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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

A vast land, largely desert … the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an extraordinary country, covering 80% of the Arabian Peninsula. Its Red Sea coast stretches for 1,800 kilometres (1,100 miles), from the border of Yemen in the south to Jordan in the north. The north-eastern frontier borders Iraq and Kuwait; the south-eastern border is shared with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and the southern frontier borders Oman and Yemen.

In the centre of Saudi Arabia, its capital, Riyadh, is the fastest-growing city in the country. At the turn of the 20th century, it was a small nomadic settlement surrounding the Masmak Fortress. Under the guidance of King Abdul Aziz, followed by the growing importance of oil, Riyadh has metamorphosed into a thriving modern city of four million people. With an excellent infrastructure and transportation system, it has become a centre of commerce, industry and diplomacy, with modern office buildings and internationally recognised retail outlets. A cosmopolitan, sophisticated and fast-paced city, it also retains many ties to Islam and to the traditions of the past.

Located within the city's tallest building – the prestigious Kingdom Centre – Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is close to the city's commercial centre and diplomatic quarter. It is adjacent to the city's most exclusive shopping mall and a short distance from museums and souks. Guests enter the Hotel's monumental lobby and are whisked up to their rooms, which are thoughtfully designed with commanding views. Four Seasons restaurants offer Riyadh's most exceptional cuisine in both quality and diversity. Four Seasons also features Riyadh's finest ballroom and function facilities, graciously appointed and technologically equipped for meetings, weddings and social and business receptions.

Time zone

GMT +3 hours

Language(s) spoken

Arabic; some English

Electrical system

Local voltage is 220 to 240 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

Saturday to Thursday 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, with closing periods for prayer times throughout the day.

Working hours

Saturday to Thursday 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. Some offices close early on Thursdays. Some offices and banks are closed in the afternoon between 12:00 noon and 3:30 pm. Government offices are open Saturday to Thursday 8:30 am to 2:30 pm; some close early on Thursday.

Time and distance to city centre

20 minutes/20 kilometres/12 miles

Time and distance to shopping

• Al Mamlaka (Kingdom Centre) Shopping Mall: connected to Hotel lobby/1 minute
• Antique Souk (near the clock tower): 20 minutes/16 kilometres/10 miles

Time and distance to financial district

10 minutes/10 kilometres/6 miles

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Seasonal highlights

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.

Ramadan: It is during this month (dates vary) that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan, which starts on the first sighting of the new moon. Lasting for the entire month, Muslims fast during the daylight hours, and eat small meals and visit with friends and family in the evening. It is a time of worship and contemplation; a time to strengthen ties with family and community.