So after the longest wait to sort out my work visa I have finally had news that it will arrive this week and I can fly out to Riyadh at the weekend.
However I'm aware that Hajj is the beginning of November and I'll have 10 days holiday. It's obvious that I'm going to be stuck in Riyadh for this period so I'm just wondering are many expats about over the Hajj vacation or do most of you take the opportunity to jet off? Are there many events during this vacation?! I'm willing to join a variety of clubs as I know keeping social is what will keep me sane! Thanks

Stay in Riyadh during a 10 day holiday?

Sorry, but I don't think there will be many that would miss the opportunity spend quality time a away from Riyadh.

If you are definitely moving to Riyadh then I would seriously consider getting one of those language packages and try learning Arabic over the Eid holiday, as it will stand you in good stead later on.

learning Arabic in 10 days? Really.

My first Hajj I couldn't leave (no iqama or visa yet), so I made the most of it.

-rent a car, drive everywhere
-visit all the souqs
-visit Masmak fortress
-visit the Riyadh museum
-visit all the malls
-try different restaurants

I also rented a Chevy Tahoe for a day (500 riyals), loaded it up with my coworkers, and drove out to the "End of the World" outside Riyadh. It was actually pretty awesome.

And another teacher oganized a 3 day trip to Madain Saleh. Flew into Medinah, bus picked us up and drove us north to Al Ula, stayed at a hotel and had a great Sudanese guide named Ahmed who showed us all over the ruins and area. There's so much history in that one little region, spanning literally millennia.

If you're into adventure, there's actually quite a bit to be found in Saudi That being said, if I could have taken those two weeks to travel outside the country, I absolutely would have.

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I'm female so hiring a car is off limits I understand that most people with a 2 week holiday would want to escape KSA, however as I stated before, Leaving the country isn't possible as my Iqama will be processed during this time. I think i'll be taking a trip to the ruins in Mada'in Saleh and getting to know my way around Riyadh. I have already starting learning Arabic so that will continue! Luckily I get another holiday in January so that'll be my chance to escape for a little bit

No way it will be processed during Hajj.
The Iqama process itself takes up to few hours or maximum one working day (after you done the blood test which takes two working days). Actually it depends on lazyness of your employer.

You could take the trip up to the sky bridge on top of the Kingdom Tower, I've been meaning to do it myself. Costs SAR 25, tickets at level 0 near Starbucks. Amazing views if the weather is clear, absolute hell if you are scared of heights...

Or eat in the terribly average resturant (do NOT order the "wine") and you get to go for free.

I've said it before - I'd rather look out from the Faisaliah tower and actually see the Kingdom tower - the best building to look at in Riyadh by quite a way - than look out from the Kingdom tower and get a very high view of not very much.

good luke