When considering city breaks in the Middle East, Cairo and Dubai are usually the obvious choices for European travellers, thanks to the former’s ancient history and the latter’s reputation as a great shopping hotspot. But these tried-and-tested destinations are quickly encountering competition from a newcomer to the scene: the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. Riyadh is one the region’s fastest growing cities, with a recorded population of over 5 million people in 2010. Its vast oil wealth has helped city officials create a dynamic cityscape dominated by towers and distinctive buildings. But there are plenty of cultural attractions to be enjoyed on a city break in Riyadh too.

For those tourists wanting to catch a glimpse of Riyadh’s history in its architecture, there’s not much to see. Little remains of the city’s walled old town. However, there are some remnants: the al-Masmak fort – a clay and mud brick construction – is worth a visit. Estimated to have been built in 1865, it holds important status in Saudi Arabia’s history and several parts of the structure have been restored and reconstructed. The fort is part of the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, which also includes the Murabba Palace (built in the 1930s by King Abdul Aziz) and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, hailed as one of the best in the Middle East.

Modern architecture fans, on the other hand, have plenty to choose from when visiting Riyadh. The city’s tallest skyscraper is the Burj Al Mamlakah (also known as the Kingdom Centre), which is 300m tall. Its flat, futuristic design is thrown into considerable contrast against the city’s second tallest building, the Burj Al Faisaliyah. This towering structure reaches up to a point with a golden ball at its apex, and is said to have been inspired by a ballpoint pen. And for a panoramic view of Riyadh’s skyline, it’s worth going up the Riyadh TV Tower. This 170m tall building was built in the 1970s and offers visitors an observation deck.

Sports fans will also find plenty to do in Riyadh. The city is home to four major football clubs, and football matches take place regularly. The 70,000-seater King Fahd International Stadium has hosted several international football matches in the past, including the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992, 1995 and 1997. And cricket matches and tournaments take place frequently as well, particularly among the expatriate population in Riyadh. If you’re visiting the city when an international sporting event is on, ensure that you book a hotel Riyadh several months in advance. Riyadh is home to many hotels but rates can be high during busy seasons, so it’s advisable to plan ahead if you’re travelling on a budget.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.