Tourist Guide Riyadh
Riyadh, is the capital of Saudi Arabia and lies on the great limestone plateau
of Nejd in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula, some 2500 feet above sea level.
The name Riyadh comes from the Arabic word "rawdah" meaning "a
place of gardens and trees".
Riyadh has been a midpoint of attention for centuries since the pre-Islamic
times when the settlement at the site was called Hajar.
During the 18th century, Riyadh was part of the First Saudi State, with the
capital at Diriyah. But in 1818 Diriyah was destroyed by the Turks and the capital
moved to Riyadh. After the Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud gained control
of Riyadh in 1902, it was from this base that he gradually established control
over a vast area from the Arabian Gulf to the Red Sea.
In 1932 the city became the capital the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Today, Riyadh, thanks to the oil boom money too, is a bustling metropolis and
the seat of government!
Educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical, commercial and social
organizations are there, too.
But, beside the modern buildings, the private houses are typical Saudi Arabian
architecture with high walls and little lawn space. The oldest part of the city
is called Al-Bathaa.
The Riyadh airport, King Khalid International Airport-KKIA, is one of the largest
international airports in the world.
What travelers say
Max: 61° F
Min: 43° F
