< PreviousWINTER CAMPING 40 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com EQUIPPED CAMP SITES If you’re new to camping or you want to cut down the admin on your next trip, it’s worth booking into one of Riyadh’s well-equipped camp sites, where you’ll get everything from food to tents provided, and enjoy the luxury of running water and toilets. This is also a great option for solo campers or those going as a couple, as well as for groups and families that want to tag adventures like dune bashing or rock climbing onto their trips. AL THUMAMA PARK Where is it: Northeast of Riyadh, near Al Majmaah Road. Why go: For the services and activities. A good spot for first-time campers, though its popularity means it can get busy, this is an ideal place for families and groups who prefer serviced campsites. There are basic bathrooms and even tents available to rent, as well as all sorts of activities to try. You’ll be right in the middle of amazing sand dunes and can soak up the scenery from the quiet of your camping chair or get right there amidst it all with some quad biking and camel riding. O Al Thumama, Riyadh. RAMLA CAMP Where is it: Al Azhariyah near Janadriyah, around a 45-minute drive from the city. Why go: For tradition and convenience. One of the new camps in Riyadh has become the first choice this winter for anyone seeking a taste of the Bedouin lifestyle. Ramla Camp is decked out in keeping with tradition, with the added bonus of modern lighting. Tents are equipped with amenities, there are traditional meals, tea and coffee on offer, and comfortable majlis-style seating provides space to socialise and soak up the views. Camel and horse rides can also be arranged. O Al Azhariyah. tiktok.com/@ramla.camp. RED SAND RIYADH Where is it: Approximately 80 kilometres northeast of Riyadh in the Al Muzahmiyya area. Why go: For the softest, reddest sand imaginable. Also known as the Hidden Valley, Red Sand CAMPING ESSENTIALS They say the best things in life are free and camping is possibly one of the greatest, as long as you have the right gear. 1. Tent, tent pegs and a mallet: Make sure your tent is waterproof, windproof and big enough for your group. Ideally, go for one of the pop-up options. You’ll be ready in minutes. 2. Sleeping bags and airbeds: Sleeping bags are essential to keep you warm at night (though you can stick a duvet in the car if you prefer), but we recommend taking pillows and airbeds too. The sand is not as comfy as it looks. Take an adaptor so you can quickly blow up mattresses using your car’s power socket. 3. Headlamps and lanterns: Once the sun is gone, you’ll be amazed at how dark the desert is. Rechargeable or solar-powered lights are best and keep a couple of lanterns on while you are sleeping too. 4. Cool box and ice: To keep food and drinks fresh and cold, obviously. 5. Cooking equipment: Grab a small gas stove, portable grill or barbecue (check the rules of what you can use if you’re on a campsite). Don’t forget pans, pots, knives and utensils, plus a foldable table to keep everything away from the sand. No-one likes a grainy burger. 6. Camping chairs: Bring enough for everyone and the cutest little camping chairs for kids. 7. Firewood and firelighters: Get that camp fire going once the sun has set and enjoy long hours sat outside under the stars. 8. Water, food and all the snacks: As well as the food you plan to cook, throw in dry snacks and treats, especially if you have children. Don’t forget olive oil or butter for cooking. 9. Camping crockery: Pack plates, cutlery and cups, along with things like kitchen towel, cloths and garbage bags. 10. First aid kit: Keep basic supplies such as bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, anti-burn cream and tweezers with you, along with baby wipes, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Overnight camping TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 40TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 4002/12/2024 13:5302/12/2024 13:53WINTER CAMPING timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 41 is an area away from the crowds that has the benefit of dedicated facilities. Various tour companies organise days out here, with sandboarding, dune bashing, quad biking and camel riding among the activities on offer, as well as the opportunity to wear traditional dress and sample Saudi tea or coffee. If you want to camp overnight, make sure you bring your own tents and equipment as the tour companies only organise day visits. You only have a to drive a few kilometres in from the main road to find a good spot. O Al Muzahmiyya . DESIGNATED CAMPING SPOTS If you are comfortable taking charge of your own camping experience and don’t mind braving the elements, then it’s still a good idea to head to a designated camping area. You also need to keep in mind all the basic rules of camping, from travelling in a convey with at least two cars and leaving nothing but your footprints when you depart. That means “For the softest, reddest sand imaginable, head here” Edge of the World TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 41TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 4102/12/2024 13:5302/12/2024 13:53WINTER CAMPING 42 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com Edge of the World TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 42TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 4202/12/2024 13:5302/12/2024 13:53WINTER CAMPING timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 43 every last scrap of litter must go with you. Here’s our top picks of the best camping areas, but do always follow local signage and rules wherever you are. AL KHARRARAH NATIONAL PARK Where is it: Al Muzahmiyya region, about 100 kilometres southwest of Riyadh. Why go: To enjoy nature’s swimming pool, Lake Kharrarah. This vast national park has it all – red sand dunes, rock formations, green pastures and even a lake, depending on the season. When it’s cool enough and after rainfall, ‘Lake Kharrarah’ emerges between the dunes, a natural swimming pool that you’ll see visitors dip in and out of. In warmer weather, the water evaporates and green foliage appears, along with birds and other wildlife. Truly stunning, nature alone can keep you occupied here, but there are also various activities on offer, from dune bashing to kite flying. You will need your own 4x4 car to go into the park and as always, be sure to deflate your tyres before hitting the dunes. Pack tow ropes and a shovel, just in case, along with all your usual gear. O Near Al Muzahmiyya Governorate, west of Riyadh. EDGE OF THE WORLD / ACACIA VALLEY Where is it: Northwest of Riyadh, about 90 kilometres from the city. Why go: For incredible views. If you love to hike, head to one of Riyadh’s most famous tourist attractions, the Edge of the World. Located at the end of the Tuwaiq Mountains, which extend for about 800 kilometres, it is an epic spot seemingly resistant to erosion. Be warned, the landscape here is particularly rough and barren so it is probably best for a day trip rather than an overnight camp. And with no services available, it’s definitely somewhere to visit with a group or experienced guide. O Northwest of Riyadh, visitsaudi.com. NAMAR DAM LAKE Where is it: Al Warad, Namar, southwest of Riyadh. Why go: To see the natural waterfall. Another waterside camping spot that you need to see to believe. Namar Dam Lake, or Wadi Namar as it’s also referred to, is characterised by its fresh water and idyllic atmosphere. A true desert oasis, here you’ll find a natural waterfall cascading down the rock formations of this wadi into a lake, home DESERT DAY TRIPS If you want those desert vibes without waking up with sand everywhere, try one of these day tours instead. ARABIAN DESERT Get collected from a city centre hotel for a day in the desert with local guides. Learn how Saudi coffee is made, enjoy henna painting, watch a falconry display and get up close with some camels. O SAR942 (minimum four people), book.visitsaudi.com. BEDOUIN EXPERIENCE Live a day in the life of a Saudi Bedouin with a camp that aims to showcase the best of Bedouin culture. Hear tales of survival as you enjoy traditional food, or try your hand at sand boarding as you explore the dunes. O SAR450. dunesanddates.com. RED SAND DUNES TOUR One for the early birds, start with a 5am pick-up and head into the Red Sand Dunes for four hours of desert safari by quad bike, followed by lunch at Najd, a traditional Saudi restaurant, and a camel ride. O From SAR900 (minimum two people), saudiarabiatours.net. Bedouin experience TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 43TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 4302/12/2024 13:5402/12/2024 13:54WINTER CAMPING 44 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com to ducks and fish. Kids will be mesmerised, so pack a picnic and chill out amid the greenery and palm trees surrounding the lake. There’s a manmade corniche and basic services including toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own camping kit if you want to stay overnight. O Al Warad, Namar. NUFUD & RAWDAT AL SHUQUQ Where is it: Near Raghaba town in Thadiq. Why go: To camp surrounded by mountain ranges. Discover the magical combination of undulating sandy dunes and rocky mountains in this expanse of desert. Surrounded by the Tuwaiq mountains, you’ll get brilliant views and feel a million miles from the city, even though it’s a mere 90-minute drive away. O Between Qassim and Riyadh. RAWDAT KHURAIM Where is it: About 100 kilometres northeast of Riyadh towards Rumah. Why go: For a change of scenery, literally. Also known as Khuraim Kindergarten or The King’s Forest, this is a lush green space full of vegetation and wildlife that makes for a beautiful camping spot (although you need to pitch up on the outskirts of the garden rather than within it). Part of the garden is restricted from the public to protect the flora and fauna, but the rest is accessible during the day and a refreshing change from the city and sand we are so used to. Although it feels tranquil, it’s a good option for people without access to a 4X4 as you can drive up here in a regular car. O Rumah, northeast of Riyadh. WADI HANIFAH Where is it: Al Masani, extending from the centre of Riyadh to the south. Why go: To enjoy stargazing after a group hike. An ideal and very scenic spot for campers that want a bit of exercise too. Carve out a few hours to take your family and friends to Wadi Hanifah on the outskirts of Riyadh and embark on a hike through this famous valley, complete with lake. Walking trails span a massive 47 kilometres in total, but there are benches and rest areas too, so you can be as adventurous (or lazy) as you like. Relax in one of the six beautiful parks and if you want, stay into the evening and camp under the stars. There are outdoor barbecue spots to make things easier too. Overall, it’s a great spot for camping newbies. O Wadi Hanifah, Al Masani. Saudi coffee and tea TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 44TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 4402/12/2024 13:5402/12/2024 13:54WINTER CAMPING timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 45 Wadi Hanifah TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 45TOR_EN032_36_45_Feature winter camping_13430397.indd 4502/12/2024 13:5402/12/2024 13:54RIY ADH SEASON 46 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com SPEND LESS, DO MORE TOR_EN032_46_51_feature Budget friendly Riyadh season_13430409.indd 46TOR_EN032_46_51_feature Budget friendly Riyadh season_13430409.indd 4630/11/2024 16:1330/11/2024 16:13RIY ADH SEASON timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 47 Here are 15 top ways to enjoy Riyadh Season on a budget, with free attractions, cheap tickets and bargain eats. By Louise Charlesworth Boulevard World R iyadh Season has taken over the city. From the new zones (hello, Boulevard Runway, BLVD Business Park, Dunes of Arabia, Studio Tour and The Venue) to the extension of the Boulevard World and a new permanent home for The Grove, there’s heaps to check out, with even more to look forward to. There are new fashion shows, massive sporting events, make-your-head-spin thrill rides, oodles of restaurants and world-class gigs. It’s all everyone is talking about. With so much brilliant stuff to see and do, there is a risk that things can get a bit spendy. At this time of year, when our salaries tend to disappear as quickly as our gingerbread lattes, forking out for events can be a worry. But fret not – there is plenty to get involved with at Riyadh Season without parting with too much cash. In fact, there are even zones that are completely free to enter and entire festivals you can access for absolutely nothing. That’s right, zilch. As always, Time Out has you covered. Consider this your complete guide to Riyadh Season on a budget. FREE THINGS TO DO AT RIYADH SEASON BOULEVARD CITY This huge entertainment hub offers everything from stunning gardens and a dancing fountain to theatres, musical performances and global gaming centres. This year, check out OluLou – a 20-metre high dinosaur skeleton that will enthrall amateur paleontologists of all ages. Boulevard City is one of the few zones that you can enter without a ticket, though bear in mind that some of the attractions within it will have their own entry requirements and fees. O Free. Hittin, riyadhseason.com. RIYADH ZOO A wildlife attraction popular with all ages, Riyadh Zoo returns to Riyadh Season for its third year with several new attractions and that all-important free entry. Specially designed platforms will let you feed crocodiles, giraffes, monkeys and elephants, while in the Enchanted Forest you can also meet bears, llamas and gazelles. TOR_EN032_46_51_feature Budget friendly Riyadh season_13430409.indd 47TOR_EN032_46_51_feature Budget friendly Riyadh season_13430409.indd 4730/11/2024 16:1330/11/2024 16:13RIY ADH SEASON 48 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com WWE EXPERIENCE If you thought Riyadh Season couldn’t get more WWE obsessed, you were wrong. The WWE Experience is at Boulevard City for the first time ever. This is an arena, museum and retail store all in one. In the fully immersive WWE Super Dome you can pretend you are at a live wrestling match, or even go backstage to create your own character and make your grand entrance. Then explore the Crown Jewel area, with 40 years’ worth of Championship titles and WrestleMania memorabilia displayed for the very first time. Pick up your own souvenir at the WWE retail superstore, with merch you cannot buy anywhere else. O From SAR37.50. Open daily 5pm-11pm. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. BUDGET-FRIENDLY DISHES Head to Boulevard World for some bargain snacks, all tried and tested by the good Time Out Riyadh team. There are 13 country pavilions to explore, all serving up dishes that celebrate their own cuisine and heritage, with a whopping 300 restaurants in total. Here’s where to start: BASTA CAFÉ CAKE, SAUDI ARABIA Dig into Basta Café’s dates roll cake with vanilla ice cream. O SAR45. HUNGRY MONSTER FRUIT STICKS, JAPAN Try the strawberry-glazed fruit sticks or sip on oversized drinks loaded with candy and fruit. O From SAR25. FUWA CAFÉ CAKE, THE GLOBE Need a chocolate fix? Head to Fuwa Café for the rich chocolate cake. O From SAR23. PURI, INDIA Craving something tangy? Snack on India’s popular pani puri for a mix of sour and salty flavours. You get four pani puri here for just SAR45. O SAR45. TURKISH ICE-CREAM, TURKEY Watch out for some classic tricks from the loveable Turkish ice cream server. He’ll have little ones in stitches. O SAR25. O Open daily 4pm-1am. Boulevard World, Hittin, riyadhseason.com / webook.com. Look out for Bengal tigers in The Swamp, see chimpanzees in Ape Escape and hop into Kangaroo Land to meet these friendly critters from Down Under. New this year is an aviary and stage for amazing bird shows packed full of surprising tricks. Tickets must be booked in advance and slots fill up quickly. O Free. Open daily 9am-5pm. Al Malaz, webook.com. SOUQ ALAWALEEN This traditional market reflects the culture and heritage of different regions of the Kingdom, and entry is free. Browse authentic handicrafts, local clothing and all manner of spices, dine on historic dishes and engage in traditional folk games and craft activities. O Free. Opens Dec 15. webook.com. VIA RIYADH It might be a hub of designer stores and fancy restaurants, but Via Riyadh is also a beautiful place for a stroll, where you can soak up the winter vibes and Salmani-style architecture and urban style. You don’t even need a ticket. O Free. Al Hada, viariyadh.com. THINGS TO DO UNDER SAR50 AT RIYADH SEASON A LOT LIKE LIFE An immersive experience for ages 16+, this is a truly terrifying attraction that challenges you to enter a city overrun with a terrifying epidemic that has turned its residents into zombies. Are you brave enough to enter? Will you escape infection? Top tip: don’t try this one alone. O From SAR50. Open daily 5pm-11.55pm. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. BLUEY DREAM LAND Do your kids recreate every Bluey episode they watch? Thought so. There can’t be a child (or parent) in the Kingdom that doesn’t have a soft spot for Bluey, her little sister Bingo and their daily games, tricks and role-plays. Now your little ones can join in with all their adventures in this immersive world of dreams and fairy tales. O From SAR45. Open daily 5pm-11.55pm. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. DETECTIVE CONAN Japanese manga fans and anyone fascinated by a prodigious young detective will delight in the Detective Conan Live Experience. Located in Boulevard City, this delightful attraction invites you to be the detective and solve a series of puzzles in order to uncover a crime and find the treasure. O From SAR45. Open daily 5pm-11.55pm. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. Via Riyadh TOR_EN032_46_51_feature Budget friendly Riyadh season_13430409.indd 48TOR_EN032_46_51_feature Budget friendly Riyadh season_13430409.indd 4830/11/2024 16:1430/11/2024 16:14RIY ADH SEASON timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 49 TOR_EN032_46_51_feature Budget friendly Riyadh season_13430409.indd 49TOR_EN032_46_51_feature Budget friendly Riyadh season_13430409.indd 4930/11/2024 16:1430/11/2024 16:14Next >