Country | Saudi Arabia |
Population | 7009100 |
Area | 1,973 km2 (762 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+03:00 (AST) |
Coordinates | 24.68773, 46.72185 |
Highest elevation | 612 m (2,008 ft) |
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City Description
Riyadh, the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, is a sprawling metropolis with a rich history and dynamic modern growth. Located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula on the eastern part of the Najd plateau, Riyadh sits at an elevation of about 600 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level. The city is surrounded by the vast an-Nafud desert, adding to its distinctive desert landscape.
With a population of approximately 7 million people as of 2022, Riyadh is not only the most populous city in Saudi Arabia but also one of the largest urban centers in the Middle East. It’s the 38th most populous city in Asia and the 6th most visited city in the Middle East, attracting around 5 million tourists annually.
Riyadh’s history dates back to at least 1590 when it was first mentioned by name. In the 18th century, the city was fortified by Deham Ibn Dawwas, who built a defensive wall around it. The name “Riyadh,” which means “the Meadows” in Arabic, is believed to reference the verdant oasis towns that preceded the city’s walls. The city came under the control of Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab and the Emir of Diriyah in 1744, marking the beginning of the First Saudi State. The city was later made the capital of the Second Saudi State in 1825 and was finally established as the capital of modern Saudi Arabia in 1932 by Abdulaziz ibn Saud.
The city underwent significant transformation in the 1950s when its walls were dismantled and rapid urban expansion began. Riyadh is now a major political and administrative hub, housing the Consultative Assembly (Shura Council), the Council of Ministers, and numerous government offices. It is also home to 114 foreign embassies located primarily in the Diplomatic Quarter.
Economically, Riyadh is a powerhouse. It hosts the headquarters of major banks like the Saudi National Bank (SNB) and Al-Rajhi Bank, as well as leading companies such as SABIC, Almarai, STC, and Samba Financial Group. The city features prominent commercial centers like the King Abdullah Financial District, Faisaliyah Center, and Kingdom Center, with Highway 65, or King Fahd Road, connecting many of these important sites.
Riyadh is known for its architectural marvels, including the towering Kingdom Centre and the Faisaliyah Tower. It’s also an emerging player on the global stage, with plans to host Expo 2030, becoming the second Arab city to do so after Dubai. The city is divided into 15 municipal districts, managed by the Municipality of Riyadh and the Royal Commission for Riyadh.
Culturally, Riyadh blends traditional Saudi Arabian values with modern urban life. The city is a melting pot of historical architecture, such as the Masmak Fortress, and contemporary developments. It’s also a center of education and innovation, with institutions like King Saud University driving progress in various fields. The city is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and its expanding skyline reflects its rapid development and economic vitality.
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