Riyadh

Riyadh
Name	Riyadh
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	24.7133°N 46.6753°E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Saudi Arabia
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Riyadh Region
Subdivision type2	Governorate
Subdivision name2	Riyadh Governorate
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Fahd Al-Rumeikh
Area total km2	1797
Elevation m	600
Population total	70011000
Population as of	2022
Population density km2	1400
Timezone	Arabian Standard Time
Utc offset	+3

Riyadh. Located in the Riyadh Region of Saudi Arabia, it is the capital and largest city, with a population of over 7 million people, including King Salman, Mohammed bin Salman, and Ibrahim Al-Assaf. The city is home to many notable landmarks, such as the Kingdom Centre, Al Faisaliyah Centre, and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, which showcases the country's history and culture, including the Hejaz region and the Ottoman Empire. The city's economy is driven by the Saudi Aramco oil company, which is the largest oil producer in the world, and is also home to the Saudi Stock Exchange and the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.

Geography and Climate

Riyadh is situated in the Nejd plateau, which is part of the larger Arabian Peninsula. The city's geography is characterized by its location in a wadi, which is a dry riverbed, and its surrounding mountains, such as the Tuwaiq Mountains. The climate in Riyadh is hot and dry, with very little rainfall, similar to other cities in the region, such as Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah. The city's climate is influenced by its proximity to the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, and is also affected by the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The city's geography and climate are similar to other cities in the region, such as Kuwait City, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.

History

The history of Riyadh dates back to the Hajar tribe, which settled in the area in the 14th century. The city was later conquered by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, and was then ruled by the Al Saud family, who established the First Saudi State. The city was also influenced by the Wahhabi movement, which was founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, and played a significant role in the Unification of Saudi Arabia. The city's history is also tied to the Arab Revolt and the Sykes-Picot Agreement, which shaped the modern Middle East. The city has also been influenced by other historical events, such as the Gulf War and the Iran-Iraq War.

Economy

The economy of Riyadh is driven by the oil and gas industry, with Saudi Aramco being the largest oil producer in the world. The city is also home to the Saudi Stock Exchange and the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, which oversee the country's economy. The city's economy is also influenced by its proximity to the King Abdulaziz International Airport and the King Khalid International Airport, which are major transportation hubs. The city's economy is also driven by its tourism industry, with many visitors coming to see the city's landmarks, such as the Masmak Fortress and the Diriyah historic site. The city's economy is also influenced by its trade relationships with other countries, such as China, United States, and European Union.

Culture

The culture of Riyadh is influenced by its Islamic heritage, with many mosques and Islamic landmarks, such as the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque and the King Fahd National Library. The city is also home to many cultural institutions, such as the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre. The city's culture is also influenced by its Arabic language and Bedouin traditions, with many festivals and events, such as the Janadriyah festival and the Saudi National Day. The city's culture is also shaped by its cuisine, which includes dishes such as Kabsa and Shawarma, and is influenced by other cuisines, such as Indian cuisine and Middle Eastern cuisine. The city's culture is also influenced by its media outlets, such as Al Arabiya and Asharq Al-Awsat.

Transportation

The transportation system in Riyadh is well-developed, with many roads and highways, such as the King Fahd Road and the Olaya Street. The city is also home to the King Khalid International Airport, which is a major transportation hub, and is connected to other cities, such as Jeddah and Mecca, by the Haramain High-Speed Railway. The city's transportation system is also influenced by its public transportation system, which includes buses and taxis, and is overseen by the Riyadh Public Transport Authority. The city's transportation system is also shaped by its traffic laws, which are enforced by the Saudi Arabian Public Security.

Government and Politics

The government of Riyadh is overseen by the Mayor of Riyadh, who is appointed by the King of Saudi Arabia. The city is also home to many government institutions, such as the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia and the Shura Council. The city's government is also influenced by its municipal system, which is overseen by the Riyadh Municipality. The city's government is also shaped by its foreign policy, which is influenced by its relationships with other countries, such as United States, China, and European Union. The city's government is also influenced by its human rights record, which is overseen by the Saudi Arabian Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Human Rights Council. The city's government is also shaped by its elections, which are overseen by the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Elections.

Category:Cities in Saudi Arabia