February 6, 2026 by webadmin
When people think of Saudi Arabia and Riyadh, they often think of wealth, rapid development and strict rules, but spend time in the city, and you’ll see a softer, more nuanced and more human side to it. It’s a city built around hospitality, community and a growing understanding of how tradition and modern life can coexist.
For professional companions who travel to the Middle East frequently, as well as local Riyadh escorts, the city offers a unique experience, and it’s one that feels intentional, authentic and fulfilling.
We asked ten professional companions to share their favourite things about Riyadh, from coffee culture and fine dining, to historic landmarks and cultural activities
Saudi Hospitality
Hospitality in Riyadh isn’t put on or performative. It’s baked into the cultural identity of its people and is part of everyday interactions. You see it in the way guests are treated with respect and reverence, how generous and patient the locals are and how much effort goes into ensuring that everyone feels welcome.
Politeness is second nature, and social harmony is an integral part of living here. This culture of hospitality gives Riyadh a welcoming undercurrent that many first-time visitors don’t expect but quickly come to appreciate.
The beautiful Layan said she feels that “There’s a genuine warmth to how people welcome you in Riyadh. Even when it’s just a brief encounter with the girl at the coffee shop or a hotel receptionist, everyone always treats you the way they’d treat a friend, and I think that’s really special.
The Coffee Culture
Riyadh’s coffee scene is central to its social life. Cafes are places to meet, talk, and relax rather than to simply grab a drink and leave. From traditional Arabic coffee to modern speciality blends, the ritual of coffee brings people together throughout the day and late into the evening.
Most cafes are beautifully designed, many of them incorporating traditional Arabic aesthetics or blending them with modern architecture and interior design. These are places that you feel comfortable spending well over an hour. They act as informal meeting spaces where guards can be dropped, and conversation can flow naturally.
Alona told us, “Riyadh’s cafe scene was one of the best surprises when I first came here. It’s an important part of everyone’s routine, and nobody dares rush it. It’s a great opportunity to slow down and reconnect with your friends, but also with yourself.”
Historic Sites That Shape the City
Riyadh is a city that’s quickly becoming an urban and cosmopolitan hub of economic activity, but its roots are firmly planted in its history and tradition. The many historic sites, like the Masmak Fortress and the At-Turaif district, demonstrate that historic context perfectly and put this grand city into perspective.
Experiencing them adds depth to any time spent in Riyadh, reminding visitors that modern ambition here is built on a long, deliberate history.
“Visiting places like Diriyah and Masmak gives you context you don’t get from modern areas“, says Lidia, “The older districts explain where the city has come from, and I love how aware of that the people are”.
Luxury Hotels and Spas
Major cities in the Middle East are famous for their upscale hotels and spas, and Riyadh is no exception. You can find luxury stays anywhere in the world, but the cultural tendency toward authentic and heartfelt hospitality here makes all the difference.
From arrival to service to checkout, everything is intentional, thoughtful and above all, discreet, allowing guests to fully relax. Riyadh hotels and wellness centres strike the perfect balance of being highly attentive without being overbearing. Guests often say they felt totally looked after but never watched.
“It might sound cliché, but there’s nothing I like more than a relaxing day of treatments at a spa”, Clara told us, “and they really know what they’re doing here.”
A City in Transition
Riyadh feels like a city that’s intentionally and consciously redefining itself. New districts, cultural projects and a growing entertainment industry, but they all sit alongside historic neighbourhoods, long-standing customs and deeply rooted social values. What’s special about this is that the change here doesn’t feel chaotic, abrupt or as if it’s trying to erase its traditions and start fresh. Rather, it’s trying to build on them in a modern and lasting way.
Experiencing Riyadh now means seeing tradition and ambition existing side by side, shaping a future that still feels anchored in its past. Sabrina agreed that “you can feel Riyadh changing, but it feels just as connected to its past as ever before. The old and the new feel like they’re working together, not against each other, and it’s incredible to witness it firsthand”.
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