• Article Listing
• |
• Search Articles
• |
• More Articles in Lifestyle
• |
• More Articles by Carol Fleming

Outdoor Activities in Saudi Arabia

by Carol Fleming - 08/14/2010

"The weather in Saudi Arabia will soon be changing from the searing heat to a much more comfortable temperature. This article discusses the activities which are popular one the weather has changed."

In a few short weeks the weather in Saudi Arabia will undergo a shift. Instead of the searing heat which blazes throughout the day, the temperature will become quite comfortable. The nights will be balmy and ideal for spending time outdoors. This opens up many opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation. But, what kind of outdoor activities are there in Saudi Arabia? You might just be surprised!

There are the typical activities one can expect to find in countries the world over, such as golfing and horseback riding. For example, in Riyadh, there are typical golf courses such as the ones located at the Intercontinental hotel within the city or at the Arizona Resort compound located near Imam University. Further out from the city and through the Kingdom, one can also experience ‘desert golf.’ Desert golf is literally golfing across the hard sands of the desert. Because green fairways are not an option, one carries a small mat of Astroturf that the ball is placed on before each drive. Horseback riding is an option as well. One can ride either within the confines of a riding facility or in some cases, horses can be ridden in the desert sands or shores of the Arabian sea, depending on location.

While on the subject of horses, with the upcoming change in the weather, the King Abdullah Equestrian Center, located in Thamamah, outside of Riyadh, will be reopening. This is an excellent place to spend a day. One can go in the late morning and enjoy the five star brunch which is presented in an atmosphere similar to that of an exclusive country club where no restrictions apply to the mode of dress. After sated from the appetizing brunch, the rest of the day and early evening is spent watching the magnificent Arabian stallions in race after race.

Daytime outdoor activities are diverse and many. Favorites of expatriates include sand skiing or surfing; driving SUV’s up and down the rolling dunes of the desert; fossil collecting; and geo-caching to name a few. Many expatriates from Riyadh take drives to Thamamah where they can observe Saudis and non-Saudis enjoying themselves skiing, surfing and driving. These activities have individuals surpass nationality and faith and a camaraderie forms as all enjoy themselves.

The evening time is the best to have a picnic in the desert. Head out to the desert prior to sunset. There is nothing like watching the sunset over the desert while setting up for a late picnic. Enroute be sure to stop at many of the roadside places which sell wood for a fire. Once the sun sets, the air becomes nippy and a roaring fire will keep everyone toasty and comfortable! The picnic seems to always taste better when eaten around the fire. If Saudi friends are with you, after the meal is the ideal time to introduce them to toasted marshmellows and s’mores.

Carol Fleming

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5