Al Malaz: The Cultural Heartbeat of Riyadh

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaeana]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [azran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhair. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة من فضلك
  [awad an ara alqaimat min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحوم
  [ana la akl allahum]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع من فضلك
  [awad an adfae min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [adhhab baedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassal bialshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atassal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam saeruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsaeer?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaeat?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaeat alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة والنصف (10)
  [alsaeat walnisf (10)]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsubah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [baed aldhuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa]
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [albarihah]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sabah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tisah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي...؟
  [ayn huwa/hi...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'unaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata alhafilat alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tazkirah (ila ....)]

Al Malaz, a prominent neighborhood in Riyadh, emerged in the early 20th century alongside the founding of modern Riyadh in 1902 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud. As the capital city began to develop, Al Malaz became a vital area for residential and commercial activities, reflecting the rapid urbanization of the region.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Al Malaz played a crucial role in the political and social consolidation of the newly established Saudi state. The neighborhood's proximity to government institutions and its growing population made it a hub for administrative and social activities, contributing significantly to the shaping of Riyadh's identity.

The 1970s and 1980s marked a cultural renaissance for Al Malaz, as it became home to various expatriate communities due to Saudi Arabia's economic boom. This influx enriched the local culture, leading to a blend of traditions and lifestyles, which is still evident in the diverse culinary and social offerings of the neighborhood today.

In the early 21st century, Al Malaz underwent significant modernization as part of Riyadh's urban development plans. New infrastructure, including parks, shopping malls, and cultural centers, has transformed the neighborhood into a contemporary urban area while preserving its historical essence. The King Abdulaziz Historical Center, located nearby, serves as a testament to Riyadh's rich history.

Today, Al Malaz is recognized for its balance of traditional Saudi culture and modern urban living. The neighborhood is home to various cultural institutions, including museums and art galleries, and hosts numerous events that celebrate both local heritage and contemporary Saudi culture, making it a vibrant part of Riyadh's social fabric.

Al Malaz is centrally located in Riyadh, making it accessible from various neighborhoods. If you're coming from downtown Riyadh, you can take a taxi or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem, which are widely available. Alternatively, the Riyadh Metro's Line 1 connects to Al Malaz, with several stops in the area, providing a convenient option for public transport.

Al Malaz is a walkable neighborhood, but for longer distances, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. The Riyadh Metro is a fantastic option, with stations that cater to Al Malaz. Buses also operate throughout the area, but schedules may vary. Bicycles can be rented via local bike-sharing services, offering a unique way to explore the parks and recreational areas.

Al Malaz is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas. While there are no specific high-crime zones targeting tourists, it's wise to remain vigilant in crowded places and monitor your belongings. Certain areas near the outskirts may have higher crime rates, so stick to well-trafficked areas.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police assistance or 997 for medical emergencies. The local hospitals and clinics are equipped to handle urgent health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications, and many have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places and when visiting mosques. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect local customs; refrain from public displays of affection. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake; however, wait for the other party to initiate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept invitations to eat. Don't refuse food or drink, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Al Malaz like a local, visit the local markets, such as the Al Malaz Market, for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage in conversations with local vendors to learn about the culture and history. Parks like King Abdullah Park offer a lush environment for relaxation and picnics. For a cultural experience, attend local events or festivals, which provide insights into the community's traditions.