Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is one on the fast-growing capitals. It has grown and developed over a relatively short period of time. In Riyadh, you can see the combination between the historical and traditional scenes and the modern achievement.
The word "Riyadh" is the plural word of an Arabic word "Rawdah" which means a place that covered with gardens, meadows and trees. Riyadh was named with this name because of its far history. It was built on ruins of Hijr city of Yamama region, which was rich with water, gardens and palm dates and had the most fertile soil of Arabia in old days.
Riyadh was the center of unification of the other regions of the Kingdom. From Riyadh, King Abdul Aziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, began to establish a unified state under the banner of monotheism. (Go to Map)
Climate
Riyadh has a dry climate with a very hot summers and cold winters. In summer, temperature may reach 40ºC. However, it has a fine weather for most of the year where the average temperature is 35ºC (95ºF). Sometimes, in the summer, Riyadh is subjected to dusty winds. Also, there is little rainfall.
Important Landmarks
King Khalid International Airport
It is a picturesque of the modern Islamic architecture. It is 35km far from the city center. It covers an area of about 300km². Islamic designs and styles were adopted into the construction of the airport.
This airport has its own mosque. Its doors and windows were decorated with verses from the Quran. This mosque can accommodate hundreds of people.
The airport is consisted of four traveling lounges. Two for the domestic flights and the other two for the international flights. These lounges are connected to each other through service buildings. Each service buildings has restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, and foreign airlines offices.
The Television Complex
Built on 33,000m² with a height of 71 meters, the TV tower has became a
unique landmark in the city.
On the top of the tower, there is a
diamond-shaped ball which include many restaurants inside. This ball is made of
colored glass.
Diplomatic Quarter
It is 8km far from the city center and it covers an area of 7 million m². This quarter includes the foreign embassies, sidewalks and nice parks.
Al-Masmak Palace
Al-Masmak was the starting point for King Abdulaziz torecover the capital of his grandfathers. The palace was renovated and transformed to a public museum. The word "Masmak" means thick, high inaccessible building, and this is applicable to Al-Masmak, which is a strong square fortress with high towers of thick walls.
The museum consists of one hall, which contains pictures, maps, maquette and other old tools. Also shown in this hall a map of Riyadh wall with its gates, a map of King Abdulaziz military campaigns and some of the old weapons.
The Al-Faisaliah Center
It Comprises the Faisal Foundation's headquarters, a luxury hotel, a Banqueting and Conference Center, offices and apartments, an ultra-modern shopping mall, and a restaurant and observations deck in the Globe Experience at a height of 244 meters (800 ft) above the city.
The Kingdom Center
Opened at the end of 2001, it includes the luxury Four Seasons Hotel and convention center, sports club, luxury apartments and offices, three-level shopping mall and more. The tower is topped by a specular V-shaped steel structure that supports an enclosed viewing bridge accessible to the public at a height of 300 meters (almost 1,000 ft) above the city streets.