Riyadh
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| Riyadh | |
|---|---|
| Name | Riyadh |
| Native name | الرياض |
| Settlement type | Capital city |
| Coordinates | 24, 38, N, 46... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Saudi Arabia |
| Subdivision type1 | Province |
| Subdivision name1 | Riyadh Province |
| Established title | First settled |
| Established date | Pre-Islamic era |
| Established title2 | Capital of First Saudi State |
| Established date2 | 1744 |
| Established title3 | Capital of Saudi Arabia |
| Established date3 | 1932 |
| Founder | Banu Hanifa tribe |
| Government type | Municipal council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Mogren |
| Leader title1 | Provincial Governor |
| Leader name1 | Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud |
| Area total km2 | 1798 |
| Elevation m | 612 |
| Population total | 7,009,100 |
| Population as of | 2022 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Arabian Standard Time |
| Utc offset | +3 |
| Postal code type | Postal code |
| Postal code | (5 digits) |
| Area code | +966-11 |
| Blank name | IATA airport code |
| Blank info | RUH |
Riyadh is the capital and most populous city of Saudi Arabia, serving as the political and administrative heart of the nation. It is the seat of the House of Saud and the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia, located in the central region of the Arabian Peninsula. The city has undergone a profound transformation from a walled Najdi town into a modern metropolis, driven by immense wealth from petroleum reserves and ambitious national development plans like Saudi Vision 2030.
History
The area's history dates to the pre-Islamic period, originally known as Hajr, and was settled by the Banu Hanifa tribe. It gained prominence in 1744 as the capital of the First Saudi State, established through an alliance between Muhammad ibn Saud and the religious reformer Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. Following its destruction by the Ottoman Empire's Egypt Eyalet in 1818, the city was revived as the capital of the Second Saudi State under Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud. After a period of rivalry with Jabal Shammar, Abdulaziz Ibn Saud captured the Masmak Fortress in 1902, a pivotal event that paved the way for the unification of the kingdom and its proclamation as the capital of Saudi Arabia in 1932. The post-World War II era and the 1973 oil embargo catalyzed unprecedented urban and economic expansion.
Geography and climate
Situated on the eastern part of the Najd plateau, the city lies at an average elevation of about 600 meters above sea level. It is characterized by a desert climate under the Köppen climate classification, featuring extremely hot summers, with temperatures frequently exceeding 45°C, and mild, cool winters. The city experiences very low annual rainfall, concentrated in the spring months, and is susceptible to occasional dust storms and haboobs sweeping in from the surrounding Empty Quarter and An Nafud deserts.
Economy
As the nation's financial and business hub, the city hosts the headquarters of major institutions like the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority and the Saudi Stock Exchange. Historically centered on oil and gas, the economy is being diversified under Saudi Vision 2030, with massive investments in sectors such as information technology, fintech, and logistics. Major development projects, including the King Abdullah Financial District and the Qiddiya entertainment megaproject, alongside industrial zones like the Riyadh Industrial City, are central to this economic transformation.
Demographics and culture
The population is predominantly Arab and Muslim, with Sunni Islam of the Hanbali school of jurisprudence being the majority. A significant portion of residents are expatriates from countries like Egypt, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Culturally, it is a center for traditional Najdi arts, poetry, and music such as the Ardah dance. Institutions like the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, and the annual Riyadh Season festival showcase both heritage and contemporary arts, while adherence to traditional customs and Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha remains strong.
Government and infrastructure
The city is the administrative center of the Riyadh Province, governed by Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud, and is managed by the Riyadh Municipality under Mayor Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Mogren. It is a critical node in national infrastructure, served by the King Khalid International Airport and a rapidly expanding Riyadh Metro network. Major highways, including the King Fahd Road, connect it to other regions, while utilities and services are provided by entities like the National Water Company and Saudi Electricity Company. The presence of the Diplomatic Quarter houses numerous foreign embassies and international organizations.
Landmarks and tourism
Key historical landmarks include the Masmak Fortress and the adjacent Deira Souq, alongside the restored Al-Turaif District in nearby Diriyah. Modern architectural icons are the Kingdom Centre, with its sky bridge, and the Al Faisaliyah Center. The King Abdullah Park and the Wadi Hanifah valley provide major green spaces. Cultural sites such as the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and the King Abdulaziz Historical Center are major attractions, with tourism being actively promoted through large-scale events and the development of entertainment destinations like Boulevard Riyadh City.
Category:Capitals in Asia Category:Cities in Saudi Arabia Category:Riyadh Province