Once a small walled city, Riyadh has developed into a dynamic metropolis over the years. The first major changes began during the oil boom of the 1950s, when older structures were demolished to make way for commercial development. Today, it is one of the fastest growing and most prosperous cities in the world.
The capital and largest city of the Kingdom, Riyadh is divided into 17 municipalities. Each contributes in its own way to the vibrant character of the city, which has experienced a fairly unique history and colorful past. In 1991, it was slightly damaged by Iraqi missile attacks during the Persian Gulf War but returned to normalcy soon after. The city has grown both culturally and commercially over the years. Along with the urban areas of Dhahran, Dammam, and Al-Khobar, Riyadh has become a focal point for both travel and trade. On the outskirts of the city lies the ancient town of AI-Dih'yah.
The most striking aspect of Riyadh is its architecture, which is a vibrant juxtaposition of the old and the new - contemporary high-rise towers shadow over buildings exuding old world charm. In addition to being the epicenter of power, the city is also a commercial hub. Numerous educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical and social organizations have set up base here.
Olaya
The capital and largest city of the Kingdom, Riyadh is divided into 17 municipalities. Each contributes in its own way to the vibrant character of the city, which has experienced a fairly unique history and colorful past. In 1991, it was slightly damaged by Iraqi missile attacks during the Persian Gulf War but returned to normalcy soon after. The city has grown both culturally and commercially over the years. Along with the urban areas of Dhahran, Dammam, and Al-Khobar, Riyadh has become a focal point for both travel and trade. On the outskirts of the city lies the ancient town of AI-Dih'yah.
The most striking aspect of Riyadh is its architecture, which is a vibrant juxtaposition of the old and the new - contemporary high-rise towers shadow over buildings exuding old world charm. In addition to being the epicenter of power, the city is also a commercial hub. Numerous educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical and social organizations have set up base here.
Olaya
The bustling Olaya District is the heart and soul of this city. This commercial and residential district offers accommodation, entertainment, dining and shopping options that will cater to the budget of a prince as well as a pauper. The Kingdom Centre and the Al Faisaliyah Center are the area's landmarks while the Sheraton , Howard Johnson Plaza , Al-Tamimi Shopping Centre and Haif Shopping Centre are also popular nearby destinations.
Numerous shops, lively markets, world-cuisine restaurants and huge malls keep both Salahuddin District and Street King Fahad packed with tourists. The many hotels in the area, which include the four-star Al Mutlaq Hotel offer convenient accommodation to those wishing to explore the city. Other attractions include the Fal Commercial, Recreational Center Mall and the Al-Shula Entertainment Centre .
Al-Bathaa
The center of the city, Al-Bathaa, is also its oldest part. At its heart lies the beautiful 19th-century Masmak Castle , which is one of the city's major attractions. To the west lies the Riyadh Museum of History and Archeology .
The Qasr Al-Hukm or the Justice Palace is located in the district of the same name. It is here that the Governor meets citizens, listens to their grievances and learns about problems and issues affecting the region. Its architecture, like other buildings in the area, is a fine mixture of traditional and contemporary styles.
Diplomatic Quarter
The Diplomatic Quarter or DQ as it is popularly known, is home to foreign embassies, international organizations as well as residences and malls. With lush gardens and numerous sports facilities, it is also one of the city's greenest areas. It is especially known for its fine architecture, and is considered a model for other Islamic cities around the world.
While the Al Khobar District is a preferred residential area for expatriates, the Al-Dira area is rich with commercial markets and traditional buildings, which include the famous Royal Palace and Al-Mue'qila building.
Riyadh, which lies in the Central Region, is the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and now rivals any modern city in the world in the splendor of its architecture. Broad highways sweep through the city, passing over or under each other in an impressive and still growing road network. Trees now bedeck the broad streets and avenues, giving pleasure to passers-by and shade to those who linger beneath them. Today the city extends for some 600 square miles (1600 square kilometers) and has a population of more than 5.8 million.
The name Riyadh is derived from the Arabic word meaning a place of gardens and trees ("rawdah"). With many wadis (a former water course, now dry) in the vicinity,Riyadh has been since antiquity a fertile area set in the heartland of the Arabian peninsula.
Of all the Kingdom's developmental achievements, Riyadh is perhaps the most obvious and accessible to the foreign visitor. From the moment he lands at the King Khalid International Airport, itself a marvel of design wedding the traditional Arab style with the best of modern architecture in a happy marriage of spacious practicality, the traveler is aware that he has reached a city that must be counted one of the wonders of modern times.
Riyadh (Arabic: الرياض ar-Riyāḍ, lit: The Gardens) is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of Riyadh Province, and belongs to the historical regions of Nejd and Al-Yamama. It is situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, and is home to 4,854,000 people, and the urban center of a region with a population of close to 7 million people.
Area & Location: Situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, Riyadh lies in the central corridor of Saudi Arabia. Located at 24°42'42" Latitude North and 46°43'27" Longitude East, the city occupies a total area of 1,554 sq. km fully covered with land. With rising population, the city is home to well over 4,000,000 of its residents.
Tourist Attractions: There are many wonderful, enriching places to visit. Tourists can easily find historical monuments and architecture that tell the story of the city's history. There are also number of museums that preserve the remnants of the city as well. (See Travel section)
Transportation: King Khalid International Airport operates all domestic and international flights mainly from the Saudi Arabian airlines. There are many other public transportation facilities in the city such as buses and taxis.
Hotels: The city offers a wide range of hotels including, but not limited to the Al- Riyadh Sheraton hotel, Marriot hotel, Al-Faisaliyah hotel, Ulaya Palace hotel, Al-Khuzama and Four Seasons hotel. These hotels provide Internet, telephone, swimming pools etc. Having comfortable rooms with television and music system, visitors can enjoy their stay even more. They can also overlook the city in many of these high rising buildings.
Riyadh (Arabic: الرياض ar-Riyāḍ, lit: The Gardens) is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of Riyadh Province, and belongs to the historical regions of Nejd and Al-Yamama. It is situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, and is home to 4,854,000 people, and the urban center of a region with a population of close to 7 million people.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established by Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, with Riyadh as its capital in 1932. When the oil boom hit in 1950, the city, developed into a metropolitan area and became one of the fastest growing and most thriving cities in the world.
Of all the Kingdom's developmental achievements, Riyadh is the most accessible to the foreign visitor. From the moment you land at the King Khalid International Airport, you will marvel at the breathtaking design combining the traditional Arab style with the best of modern architecture in a way that is spacious practical, leaving you aware of this cities wonder of modern times.
Area & Location: Situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, Riyadh lies in the central corridor of Saudi Arabia. Located at 24°42'42" Latitude North and 46°43'27" Longitude East, the city occupies a total area of 1,554 sq. km fully covered with land. With rising population, the city is home to well over 4,000,000 of its residents.
Tourist Attractions: There are many wonderful, enriching places to visit. Tourists can easily find historical monuments and architecture that tell the story of the city's history. There are also number of museums that preserve the remnants of the city as well. (See Travel section)
Transportation: King Khalid International Airport operates all domestic and international flights mainly from the Saudi Arabian airlines. There are many other public transportation facilities in the city such as buses and taxis.
Hotels: The city offers a wide range of hotels including, but not limited to the Al- Riyadh Sheraton hotel, Marriot hotel, Al-Faisaliyah hotel, Ulaya Palace hotel, Al-Khuzama and Four Seasons hotel. These hotels provide Internet, telephone, swimming pools etc. Having comfortable rooms with television and music system, visitors can enjoy their stay even more. They can also overlook the city in many of these high rising buildings.
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