Al Malaz Riyadh: Complete Neighborhood Guide for Expats

For expats relocating to Saudi Arabia, al malaz riyadh stands out as one of the capital’s most practical and well-connected residential choices. Centrally located, metro-accessible, and surrounded by hospitals, schools, and daily services, Al Malaz combines urban convenience with genuine residential character — and at price points significantly lower than the premium northern districts.

This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Al Malaz: its exact location, key landmarks, what daily life looks like, rental prices for 2026, and the Davli Residence buildings operating in the district.

Where Is Al Malaz in Riyadh?

Al Malaz is a well-established residential and commercial neighborhood located in the eastern-central zone of Riyadh. It sits roughly 5–8 km east of the King Fahd Road business corridor, bordered by Salah Al-Din Al-Ayyubi Road to the north and connected southward to the Al-Batha and Al-Murabba districts.

The neighborhood was developed in the 1950s as one of Riyadh’s earliest planned residential areas, and today its mature infrastructure — wide streets, established parks, dense service coverage — makes it a natural anchor point for expats who want central access without paying Al Olaya prices. The Riyadh Metro’s Blue Line (Line 2) runs through the area, with stations within walking distance of many residential buildings.

Why Expats Choose Al Malaz

Metro Access and Central Connectivity

One of Al Malaz’s defining advantages is its connection to Riyadh’s metro network. The Al Malaz and University Hospital metro stations on Line 2 (Blue Line) give residents direct access to King Abdullah Financial District, Al Batha, and the central corridor — all without a car. For expats newly arrived in Saudi Arabia who have not yet arranged private transport, this is a meaningful practical advantage that few other residential districts can match at the same price level.

Beyond the metro, the neighborhood’s position on Salah Al-Din Al-Ayyubi Road provides fast road access to King Fahd Road (15–20 minutes by car), Riyadh’s main government ministries, and King Khalid International Airport.

Daily Services Within Walking Distance

Al Malaz is one of Riyadh’s most service-dense neighborhoods for its residential tier. Residents can reach supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, restaurants, and coffee shops on foot — a rarity in much of car-dependent Riyadh. The Al Othaim Mall (Al Malaz branch) and multiple retail strips serve the community’s shopping needs. The density of daily amenities means lower transport costs and a more livable day-to-day routine, particularly for those without a car.

Key Landmarks in Al Malaz

King Abdullah Park

The largest public park in central Riyadh, King Abdullah Park is a defining landmark of the Al Malaz area. With walking tracks, green spaces, playgrounds, and fountain features, it provides a leisure option that most Riyadh residents have to drive to find. Davli 1 is located a five-minute walk from the park — a significant quality-of-life advantage for families and residents who value accessible outdoor space.

King Fahad Medical City and University Hospital

Al Malaz is home to two of Riyadh’s most important healthcare facilities. King Fahad Medical City — one of the largest hospital complexes in the Middle East — is located in the district, as is the University Hospital, both providing world-class medical services and employing a large number of international healthcare professionals. Davli 2 and Davli 7 are both located directly adjacent to the University Hospital, making them first-choice accommodation for medical sector expats.

Schools and Educational Facilities

Several international and private schools are within reasonable commuting distance of Al Malaz, and the district’s road network provides straightforward access to the international school clusters further north. The University of Riyadh campus also borders the neighborhood, contributing to the area’s resident population.

Rental Prices in Al Malaz, Riyadh (2026)

Apartments in Al Malaz Riyadh offer competitive pricing relative to the quality of location and services on offer. The following ranges reflect 2026 market rates for managed, furnished units in the district:

Studio / 1-bedroom furnished apartment: SAR 3,000–5,000/month
2-bedroom furnished unit: SAR 4,500–7,000/month
3-bedroom family apartment: SAR 6,000–9,500/month
Premium serviced apartment with full hotel-style services: SAR 5,000–8,500/month

These figures represent a 20–35% discount to equivalent units in Al Olaya, while offering comparable build quality in well-managed buildings. For expats on a mid-range housing budget, or those assigned to healthcare or government roles in central Riyadh, Al Malaz delivers strong value for money.

Davli Residence in Al Malaz

Davli Residence operates three buildings in Al Malaz, making it the district where Davli has the deepest presence in Riyadh. Each building is fully furnished and professionally managed, with flexible lease terms and direct booking — no agent, no commission.

Davli 1 — Al Malaz Compound

A fully gated residential compound five minutes on foot from King Abdullah Park. Davli 1 is ideal for expat families and long-stay residents who want a secure, community-style living environment in the heart of Al Malaz. The compound includes shared garden areas, underground parking, and 24/7 security.

View Davli 1 — Al Malaz Compound: Gated compound with garden and park proximity — ideal for families.

Davli 2 — Al Malaz (University Hospital)

Located directly adjacent to the University Hospital, with the Al Malaz metro station a five-minute walk away. Davli 2 is the first choice for healthcare professionals and medical sector expats who need immediate proximity to King Fahad Medical City and the University Hospital complex. It also suits any resident who wants metro access as their primary daily transport.

View Davli 2 — Al Malaz (University Hospital): Next to the hospital, metro in 5 minutes — built for healthcare professionals.

Davli 7 — Al Malaz (Newest Building)

The newest addition to Davli’s portfolio in Al Malaz — same prime location next to the University Hospital with metro access, but with a higher standard of finishes, modern amenities, and underground parking. Davli 7 is the premium choice within the Al Malaz cluster for tenants who want the district’s central location combined with contemporary apartment standards.

View Davli 7 — Al Malaz: Davli’s newest Al Malaz building — upgraded finishes, underground parking, metro access.

Looking for furnished apartments in Al Malaz, Riyadh? View availability across Davli’s three buildings in the district.

Book a free viewing at any Davli Al Malaz property — contact the team on WhatsApp and we’ll respond promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Al Malaz a good area for expats in Riyadh?

Yes — Al Malaz is consistently recommended for expats seeking central location, metro access, and daily services at mid-range prices. It scores particularly well for healthcare professionals (proximity to King Fahad Medical City and University Hospital), for residents who rely on the metro, and for families who value King Abdullah Park’s outdoor space. It is more affordable than the northern expat clusters while offering better central access.

Does Al Malaz have metro access in Riyadh?

Yes. The Al Malaz and University Hospital stations on Riyadh Metro Line 2 (Blue Line) serve the district, providing connections to the King Abdullah Financial District, Al Batha, and the central corridor. Both stations are within walking distance of residential buildings in the core Al Malaz area, including Davli’s buildings which are five minutes on foot from the University Hospital station.

What are the best streets and sub-areas within Al Malaz?

The area around King Abdullah Park is the most desirable residential sub-zone within Al Malaz, combining green space access with proximity to services and retail. The University Hospital zone — where Davli 2 and Davli 7 are located — is favored by medical professionals and residents prioritizing metro access. The Salah Al-Din Al-Ayyubi Road corridor provides fast connectivity north and east across Riyadh.

How do Al Malaz apartments compare to Al Olaya in Riyadh?

Al Olaya is Riyadh’s premium business district and commands the highest rents in the city — typically 25–40% above equivalent units in Al Malaz. For residents whose workplace is in Al Olaya or on King Fahd Road, the premium may be justified by commute savings. For everyone else — especially healthcare workers, government employees, and families — Al Malaz delivers comparable residential quality at significantly lower cost, with the added advantage of metro connectivity.

Can I find short-term furnished apartments in Al Malaz, Riyadh?

Yes. Davli Residence offers monthly, quarterly, and annual lease options across its three Al Malaz buildings, accommodating both short-term corporate stays and long-term residency. All units come fully furnished with utilities, housekeeping, and maintenance included in the monthly rate. Availability can be checked directly at davliresidence.com with no agent required.

Al Malaz Riyadh: Complete Neighborhood Guide for Expats (2026)

Where Is Al Malaz in Riyadh?