. Confirm eligibility on the official Saudi visa portal before travel.
Getting here
Travelling from a major halal market?
Most halal-expo buyers and exhibitors fly in from the world's main halal hubs. Here's how to reach Riyadh from each — entry rules vary by nationality, so check the Visa & entry note.
Sources: https://www.visitsaudi.com · https://visa.mofa.gov.sa · https://www.rcrc.gov.sa
Other halal expo cities
Nearby and frequently-paired destinations, with the same Muslim-traveller guide.
