How to have fun in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Here's what I could think of as part of my top 10 things to do in Riyadh (I've decided that it would be too difficult for me to arrange in any particular order, so here they are as they came to mind):

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Transportation
• Friends (for some things)
• Family (for some things)
• Camping Gear
• Sports Gear

1. Desert Activities: In particular, I love to go out camping with the boys anywhere far enough from the city where there's minimal view of city lights, and wide open spaces of soft cool desert sand. A typical night would include talks related to any interesting topic whether religion, politics, business, or just plain old memories, some fun night buggy riding, grilling out, forgetting all the troubles of this worldly life and simply gazing at the stars, and whatever else we can think of.
2. Restaurants / Cafes: Riyadh's got some really great restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Whether you feel like a fancy dinner with the family, a game of pool with the boys while munching down on some burgers, or simply enjoying a hot drink with some friends at a cafe on tahliah street, it's all there - pick & choose.
3. Shopping: Riyadh's got too many malls and stores for anyone to complain on this 'thing to do'. Heck, I'd probably complain of having too many options to decide where I want to go and buy a nice pair of shoes.
4. Basketball: Being the b-ball fanatic that I am, I can't skip on this one. Have had really great games (memories) in Riyadh when it comes to playing basketball. I've played pick-up games with people at several of the local compounds, organized games with friends at the sheraton, and even challenge games with the top sports clubs (including al-hilal, nasser, and shabab clubs' basketball teams).
5. Working Out: If there's one thing I enjoy in Saudi, it's the level of comfort. This culture surpasses any that I know when it comes to services and quality. Ok slow down, let me finish, I know what you're going to say. I know Saudi is far from being a service-oriented economy as the west knows it, but we do have a level of service that's not enjoyed by many in the advanced nations due to the high costs of labor. I'm talking about service in that sense. When I go to my gym in Saudi for a workout, there are some things that I couldn't possibly enjoy for the price I pay, such as:
   
   * top-notch facilities
   * good service (e.g. massage, juice bar, cleanliness, one on one coaching included, etc...)
   * environment tailored for Muslims (this is a big one for me, if it came to prayer time we all pray together, I don't have to feel awkward or uncomfortable with people staring me down while I pray in a corner)[relevant if you're Muslim]
   * and I'm sure there's other things which don't come to mind
6. Work / Job: Yep, WORK! We're at a stage right now where things are looking prosperous (alhamdulilah). Due to the economic boom and surplus achieved from rising oil prices, I constantly see the horizon expanding in terms of potential for growth in my career. Competition in every industry is becoming more fierce, quality of services on the rise, and additional job opportunities are born; now is a good time to be working in the Kingdom (alhamdulilah).
7. Family: Anything to do with the family. I love hanging out with the family whether it involves watching a movie, going for a walk at PSU, and more recently horse-back riding.
8. Swimming: This is a must for me, in particular due to the fact that I used to be a professional swimmer, it is something I really enjoy doing. If water sports (such as polo) are involved it makes it even better, but can't say it's something I've done recently.
9. Internet: Being that I'm an IT guy, it is definitely something that takes up a lot of my time (particularly due to the increased availability of broadband Internet), whether it's eMail for work or personal business, blogging, Internet Banking, research, chatting, etc... it takes up a good portion of my time. Something I hope to manage better to enjoy more of the other things in life.
10. Other Recreational Activities: Decided to bundle a few of these things into one, and they are:
    
    * Istiraaha (Rest place I suppose is the correct translation) - These are basically private chalets that are available for rent. Chalets can range from something as simple as an empty field for sports with a small vila, to an all-out everything you can think of property that includes pool(s), tennis courts, football field, volleyball court, kitchen(s), bathroom(s), bedroom(s), bedouin style tent(s), and more. Extremely fun for a bunch of guys to rent for some manly activities, but also a great location to spend time with family & friends for a cook-out or whatever.
    * Parks - There are actually some nice parks you can visit if you would like to take the children out to. There are even several parks in Riyadh that include man-made lakes. A great spot to visit for a family picnic by the water in the middle of the desert.
    * Amusement / Fun Parks - Although we have nothing even close to Six Flags or Disney, we do have some parks where you (or the kids, me included hehe) can enjoy basic roller coasters, arcades, 3D rides, water rides (if you like getting wet), and even ice-skating.

Tips & Warnings

• Be positive about living in Riyadh, good times will come
• Familiarize yourself with customs & traditions
• Always abide by country's laws when trying to "have fun" in Riyadh