Just a stone’s throw from central Riyadh, Al Muruj is a lively residential and commercial district in the Saudi Arabian capital. It centres around a bustling market area where you can shop for fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables and is a convenient base for enjoying the Winter Wonderland of the Riyadh Season.
Things to do in Al Muruj
In the heart of Al Muruj is the North of Riyadh Central Fish Market where you can shop for fresh seafood and have it cooked to order. Take your pick from roasted, barbecued or fried fish served alongside rice and a delicious tahini sauce. The adjacent produce market is clustered with stalls piled high with fruit and vegetables, with haggling a part of the experience.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Al Muruj’s busy streets, head to the small, picturesque green space of Ibrahim Bin Saidan Park. There’s a children’s playground where kids can let off some steam, as well as benches for relaxing beneath the towering palms. Watching over the park is the impressive building of the Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Group, which is colourfully illuminated after dark.
Want to stretch your legs? Follow the Ghadeer Walking Trail, which traverses the western end of Al Muruj and offers magnificent views across Riyadh’s city skyline. A highlight of the trail is the Winter Wonderland, a family-friendly attraction that forms part of the city-wide celebrations known as Riyadh Season. In addition to arcade games and rides, it boasts an ice skating rink and a dancing fountain.
Getting around Al Muruj
Al Muruj is five minutes’ drive from the centre of Riyadh and 25 minutes from King Khalid International Airport. Buses connect to Al Muruj, although taxis are the main means of getting to and around the neighbourhood.