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Muslim business traveller's guide
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.
Getting in
King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
• Careem / Uber — 30-45 min to the centre (easiest and most predictable)
• Airport taxi — 30-50 min (agree the fare or use the meter)
• SAPTCO airport bus — ~45-60 min (cheapest; limited stops)
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.
The Darb card/app pays for the Riyadh Metro and city buses.
Careem and Uber are the simplest option; the city is large and car-oriented, so factor in distances.
Visa & entry
Money
Saudi Riyal · SAR
Cards and contactless (mada) are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for souqs.
Tipping is optional; rounding up or ~10% is appreciated for good service.
Connectivity
stc, Mobily and Zain tourist SIMs at RUH arrivals (passport required)
eSIM: Airalo and similar eSIMs cover Saudi Arabia
Plug: Type G (UK 3-pin); some Type A/B sockets · 230V / 60Hz
Emergency
General: 911
Fire: 998
Safety
Most halal-expo buyers and exhibitors travel from the world's main halal hubs. Here's how to connect to Riyadh from each — entry rules vary by nationality, so check the Visa & entry note above.
Cairo
Najdi & Saudi cuisine
citywide · $-$$
halal by default
Kabsa, mandi, jereesh and grilled meats — all halal, as is every restaurant in the Kingdom.
Al Tahlia & Olaya
central Riyadh · $$-$$$
halal by default
Cafés, shawarma and global chains along the main dining strips — no need to check; it is all halal.
Historic Diriyah & souqs
Diriyah / Al Bujairi · $$-$$$
halal by default
Restored mud-brick district with heritage restaurants beside the UNESCO At-Turaif site.
Imam Turki bin Abdullah (Grand) Mosque
Qasr Al-Hokm (old centre)
The capital's grand central mosque, beside the historic Masmak district.
Mosques everywhere
citywide
A mosque is never far in Riyadh; malls, offices and the airport all have prayer halls (musalla).
Note on prayer times
citywide
Many shops and restaurants close for ~20-30 minutes at each of the five daily prayer times — plan errands around them.
Diriyah & At-Turaif (UNESCO)
Diriyah
The restored mud-brick birthplace of the Saudi state — walkable heritage streets (some areas ticketed).
Masmak Fortress & old Riyadh
Qasr Al-Hokm
The clay fortress at the heart of the capital, beside the Deira souq.
Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
Olaya
Panoramic views over the city from the landmark tower (ticketed).
Sources: https://www.visitsaudi.com · https://visa.mofa.gov.sa · https://www.rcrc.gov.sa
Egypt