Highlights of the Day
Today was a perfect blend of history, culture, and daily reality. From chaotic traffic and ancient forts to local supermarkets and date tasting mishaps—Riyadh revealed itself in unexpected layers. National Museum of Saudi Arabia’s insightful Islamic history section and the surprisingly authentic Chinese meal were both highlights. As our journey winds down, today left a strong, memorable impression.
Accommodation: Riyadh Marriott Hotel
Transportation: Rental Car
A Strange Traffic Moment: Rules? What Rules?
This morning, we planned to visit a few lesser-known spots around Riyadh.
On our way, something very unusual happened. At a right-turn intersection with a red light, a clear sign stated, “No Right Turn on Red.” Yet the car behind us kept honking furiously. We edged our car slightly aside, and to our surprise, several cars zipped past us, completely ignoring the rule. It felt like traffic rules didn’t apply here at all. In general, people in Riyadh drive quite aggressively, and honking is a common occurrence.
It reminded me of what two Chinese ladies we met yesterday said: people here are super laid-back, especially during Ramadan. They told us that even outside Ramadan, folks are relaxed—when they visited a farm to buy vegetables, the vendor seemed to care very little whether anything had grown. Even the driver who took us to the Edge of the World jokingly said, “People here can only handle one task per day.” One of the ladies said, “If only they worked as hard as they drive!” Maybe it’s the wealth and lack of pressure that make life so leisurely here.
Masmak Fortress: Where Saudi’s Modern Era Began
Our first stop was Masmak Fortress, a historic mudbrick citadel built in the mid-19th century (around 1865). It was here that Abdulaziz Ibn Saud led his forces to recapture Riyadh in 1902, marking the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s third and modern unification.
Unfortunately, the exterior of the fortress was under renovation, and the gates were closed—possibly due to the Eid holiday. There was a small market next to it, but all the shops were shut, some with signs saying they’d reopen after 3:00 PM.
Al-Murabba Palace & a Glimpse of the Mosque
Next, we headed to Al-Murabba Palace, built in 1936 after the formation of the third Saudi kingdom. It served as a royal residence and office for King Abdulaziz. Sadly, this site was also closed, likely due to the Eid holiday.
Nearby was the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, which was open. We didn’t go in but took a few photos from outside for memory’s sake.
Souvenir Shopping with a Twist
Since we’re heading home soon, we went to buy some local specialties. We first tried Carrefour, but it felt too Western, so we went to Lulu Hypermarket, a local chain. There, you can sample different kinds of dates. After trying several, we agreed that Safawi dates had the best flavor.
But there was a hiccup at the checkout. The cashier couldn’t enter the price into the system no matter what. So, the manager was called in. Turns out the price had expired that very morning. The system rejected it automatically. The manager ended up entering the price of a smaller type of date—which worked and made it cheaper for us!!
Surprisingly Good Chinese Food
We chose a Chinese restaurant for lunch. The entire staff—both inside and out—were foreign, yet the menu offered authentic Chinese dishes. I couldn’t help asking the waiter if the head chef was Chinese. He told me the chef was a Filipino and had been working there for 33 years.
The food was delicious—far better than the “so-called Chinese food” we’d had in some remote cities. What a pleasant surprise!
KAFD metro station
After lunch, we visited the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. On the way, we made a quick stop near the KAFD metro station to snap a photo of this iconic building! The KAFD station is one of the most futuristic metro stations in Riyadh—its exterior design looks like a spaceship from the future and has become a popular photo spot for locals and tourists alike.
National Museum: History, Religion, and Perspective
Museum entry was free, though they did ask us which country we were from—no ID checked, no records were made, just a routine question, it seemed.
The museum mainly covers Saudi history, with a large section dedicated to the history of Islam.
We happened to join a group following a local guide, so we tagged along.
She was explaining the early days of Islam—how the Prophet Muhammad was born, how he received his first revelation from an angel in a cave, the persecution he faced, and his migration from Mecca to Medina. I had known some of this before, but hearing it again deepened my understanding.
The guide was dressed in a black abaya and headscarf, but notably, she had the front of her abaya open, revealing casual clothes underneath. It was the most relaxed female dress I had seen in a public working space in Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on a Day in a City of Contrasts
In this city of contradictions—ancient fortresses next to glossy malls, and Filipinos mastering Chinese cuisine—we tasted a little bit of everything Riyadh had to offer.
🌍 What’s Next?
On Day 30, On our final day in Riyadh, we explored the striking Red Sand Dunes, indulged in flavorful Yemeni cuisine at Granada Mall, admired luxury brands and cultural contrasts, and wrapped up with a quiet visit to Al Faisaliyah Tower and one last incredible meal. A peaceful and poetic end to a journey full of texture and surprise.
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