TRAVEL
During the oil boom of the 1950s, older structures were demolished to clear the way for commercial development in order to progress. This was the beginning of the changes that led to one of the fastest growing and most prosperous cities in the world.
It is also the capital and largest city of the Kingdom, which is divided into 17 municipalities, each contributing in its own way to the vibrant character of the city.
One of Riyadh’s most striking aspects is its architecture, which is a vibrant union 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 with numerous educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical and social organizations setting up base here.
Getting around:
Airports
Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (IATA: RUH), located 35 kilometers north, is the city's main airport. It's one of the four international airports in the country. The King Khalid International Airport is a stunning success of modern architecture, blending traditional Arab design with the requirements of efficiency, and incorporating into the whole the essential Islamic character of the Kingdom. Inside you will find the works of many Saudi artists.
Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (IATA: RUH), located 35 kilometers north, is the city's main airport. It's one of the four international airports in the country. The King Khalid International Airport is a stunning success of modern architecture, blending traditional Arab design with the requirements of efficiency, and incorporating into the whole the essential Islamic character of the Kingdom. Inside you will find the works of many Saudi artists.
HighwaysThe city is served by a modern major highway system. The main Eastern Ring Road connects the city's south and north, while Northern Ring Road connects the city's east and west. King Fahd Road runs through the center of the city from north to south, in parallel with the East Ring Road. Makkah Road, which runs east-west across the city's center, connects eastern parts of the city with the city's main business district and the diplomatic quarters.
RailwaySaudi Railway Authority operates two separate passenger and cargo lines between Riyadh and Dammam passing through Hofuf, and Haradh. Two future railway projects connecting Riyadh with Jeddah and Mecca in the western region and connecting Riyadh with Buraidah, Ha'il and Northern Saudi Arabia are underway.
RailwaySaudi Railway Authority operates two separate passenger and cargo lines between Riyadh and Dammam passing through Hofuf, and Haradh. Two future railway projects connecting Riyadh with Jeddah and Mecca in the western region and connecting Riyadh with Buraidah, Ha'il and Northern Saudi Arabia are underway.
Public transportationThe Saudi Arabian Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO), the national bus system, runs a fleet of buses that provides public transportation inside the city, and also an extending service transporting passengers to several cities across the kingdom and neighboring countries.
Places to visit:
Olaya
The bustling Olaya District is the heart and soul of this city. It is a commercial and residential district that offers accommodation, entertainment, dining and shopping.
The bustling Olaya District is the heart and soul of this city. It is a commercial and residential district that offers accommodation, entertainment, dining and shopping.
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.
There are numerous shops, lively markets, world-cuisine restaurants and huge malls located in both the Salahuddin District and Street King Fahad, both accessible to 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, and oldest part is Al-Bathaa. One of the city's major attractions, is the beautiful 19th-century Masmak Castle. Riyadh Museum of History and Archeology is located to the West of the Castle.
Diplomatic Quarter
The Diplomatic Quarter (or DQ), is home to foreign embassies, international organizations as well as residences and malls. Inside you will find an abundance of gardens, sports facilities, and one of the city's greenest areas. The Al-Dira area is filled with commercial markets and traditional buildings, including the famous Royal Palace and Al-Mue'qila building.
There are numerous shops, lively markets, world-cuisine restaurants and huge malls located in both the Salahuddin District and Street King Fahad, both accessible to 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, and oldest part is Al-Bathaa. One of the city's major attractions, is the beautiful 19th-century Masmak Castle. Riyadh Museum of History and Archeology is located to the West of the Castle.
Diplomatic Quarter
The Diplomatic Quarter (or DQ), is home to foreign embassies, international organizations as well as residences and malls. Inside you will find an abundance of gardens, sports facilities, and one of the city's greenest areas. The Al-Dira area is filled with commercial markets and traditional buildings, including the famous Royal Palace and Al-Mue'qila building.
Foreign Ministry ComplexThe Foreign Ministry Complex in Riyadh is a modern architectural example of blending the elements of traditional Arabic design with the most contemporary construction techniques. It provides for a magnificent example of the harmony that can be achieved when tradition and modernity are blended together with care and sensitivity. This is considered to be one of the most outstanding examples of modern architecture in the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
King Fahd International StadiumThe King Fahd International Stadium, can accommodate approximately 70,000 spectators and was established by the General Presidency of Youth Welfare in 1988. Its extraordinary tent-like design, constructed from hard-wearing, fireproof material, is the venue for many major events in the Kingdom.
Qasr-al-Hukm Area Development ProjectThe Qasr-al-Hukm Area Development Project lies in the center of the city of Riyadh where the office of the Governor of the Riyadh region is located. The Project was designed to develop the area around the Governor's palace, while preserving the sites of historical interest which lie within the area - especially, the Al-Masmak Palace from which Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud) set out to unify the Kingdom early in the 20th century.
In the heart of the development is Qasr-al-Hukm, the office of the Governor of Riyadh, containing the administrative offices of the Governorate and the Grand Reception Hall where, in the Kingdom's tradition of consultation, the Governor receives citizens, listens to their problems and ensures that he is kept fully informed of all aspects of the region's life.
Riyadh ZooThe Riyadh Zoo is one of the most popular leisure facilities in Riyadh. The Riyadh Zoo, first formed in 1957, and was originally consisting of only animals presented as gifts to the first three kings of Saudi Arabia.
In 1987, the zoo was refurbished and re-opened. The new Riyadh Zoo was designed to provide the animals with room to move and suitable places to rest. Today the Riyadh Zoo contains many different species, including bears, birds of prey, camels, elephants, hyenas, gazelles, leopards, lamas, lions, monkeys, rhinoceroses, tigers and a number of reptiles.
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