DHC, Diriyah Hills Compound — Local services in Riyadh Region

Firstly, on the upside. DHC is located in a beautiful setting. Diriyah is a wonderful countryside-like location with amazing views and clean air. It's on the outskirts of Riyadh and is a perfect place for those who want to be away from the noise of the inner city. DHC is a clean place, with a park, pools, basketball court, a field for football, a gym and places to sit outside.

On the downside. The apartments are furnished with mostly low grade Chinese equipment that doesn't seem to work all that well, including the microwave and stove. The microwave pops your food immediately even when it's still cold, and the stove has a way of burning food because it distributes heat unevenly.

The beds are extremely hard and uncomfortable and while we were there, we had people working outside our window creating dust and making a ruckus. Hence, sleeping peacefully was out of the question.

Added to that, every so often the electricity would go off ruining any weekend plans you might have had to invite friends over. The shop on the compound mostly sells old stuff, and the restaurant was non operational after a short while.

When you sign up make sure you check your apartment thoroughly including the curtains and carpets. I mean, look for any faint marks you might see. I had to pay 200 Riyals when leaving for a faint line on the curtain, my wife originally thought was just a crease. It was barely noticeable but the inspector basically spread out the curtain to find the mark which now I'm sure he must've known was there before I moved in, because it would otherwise have been impossible to spot. I was told they do not clean any curtains but must replace it. I felt that was immensely unfair for a mark that was very high up on the curtain, where my rather short wife was not even able to reach easily and which was, again, barely visible.

All in all, for 50K a year you could find much better compounds in Riyadh. However, if you like the sedentary life, DHC is a nice place to be for as long as you are vigilant so as not be charged for any small things. They do not inspect the apartment when you move in, that's your job. You might also want to bring your own...

Very quite good compound with a lot of facilities. They have 3 good swimming pools and a great space to have B.B.Q. Pretty much outdoor fields of football & basketball. It also consists of a great gym, indoor sports like table tennis & billiards. They have their own small cinema theater. Price is worth for the charge they take. The only problem with few people could be that it is located in one another...

It is located in dariya area just outside the dariya park and al bujeri museum, in a very calm place. It contains around 172 housing units. There is a gym, tennis, basketball, volleyball & football playground. There are 2 swimming pools, a mini market, warehouses, security room, Management, Prayer Room cum Guest Sitting Area and laundry. It is well furnished and clean...