Since its establishment, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed a renaissance at all levels, and the paths of change and development have been strengthened in an unprecedented way for a decade now.
One of the most important things that Saudi Arabia has been working on lately is everything related to the tourism and investment fields inside and outside the capital.
This is why efforts are also focused on the development of travel and transport facilities, primarily in the air transport sector. Therefore, a large airport such as King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is witnessing an important growth in passenger numbers, accompanied, of course, by a growth in the number of flights.
The percentage of passengers recorded by the airport in 2023 is a record in comparison with 2019. Accordingly, the management working at this vital facility has worked to strengthen the cadres working in it and to open up travel destinations to and from Riyadh even more.
It is also important in this context that it has worked to enhance the airport’s facilities and services to provide passengers and passersby with comfort, recreation, and safety. This is why the airport has advanced in the “Skytrax” list to the 27th place on the list of the 100 best airports around the world for 2023.
It is expected that the airport will achieve better rankings in the coming years due to the plans to strengthen this sector, which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is actively working on. What we will deal with in this article are the facilities and services that King Khalid Airport in Riyadh provides to travelers and transients immediately upon arrival at the airport building, and the activities that can be carried out through them.
1- Visiting restaurants and cafes at Riyadh International Airport
There is a large selection of restaurants and cafes at Riyadh International Airport, which are available 24 hours a day. In the five terminals of the airport, you can find about 19 restaurants and cafes, some of which are very famous internationally.
For example, if you are a fan of fast food, you can enjoy a delicious meal from “Burger King”, and you will also have sandwiches and sweets with it if you wish. For this, you may mean “McDonald’s”, where you will find a wide list of options that suit you and your family and children.
And how about having your favorite delicious coffee from “Dunkin’ Donuts” and, with it, a delicious dessert covered with chocolate or flavored sugar?
And if you are a fan of Starbucks coffee, you will find it in lounge number 5, and Starbucks also offers you cold drinks, desserts, and delicious sandwiches. And in lounge number 3, you will find the cafe “Half Million,” where you will be offered delicious coffee and wonderful mixes from it. And you can also have ice cream, sandwiches, or croissants with your favorite drink.
And if you have arrived at the airport in the morning and want to have a delicious breakfast, the restaurant “Cakes and Cheese” is waiting for you to offer you Manakish, stuffed cakes, and various types of food served at breakfast.
And for pizza lovers, the restaurant “Domino’s Pizza” will offer them slices of pizza with the finest ingredients, spices, and a wide list of options.
At Riyadh airport, you will also find a cafe called “Tim Hortons” to serve you luxurious coffee and delicious baked goods. And you will find “Baskin-Robbins” to taste the perfectly made ice cream, and this place has 8,000 branches around the world.
From “Cinnabon”, you will have the most delicious baked goods, and from “Subway”, the most delicious sandwiches. And the list does not stand at these names that I mentioned to you.
So, treat yourself when you land at Riyadh International Airport. The food and drink options are very large, and you just need to choose one of these restaurants or cafes at the airport every time you visit Riyadh to feel happy while eating your favorite meal.
2- Use of relaxation lounges at Riyadh International Airport
Don’t worry if you arrive at Riyadh airport and you need to rest, lie down, or sleep after a long and exhausting flight, as you will enjoy a quiet and comfortable experience in the lounge that has been prepared for this and that welcomes you 24 hours a day, even if you are an economy class passenger.
The lounge offers a variety of services that will help you relax and prepare for your next trip, including a public seating area, a special food and beverage corner, bedrooms, and children’s rooms.
The lounge offer focuses on the basic aspects that will make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. Relax in the comfortable seating area, have a snack from the food and beverage corner, take a break in the bedroom, or let your children play in the children’s room.
With the comfort lounge at Riyadh airport, you can relax and prepare for your next flight without any worries and at affordable prices.
3- Shopping at Riyadh International Airport
You will be surprised by the variety of shopping options at Riyadh International Airport. You can buy what you need from one of the shops available in one of the lounges. And you can choose a great gift for your loved ones before you meet them at the destination where you will go after you leave the airport.
At “Virgin Megastore,” you will find all your entertainment needs, including books, electronics, games, CDs, computers, tickets, and more. This store is available around the clock and on all days of the week.
In Terminal 5, you will find “AHLA Avenue,” where you will have an exciting shopping experience. Beautiful perfumes, watches, and wonderful gifts are some of the assets of this store.
And in the store “Bath and Body,” you will find the most beautiful perfumes. You will also have the “Arabian Oud” store to buy the most beautiful oriental perfumes made from the finest materials and blends.
And in the Foot Locker store, you will find a place specializing in the field of sportswear and shoes.
In the “Swiss Corner,” you will enjoy the most important selection of Swiss watches that suit all tastes and at the best prices from international brands.
In the “kid inn”, you will buy the most beautiful toys and children’s supplies, and in the “Duty-Free”, you will find international brands, fashion, perfumes, electronics, toys, food, and sweets.
The airport has more than one place to sell medicines or medical supplies, as the “Medicine Pharmacies”, the”Nahdi pharmacy,” or the “Whites” store.
4- Booking at the Marriott Hotel Riyadh International Airport
Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel is located near King Khalid International Airport, a short drive away. The hotel is a 5-star hotel that provides a variety of services to guests.
In this hotel, you will find rooms equipped with the latest amenities, free high-speed internet access, two restaurants serving a range of delicious international cuisine, a fitness center, a spa, and multiple halls for various events.
If you are looking for a comfortable and ideal hotel for your vacation or to get some work done in Riyadh, then the Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel is the perfect choice for you.
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Return Home Loaded With Gifts Using the “Click & Collect” Service
Suppose you want to end your trip with special surprises and memorable gifts. In that case, the “Click & Collect” service at Riyadh International Airport offers an innovative and convenient shopping experience before takeoff.
You can now shop online through Ahlan Avenue, choose your favorite products from top global brands, and collect your purchases directly from the departure area in Domestic Terminal 5.
Thanks to the “Pick It Up Yourself” option available for all departing flights, you won’t need to carry shopping bags around the airport.
Simply place your order 12 hours before your flight, then collect it quickly upon arrival at the airport. It’s the perfect way to buy last-minute gifts and enjoy an easy, comfortable shopping experience at Riyadh Airport.
Turn your waiting hours at Riyadh Airport into a fun sightseeing tour
Thanks to the Saudi Stopover Visa, Riyadh Airport is no longer just a place to wait; it is now a gateway to exploring the heart of the Kingdom.
When you book an itinerary that connects via King Khalid International Airport, you can enjoy a stay of up to 96 hours, giving you time to visit historic Diriyah or Boulevard City and return to the airport with ease.
Make the most of your stopover in Saudi Arabia by experiencing Saudi tourism, sampling authentic Najdi flavors at global dining spots inside the airport, or unwinding in luxury airport lounges with comfort and premium amenities before continuing your international journey, turning your Riyadh transit into a memorable travel experience.
Conclusion
Riyadh International Airport is a large, ancient, and well-equipped airport. And what we’ve mentioned to you are samples of what you can do when you land in it.
Otherwise, you can do more than that, such as receiving money or transferring it through a group of available bank branches, such as Al Rajhi Bank, Al Ahli Bank, Al Bilad Bank, Al Inma, and others.
You can store your luggage in designated, safe areas and access the internet, make calls, and book through various travel agencies.
FAQs About Riyadh International Airport
Is there free Wi-Fi at Riyadh International Airport?
Yes, the airport offers free Wi-Fi access throughout all terminals, allowing travelers to stay connected at no cost.
What is the parking fee at Riyadh International Airport?
Parking costs 10 SAR per hour, with varying daily maximums depending on the terminal.
How can I access the Riyadh Airport lounge?
You can enter the Hayyak Lounge by purchasing an access ticket.
Can I charge my phone at Riyadh International Airport?
Yes, mobile charging stations are available in all waiting areas.
How can I contact Riyadh International Airport?
You can reach the airport management through multiple channels:
- Phone: 920020090
- Official Website: via the Riyadh Airports online portal
- Email: [email protected]