Riyadh

Riyadh, the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, has a population of 7.0 million as of 2022, rendering it the most populous city in the nation and the third most populous in the Middle East. Located in the center of the Arabian Peninsula, this extensive city functions as the political, economic, and cultural center of the Kingdom, representing a captivating fusion of historical antiquity and contemporary advancement.

The city’s beginnings date to the 16th century, being referenced by an Arab chronicler in 1590. Riyadh‘s evolution into a prominent urban hub commenced in the 18th century. In 1745, Dahham ibn Dawwas, originating from the adjacent town of Manfuha, captured Riyadh and reinforced it with a mudbrick wall. This era is thought to have inspired the city’s name, which translates to “the Meadows” in Arabic, potentially alluding to the older oasis settlements that existed prior to ibn Dawwas’s walls.

The city’s history is intricately connected to the ascendance of the House of Saud and the formation of the Saudi state. In 1744, Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab established a significant alliance with Muhammad bin Saud, the Emir of Diriyah, resulting in the conquest of Riyadh from Dahham ibn Dawwas. This coalition established the groundwork for the entity later recognized as the First Saudi State. Nonetheless, this preliminary condition disintegrated in 1818, facilitating a phase of upheaval and transformation.

The early 19th century witnessed the establishment of the Second Saudi State under the leadership of Turki ibn Abdullah. In 1825, Turki designated Riyadh as his capital, therefore reinforcing the city’s significance in the region. However, this reign faced obstacles, since a coalition between the Ottomans and Rashidis undermined Saudi authority over the city. Riyadh‘s emergence as the capital of a unified Saudi Arabia was not actualized until the early 20th century.

The central player in this transition was ‘Abdulaziz ibn Saud, referred to in the West as Ibn Saud. In 1902, he restored his hereditary kingdom of Najd and initiated a campaign of consolidation and expansion. By 1926, with the ultimate Saudi conquest of Hejaz, Ibn Saud established the foundation for the contemporary Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In September 1932, he formally designated his territory as ‘Saudi Arabia,’ with Riyadh as its capital.

The city’s status as the administrative hub of the nascent monarchy was solidified when Ibn Saud relocated to the Murabba Palace in 1938. The 1950s were a pivotal moment in the urban development of Riyadh. The removal of the ancient city walls facilitated swift expansion, converting Riyadh from a fortified settlement into an expansive metropolis.

Currently, Riyadh exemplifies Saudi Arabia‘s swift modernization and economic expansion. The city has 15 municipal districts, governed by the Municipality of Riyadh and the Royal Commission for Riyadh. This administrative framework guarantees effective governance and strategic development of the urban environment.

Riyadh serves as the political and administrative center of Saudi Arabia, accommodating essential government agencies. The Consultative Assembly, referred to as the Shura Council, along with the Council of Ministers, the King’s office, and the Supreme Judicial Council, are all situated within the city. These entities are the foundation of Saudi Arabia‘s legal and governmental framework, positioning Riyadh as the nucleus of national decision-making.

The city’s importance transcends national boundaries, as demonstrated by the existence of 114 foreign embassies. The majority of these diplomatic missions are situated in the Diplomatic Quarter, a designated area in the western section of the city. This global presence highlights Riyadh‘s significance as a pivotal actor in regional and international matters.

Riyadh has evolved as an economic powerhouse, both in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. The city has the headquarters of prominent banks and enterprises that propel the Saudi economy. Entities such as the Saudi National Bank (SNB), Al-Rajhi Bank, and corporations like SABIC, Almarai, and Saudi Telecom Company (STC) are headquartered in Riyadh. The concentration of financial and corporate power has altered the city’s skyline, with notable edifices like the King Abdullah Financial District, one of the largest financial centers globally, commanding the horizon.

The city’s economic vigor is epitomized by the renowned King Fahd Road, also referred to as Highway 65. This principal artery traverses the core of Riyadh‘s commercial area, linking vital economic hubs and highlighting architectural wonders such as the Faisaliyah Center and the Kingdom Center. These buildings function as office spaces for multinational firms and symbolize Riyadh‘s ambition and advancement.

Riyadh‘s swift expansion has positioned it among the world’s most rapidly rising cities in terms of population. This expansion has been driven by both natural population growth and a considerable influx of expatriates attracted by the city’s economic prospects. The varied population has enhanced Riyadh‘s cosmopolitan ambiance, merging traditional Saudi culture with global influences.

Notwithstanding its arid environment, Riyadh has become a prominent tourism destination, attracting over 5 million people each year. This positions it as the 49th most frequented city worldwide and the 6th most frequented in the Middle East. The city’s allure resides in its distinctive amalgamation of historical landmarks, contemporary attractions, and cultural experiences.

Riyadh is pursuing big objectives for the future. The city has been chosen to host Expo 2030, succeeding Dubai, which hosted the event in 2020. This esteemed pick highlights Riyadh‘s expanding global stature and its dedication to presenting Saudi Arabia‘s future vision.