The incredible lightness of Riyadh

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This week we’re quoting Amy Peck (Founder and CEO at Endeavour XR)

What Peck said:

“I am still so inspired by the event and the future vision in Saudi – I don’t think it will ever fade!” 

What was she talking about?

LEAP, of course. 

And one of the inspiring things about LEAP is its location: in Riyadh, a city that has been undergoing unprecedented transformation in recent years. 

When we talk to international attendees on the ground at the event, they almost always tell us how glad they are to have the opportunity to visit Riyadh. It’s not a city that’s on most people’s ‘to visit’ list – and yet when you get here, you discover a place that can quietly change your perspective and inspire new ideas about the future.  

What’s so good about Riyadh? 

OK, we know we’re biased. We spend a lot of time in this city – so we get to see it in every light.

And speaking of light: Riyadh is naturally one of the brightest cities in the world, averaging more than eight hours of sunlight each day. 

When the sun goes down, smart city technology powers up; and Riyadh is illuminated by street lighting that casts a magical glow over your evenings here. 

But enough about light for a moment. We wanted to give you the scoop on some incredible places you can visit while you’re here – so when you need a little downtime from the buzz of LEAP, you can step out and experience the city. 

We recommend…

• Kingdom Centre Tower. A 41-story building that houses stunning apartments and the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, head here to take in panoramic views of the city from the 56-metre skybridge.
• National Museum of Saudi Arabia. It’s next to the Murabba Palace (which was the first building to be constructed outside the walls of the old city), and it’s an ideal place to expand your knowledge of the country’s history. LEAP is packed with new technologies – so if you need to reconnect with the past, come to the museum to explore a collection of historic artefacts.
• The 303. If you want a chilled out evening, complete with a fancy cinema and all the food stalls you could wish for, make your way to this modern complex in the financial district.
• Old Diriyah. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this was the original home of the royal family. You can explore the beautiful historic buildings and learn about the significance of this area – under a gorgeous Saudi Arabia sky.
• Diplomatic Quarter. If you want to relax, stop for a coffee at a local cafe, enjoy a delicious meal, or take a walking trail to enjoy the city – this is the place for you.
• Al Rajhi Mosque. It’s the largest mosque in Riyadh, with capacity for 18,000 men and 2,500 women. If you’re interested in learning more about what the mosque offers and the role it plays in the community, you can take a guided tour to discover local knowledge about this culturally important place.
• Souq al-Thumairi. This local shopping location near the Masmak Fort (also worth a visit) is the perfect spot to buy local handicrafts, perfume, traditional clothes, jewellery, and more. If you’ve promised you’ll bring gifts home from Riyadh this is definitely the place to go.
• Red Sand Dunes. Searching for somewhere to burn some energy and experience the wonder of the desert? Close to Riyadh, the Red Sand Dunes hosts tours and adventure activities (from safari trips and camel riding, to quad biking and hiking) – and if you have an affinity with birds, you could even try your hand at falconry. 

Listen; we know you’ll be busy at LEAP

We’ve got a lot planned for LEAP 2024, and we know you’ll be busy. But as you’re coming to Riyadh anyway, it’d be a shame not to stay an extra day or two and experience this unique city. 

Just be warned: there’s a strong chance you’ll want to visit again. There’s nothing quite like the light of a Riyadh sunset – a memory that really will never fade. 

Have you been to Riyadh before – or are you a local?

We’d love to know your favourite places to hang out, eat, and soak up the atmosphere. Open this newsletter on LinkedIn and add your suggestions in the comments. 

Before you stop reading...👀

Get your copy of the two latest articles of LEAP's quarterly digital magazine - LEAP Forward ⬇

This week, explore how creative storytelling is being redefined, leveraging cutting-edge technology to captivate audiences and create immersive experiences. Read the article to on 'Redefining Creative Storytelling' now.

Also, discover the six new initiatives launched by Saudi Arabia's National Technology Development Program (NTDP), aimed at fostering a thriving tech ecosystem and driving innovation by 2030.

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Catch you next week,
Richard McKeon
Marketing Director

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