I'm likely going to be in Riyadh for a while.
I did a quick FT search, but maybe am not using the correct search terms.

Any trip reports regarding Riyadh?

Are you searching for RUH? I think I did a report here several years ago. I'm not sure what you are after, but here are some things to look out for...

1. Take only the professional taxis outside. I think they are white? Don't even make eye contact with the touts inside the airport.

2. Don't make eye contact with any local woman.

3. Some of the hotels doors don't even lock. It's a very safe place once you are in the city center.

4. You will be likely be woken up around 5:30 or 6am by morning prayers.

5. If you are a drinker, regard this trip as a vacation from alcohol.

mr stimpy,

still got that report somewhere? i didn't see it in a quick search

I couldn't see one either. I would be able to answer (very) basic questions because I know people who visit RUH frequently.

Cheers

Sorry, it was too long ago. Flyertalk has rearranged itself a couple of times since then so I wouldn't know where to find it. The forums used to be different.

Ahh Saudi, with all the money they have, you would think they would have one of the best airports, WRONG. Riyadh airport truly sucks! I remember one time I was in the bathroom and I went for some toilet paper and I swear the biggest cockroach jumped out. Now I have seen some Florida cockroaches, but this was the mother of them all.
Here are my suggestions:

The prayer won't wake you up if you are staying at a nice hotel. The intercontinental is extremely nice and safe. It's basically like a fortress.

Do get to the airport early when departing especially if you are flying at night. I recommend hiring one of the baggage guys as they skip all the lines for you and it costs about 10 Riyal.

If your a westerner, most people especially women will stare at you. I mean you can make eye contact, but don't be going around waving or even think about approaching a lady.

Most of the hotel doors do have locks. The country is extremely safe and you won't have to worry about petty theft.

If you can avoid flying Saudi Arabian Airlines, do so. Emirates, Qatar, Gulf Air, or Air France.

Enjoy it and don't stay to long, it will drain you.

I stay at a nice Rosewood hotel and the prayers wake me up. I guess it depends on the neighborhood.

As for Saudi Arabian airlines, I like them a lot on international flights. First class on the 777 isn't bad at all. Domestic flights can be weird, but you don't have a much of a choice for domestic.

I've never taken a night flight there, but I haven't had any problems at the airport. No roaches for me!

Or bmi, since the OP is a top-tier UA member.

Maybe here?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178161

If so, then I give credit to the wonderful power of google.

Wow Darren. That is amazing. It's kind of cool to read an old trip report of mine. I haven't lost my mind yet as I still remember it all, but this refreshes things a bit. My writing was pretty brief 7 years ago I guess!

The other amazing thing was that this wasn't an RTW. Back in those days I didn't care what airfares cost. Whenever I needed to go somewhere, I booked a one-way biz or first ticket. I often would decide where I was going just a day or two in advance. Life was MUCH simpler back then.

I have flown to Dubai on Saudi and within the country. The last time I flew international with Saudi it was on a huge 747. They fly them to Dubai as the Saudis tend to escape on the weekends for a little R&R and needless to say it was packed. Mind you I was happy to be leaving, per the whole monster cockroach incident. So I sat down next to a covered lady and her child. Two seats, the baby was on her lap. After take off, she asked me to hold the baby while she went to the bathroom. Off came the abaya(the required garment that all Saudi women must wear). The joys of leaving Saudi.. Anyway, we were talking about Dubai and her family when the ceiling started leaking on the girl across the isle from me. It wasn't condensation, but some kind of black liquid. God knows what it was.
Saying, that Saudi Airlines domestically has improved dramatically and the service is very good. Also, I always feel extremely safe and welcomed in the country. I am American and never have felt worried about my security and have travelled extensively throughout the country.

Also, one recommendation. I am assuming you will be with your sponsor on this trip, have him take you to this restaurant/cafe "waterfalls". It is a great sheesa (flavored tobacco) place and has excellent Lebanese food. Definitely go there and experience the culture. It's great.

Enjoy,

Billman

Or LH if you can take C or F. It not, avoid the LH AB330 at all cost.