Located to the north of Riyadh’s city centre, Al Masif is a small residential neighbourhood in the Saudi Arabian capital. Its peaceful streets are designed around a central square, which is fringed by eateries serving everything from falafels to seafood and Egyptian baked goods.
Things to do in Al Masif
For a retail fix, head to the Riyadh Gallery Mall, a four-storey shopping complex in the neighbouring King Fahd District. It is one of the most popular malls in the city, with both local and international brands represented in its retail stores. In addition to a kids’ play area and a multi-screen cinema complex, there’s a food court filled with globally-inspired eateries.
Cultural artefacts and folk arts are exhibited at the Al-Aj Museum of Heritage and Arts, which lies in a peaceful residential area on the northern edge of Al Masif. You can get up close to antique teapots and pottery, browse the glassware-filled hall and admire the centuries-old manuscripts that are on display. After your visit, take time to relax on one of the shaded benches of An Nefal Park.
Al Masif makes a good base for visiting the Saqer Al-Jazirah Royal Air Force Museum, which showcases military aircraft used by the Royal Saudi Air Force. Its exhibits detail the history of the Air Force, from its establishment in the 1920s to the present day, with films, photographs and artefacts on display. Among the aircraft showcased are a Lockheed Hercules, a BAC Strikemaster and a Douglas Invader.
Getting around Al Masif
Al Masif is around 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Riyadh and 30 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Al Masif and taxis are readily available for getting around the area.