Riyadh: The Capital city of Saudi Arabia

Living in Riyadh is very challenging. This because of several factors such as the weather, culture, and language barriers. This is a statement that is normally sounds reasonable to many non-Saudis. In fact, in contrast, during the time I was working at a multinational company, specifically at the welfare of the United States managing partner then, he announced that after living 16 years in Riyadh it is very difficult for him and his family to go back to Texas. He claims that his wife blended so well within the culture that she might not be able to get used to the US culture. I realized that it is depending on people's personalities, perceptions and capacities, that enable them to enjoy different places. below is an overview video about living in Riyadh.
 

Although being the capital of an Islamic country, where liquor and nightclubs are not sold publicly, people enjoy visiting Riyadh because its abnormal culture, rich infrastructure, job opportunities, and shopping malls. A panoramic view of Riyadh with the capacity of zooming captures it all at the website http://www.arriyadh.com/ar/cgi-bin/localuser/eprojects/Giga/03.html . Also, here are some useful information and things to do with respect to Riyadh.

Hotels:

Ritz Carlton: Enjoying a pre-eminent address in the capital Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA.) and situated within 213,500 square meters (52 acres) of luxuriantly landscaped gardens The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh will position itself amongst the grand palace hotels in the world. Originally envisioned as a royal guest palace for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the hotel’s stately architecture is modeled on traditional palaces and elegant Arabian residences. Native palms, 600-year old olive trees from Lebanon, and water fountains abound on the property, providing an oasis of serenity amidst the city centre. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Riyadh/PhotoGallery.htm
 
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre:
http://www.fourseasons.com/riyadh/

Al Faisaliah Hotel a Rosewood Hotel
Located at Al Faisaliah's 875-foot office tower that is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia. It is slightly higher than Canary Wharf, the tallest building in Britain. http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/alfaisaliahhotel/

Places to visit:

Almasmak cital:

The heart of old Riyadh, this was the fortress stormed by King Abdul Aziz and his men in their daring reconquest of Riyadh in 1902. Renovated in 2008 to an inch of its life, the mud brick structure now looks like it was built yesterday, but the museum inside does a pretty good job of recounting the story of the raid and has some fascinating photos of old Riyadh as well. Alas, the second half is devoted to extolling the greatness of the Sauds in everything from agriculture to education.
 
The Reem International Circuit is a motorsport venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, located 76 kilometres (47 mi) west of the city on Hejaz road Exit 11.
This track sits on a sandy patch in a desert. It was originally named after the Khubayb Al Reem dunes, the natural habitat of a rare type of deer called Al Reem.
http://www.reemracing.com/reem/en/
 
Kingdom Centre:
Undoubtedly Riyadh's most stunning piece of modern architecture, at 305m the Kingdom Centre is the second tallest building in Saudi Arabia and quite a sight, especially when lit up at night. The centre hosts an (expensive) three-story shopping mall, with one floor reserved for women, but the main reason to visit is the 99th-floor Skybridge connecting the two peaks at a height of 300m. Best visited at dusk or after dark, from here you'll get great views over the vast and flat but well-lit expanse of the city. SR35 (Skybridge). 
http://www.kingdomcentre.com.sa/
 
First Paintball.
The 1st entertainment company is run by a highly dedicated group of Saudi Arabian young professionals. They strive to provide fun based activities and centers for the nation’s youth. The company intends to mesmerize the youth by offering exciting entertainment facilities, 1^st Paintball being the first in line.
http://www.1stpaintball.com/about/
 
Al-Khalediah Arabian Horse Festival:

The staging of an Arabian Horse Festival has been a vision of His Royal Highness, Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin AbdulAziz Al Saud for some years and now, with its inaugural event taking place in January 2008 and thereafter, the dream will come to fruition.
http://alkhalediah-festival.com/en/Home.aspx

Al Janadriya Festival:
A 10-day heritage and cultural festival that takes place every winter (dates vary) in the desert outside of Riyadh. Activities include traditional Najdi sword dances and poetry readings, the sale of local handicrafts and the world's largest camel races, with over 2,500 camels from throughout the Middle East.

Others:

Al Faisaliah Tower - Experience Observation Desk

National Museum

Al Batha area with Masmak Fort, Dirah Square and Riyadh’s oldest Souk

Riyadh Zoo

Al Faisaliah Mall

Centria Mall

Kingdom Mall - Mamlaka Mall

Dirab Golf Course

Wadi Hanifa

Al Dir’iya Old Walled City

Desert Safari

 

Restaurants: This website supports you with all your needs. the page severs similar functions that of yelps.com, with relatively fewer reviews and pictures http://www.sufrati.com/sa/ Thus, i would like to present my favorites
 
Najd Village:

Serving Saudi food in a Saudi setting (designed like a central-region village), this place is almost unique in the Kingdom. It's the perfect place to sample kasba (meat withrice), or the Najd region speciality, hashi (baby camel). The set menu includes 14 different mains, coffee, dates and even bachoor (incense). Prices are reasonable and it's much loved by locals.

Phone	+966 1 464 6530

Al-Nakheel @ Al-Khozama:

Widely regarded as Riyadh’s premier Arabic restaurant, Al Nakheel features Middle Eastern and North African specialties in an authentic atmosphere. The ambiance and spectacular views of Riyadh from the top floor of the Al Khozama Center, combined with sophisticated service, make an evening here a truly memorable experience. From April to November, Al Nakheel’s panoramic terrace is also open for an amazing al fresco dinner.http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hotelalkhozama/dining/restaurants/
 
Piatto:
an exciting new chain of Italian restaurants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that offers the best of “Fresh Italian Dining” in a relaxing atmosphere with a delightful Italian menu to share with friends and family. http://www.piatto.com.sa/aboutus/Default.aspx
 
Cigar Lounge:

A badly kept secret among well-heeled 20- to 30-something Saudis as the place to take a date, it's all low-light...and discretion here. Set in the highest point of the Al-Faisaliah Tower, the views by day and night are spectacular. Snacks range from Beluga caviar to hot mezze. Drinks include coffee and non-alcoholic cocktails
http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/alfaisaliahhotel/dining/the_globe/



More information is provided by the High Commission of the Development of Al-Riaydh at their website http://www.arriyadh.com/eng/index.aspx/?1=1&menuId=36
 
Although the below site has it bias toward Riyadh, it contains some valuable information that may enrich you  http://wikitravel.org/en/Riyadh