Sonsoles discovers Riyadh for us
Her practical recommendations:
1.
Janadriyah Cultural Festival: One of the most important cultural events in Saudi Arabia
which takes place every year. A sample of traditions, art crafts, folklore, a place where
one can become immersed in Arabic and nomadic culture.
2.
Weekend activities: Horse races at the Equestrian Club and trips to the desert.
3.
Keep connected to the Qatari Al-Jazeera channel.
4.
Recommended book: “Girls of Riyadh” by Rajaa Alsanea.
5.
Saudi film: “Wadja” (2012) directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour.
6.
Saudi press in English: Arab News and Saudi Gazette.
7.
When choosing a school: there are all types of international schools in Riyadh. The
American School, the French Lyceum; the German and the Swedish schools.
8.
Trips. There are many attractive spots to visit in Saudi Arabia, such as
a.
The archaeological Mada’ site in Saleh, Nabatea culture, a wonderful and unknown
place; a city chiselled in the rocks.
b.
The city of Alhasa, a palm tree oasis where the country’s best dates are produced.
c.
The rural communities of al-Hada and al-Shafa, where the Taif rose is cultivated.
d.
In Riyadh, the National Museum and the Waad Hanifa Park, an ancient oasis with
channelled water with park areas where Saudi families go to visit.
9.
A hotel: Al-Faisaliah, serving family brunch on weekends.
10.
An Italian restaurant in the same hotel: La Cucina, designed by a Saudi princess.
11.
For cuisine, Kabsa, rice with lamb, and Muhalabia, a yoghourt made with rose water.
12.
A shopping centre: Kingdom Mall with the city’s landmark tower.
13.
She recommends that we take many books, music, and films in our suitcases.
14.
In countries neighbouring Saudi Arabia: Qatar, Abu-Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, and a bit
farther away, Lebanon and Istanbul, Turkey.
How can integration be achieved?
By having an interest in the country and ha-
ving the predisposition, by making a perso-
nal effort to adapt to a completely different
way of life, having a positive attitude is good
for your personal and your family’s stability.
In Riyadh, recreational facilities for young
children are encouraged.
What memories of the city linger with
you?
Weddings where only women were invi-
ted and which ended at midnight and I got
back home at around five in the morning,
the homes of Saudi friends and of people of
other nationalities, the weekends, shopping
in the fish market, an incredible place that
they call the Zoco of the Princesses whe-
re they sell evening clothes at a very good
price.
For many companies, Saudi Arabia is an
opportunity. What would tell people who
are considering the possibility of Riyadh
as a professional destination?
They should not have any doubts; major
Spanish and foreign companies are in the
country, and it is a country of growth and
development of cities, universities, airports,
metros...the word “crisis” does not exist
here, and the salaries and benefits can
allow you to save. International tenders for
major public works are continuously being
announced, such as the high-speed train to
Mecca and the recent Riyadh metro project
that was recently awarded. These repre-
sent job opportunities which are not very
frequent right now in our country.
