What is Riyadh best known for?
Riyadh is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia. The name Riyadh is derived from the plural form of the Arabic word Rawdha, meaning ‘garden.’ It is located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula and has a population of 4,854,000. It is also an urban centre in the region of about 7 million people. Summer temperatures are extremely hot, close to 50°C. Riyadh is divided into 15 branch municipalities, in addition to the Diplomatic Quarter. Olaya District is a commercial center of the city, with residences, resorts, restaurants, and shops.
Best-known places in Riyadh
- Ad-Diriyah: It was the first capital of Saudi Arabia. The historic site of Ad-Diriyah is divided into two parts by Wadi Hanifa and other settlements.
- Kingdom Center Tower: This magnificent 41-storey building houses a shopping mall and four hotels. There is a 56 m (184 ft) skybridge blue in colour at the top of the skyscraper.
- Masmak Citadel: The construction of this museum depicting Saudi culture is impressive as it is made from clay and mud bricks. It consists of four fortifications and very complex walls. There is no admission fee for Citadel. It reflects the true Saudi Culture.
- Al-Faisaliyah Center: This commercial skyscraper is the fourth tallest building in Saudi Arabia with a glass ball hanging in the air. It is 267 m tall with 44 floors, an impressive view of the entire city of Riyadh can be observed from atop.
- National Museum, Riyadh: Started in 1999, the building is equipped with modern technology and everything here is available in English which makes it easily accessible to travellers.
- Riyadh Zoo: Riyadh Zoo is a tourist attraction for families with diverse wildlife. This is a huge zoo housing Elephants, Giraffes, Monkeys, Camels and many more animals.
- Al-Masmak: This place holds an important place in Riyadh from the historical aspect. The belief goes like this that the downfall of this fort will lead to the downfall of the entire kingdom.
- Deerah Souq: It is one of the best places in Riyadh because of its striking gold souq and antique souqs collection.
- Murabba Palace: It is surrounded by the iconic King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre. There is an old courtyard, water tower, majlis and a collection of old cars. It is known as the cultural centre of the city of Riyadh. There is a remodelled mosque as well.
- Sky Bridge: The Sky Bridge is located on the 50th floor of the Kingdom Centre. It provides spectacular panoramic views of the glittering city of Riyadh.
Airport in Riyadh
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport is the second largest airport in the country. It has three passenger terminals. There is also a mosque built in the airport which is the most important structure of the airport.
- Airport address- King Khalid International Airport, Airport Road, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- IATA code- RUH