Highlights of the Day
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.
Accommodation: Riyadh Marriott Hotel
Transportation: Rental Car
A Fiery Contrast in the Desert
On our final full day in Riyadh, we fully embraced the rhythm of slow travel.
About 40 minutes outside the city, we visited a place known as the Red Sand Dunes.
As we drove through the endless golden desert, a cluster of red dunes suddenly emerged in front of us. It felt a bit abrupt—but also unexpectedly exciting. From afar, they looked as if they had been dyed by sunlight, their deep hues almost surreal. Up close, the red wasn’t fiery, but more like the earthy tones of red tea or terracotta. The sand here was finer and softer beneath our feet.
Though it was only early April, temperatures in Riyadh had already reached 38°C (100°F). Out on the dunes, the heat felt even more intense. Even in sandals, the scorching sand burned our feet—but we braved it for a few good photos.
Luckily, the skies were clear, and the red dunes looked stunning under the contrast of blue sky and white clouds.
Standing on the slope, with just the wind and our breath in our ears, it felt like time had slowed. Nothing special was happening, yet a rare calm settled over us.
A Taste of Yemen in Granada Mall
In the afternoon, we visited Granada Mall, one of Riyadh’s major shopping centers.
We had lunch in the food court and tried Yemeni cuisine. When the dishes arrived, we were all stunned—each came with a huge flatbread. And it wasn’t just for show; the bread was delicious. We couldn’t stop eating.
The mall was filled with major international brands. After days of visiting malls across the Middle East, we realized: you don’t even need to look for Dior—it’s in nearly every mall. This one was no exception. The Dior boutique greeted us right at the entrance—clear evidence of the brand’s dominant presence here.
The biggest surprise? Cinnabon.
In the U.S., it’s usually just a small booth selling cinnamon rolls. But here in the Middle East, it had its own spacious seating area, ambient lighting, and upscale decor. It felt like the “premium version” of Cinnabon!
It reminded us of how KFC or Pizza Hut in China is often designed to look upscale—completely different from their U.S. counterparts. This contrast felt oddly familiar.
Golden Globes and Quiet Malls
Since our flight was at night, we had a relaxed morning and visited one of Riyadh’s most iconic buildings—the Al Faisaliyah Tower.
It’s one of the city’s earliest skyscrapers, with a striking design: a glowing golden globe perched at the top, the kind of architecture you see once and never forget.
By the way, across the Middle East—except perhaps Oman—many countries seem to compete in architectural creativity. Maybe that’s the fastest way to grab attention, stir curiosity, and shape a national image.
Around noon, the mall was nearly empty, with many stores still closed—likely due to Eid.
Still, the interior design was elegant, and there were plenty of photo-worthy corners.
For lunch, we chose YAUATCHA, a modern Chinese restaurant inside the mall.
With its clean, refined décor and well-executed dishes, it might just be the most authentic Chinese food we had during our entire Middle East trip.
Turning Maps into Memories
And just like that, our 30-day journey through the Middle East comes to a close.
What once felt distant and vague is now vivid, filled with real stories and memories.
Perhaps this is the magic of travel—turning places on a map into moments in your heart.
🌍 What’s Next?
As we wrap up our Middle East journey, a new adventure awaits—this time, across the seas of Oceania. From the volcanic landscapes of Tahiti to the cultural depth of New Zealand and the coastal charm of Australia, our travels continue.
Whether you were reminiscing your own trip or planning one, I hope this journal brought the Middle East a little closer to your heart.
Thank you for joining us—and stay tuned for the next chapter.
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