Bon Appetit

Faisaliah Food Court
A decent place for a quick snack is this relaxing venue popular with young people. Ideal for a sit-down after shopping in the neighbourhood.

Faisaliah Tower, King Fahad Highway, Olaya

Shaabiyah
Don’t be put off by the theme-park appearance (the building is designed to look like an old Saudi residence), this is the place to come for quality Lebanese and Saudi eats. 404 Olaya Main Road, +966 1 465 8581

Spazio 77
Knock-out high-altitude dining 77 floors up. World-class French and Italian cuisine (plus a sushi bar) competes with the vertiginous views for the attention of diners. Kingdom Centre, King Fahad Highway, Olaya, +966 1 211 1888, www.kingdomcentre.com.sa

Suitcase Fillers

Batha district
A hive of sub-continent traders offering an amazing array of cheap clothes and electronics. Riyadh is one of the cheapest places in the world to find computer and electronic equipment – try the “computer souk” off Olaya Street near the Holiday Inn hotel.

Faisaliya and Kingdom Malls
Two near-neighbouring malls occupying the ground floors of Riyadh’s two landmark towers. Between them they are home to designer stores including Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Calvin Klein.