Located on the eastern outskirts of Riyadh, An Nasim Ash Sharqi is a rectangular-shaped residential area in the Saudi Arabian capital. Its grid-like streets are lined with retail stores, casual eateries and mosques, all of which are on the doorstep of Saudi Arabia’s first health-focused university.
Things to do in An Nasim Ash Sharqi
You can pick up traditional Saudi goods at the Heritage Museum, a popular store well-stocked with intricately decorated teapots, boxes and stools. It’s a short stroll from Party Park, where local families come to picnic beneath a series of shade cloths. Stretch your legs along one of the walking trails or let the kids run loose in the children’s playground.
An Nasim Ash Sharqi lies adjacent to King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, which is the first university dedicated to health sciences in the Middle East. Admire its mix of contemporary and Islamic-style buildings along one of the pathways or take advantage of the campus trolleybus to get around. In addition to offering degrees in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, the university has a College of Nursing.
Need a retail fix? In the north-west corner of An Nasim Ash Sharqi is the Al Othaim Mall, which is packed with homewares, fashion and electrical stores. You can stock up on groceries at the Othaim Markets, feast on international fare in the food court or enjoy the amusement rides in Safforiland. In addition to its vintage-style carousel, racing machines and ball pits, it features a toddler-friendly play area known as Red Sea Beach.
Getting around An Nasim Ash Sharqi
An Nasim Ash Sharqi is a 20-minute drive from the centre of Riyadh and 30 minutes from King Khalid International Airport. Buses travel to An Nasim Ash Sharqi, although taxis are the main means of getting around.