Located partway between central Riyadh and King Khalid International Airport, Qurtubah is a residential suburb in the Saudi Arabian capital. It’s home to several shopping malls and the Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, as well as a desert-themed golf resort.
Things to do in Qurtubah
Keen golfers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Arizona Golf Resort, an attractive residential community that centres around a nine-hole golf course. Shady palm trees line the well-bunkered holes, with the greens kept pristine in the desert environment thanks to a state-of-the-art irrigation system. In addition to the putting green and chipping bunker, there’s also a well-stocked Pro Shop where buggies are available for hire.
Need a retail fix? Head to the Cordoba Plaza shopping mall, which is packed with stores selling everything from fashion to electronics. There are plenty of eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, ranging from falafels at the Abu Jbara Restaurant to the Australian-themed Outback Steakhouse and diversity of ice cream flavours at Baskin Robbins.
On the edge of Qurtubah is the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Center, which regularly hosts trade events, exhibitions and conferences. It lies adjacent to Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, a renowned tertiary institution established in 1953 following the merger of the Islamic Law College and the Arabic Language College. Of particular interest is its Institute of Translation and Arabization, which is dedicated to the translation of Arabic texts to other languages.
Getting around Qurtubah
Qurtubah is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Riyadh and around the same distance from King Khalid International Airport. Taxis are the main means of getting around the suburb, although most of the attractions can be accessed on foot.