Minţaqat ar Riyāḑ

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Riyadh

Riyadh (/rɨˈjɑːd/; Arabic: الرياض ar-Riyāḍ Najdi pronunciation: [er.rɪˈjɑːdˤ], is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of Riyadh Province, and belongs to the historical regions of Najd and Al-Yamama. It is situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, and is home to 5.7 million people, and the urban centre of a region with a population of close to 7.3 million people.

The city is divided into 15 municipal districts, managed by Riyadh Municipality headed by the mayor of Riyadh, and the Riyadh Development Authority, chaired by the governor of Riyadh Province, Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud. The current mayor of Riyadh is Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Almogbel, appointed in 2012. Riyadh has the largest all-female university in the world, the Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University. It has been designated a global city.

History

Early history

During the Pre-Islamic era the city at the site was called Hajr (Arabic: حجر), and was reportedly founded by the tribe of Banu Hanifa. Hajr served as the capital of the province of Al Yamamah, whose governors were responsible for most of central and eastern Arabia during the Umayyad and Abbasid eras. Al-Yamamah broke away from the Abbasid Empire in 866 and the area fell under the rule of the Ukhaydhirites, who moved the capital from Hajr to nearby Al Kharj. The city then went into a long period of decline. In the 14th century, North African traveller Ibn Battuta wrote of his visit to Hajr, describing it as "the main city of Al-Yamamah, and its name is Hajr". Ibn Battuta goes on to describe it as a city of canals and trees with most of its inhabitants belonging to Bani Hanifa, and reports that he continued on with their leader to Mecca to perform the Hajj.

Riyadh (disambiguation)

Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh may also refer to:

Places in Saudi Arabia

  • Riyadh Province, a province in Saudi Arabia
  • Riyad Bank, a bank in Saudi Arabia
  • People

  • Riad (name), people with the name
  • Other uses

  • Riyadh (Tunisia), a city in one of the Tunisian islands
  • Al-Riyadh SC, a football club in Riyadh
  • Al Riyadh (newspaper), a pro-government Saudi newspaper
  • Podcasts:

    PLAYLIST TIME:

    Latest News for: Riyadh museum

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    Why this inclusive airline is now flying to Saudi Arabia

    The Times/The Sunday Times 23 Apr 2025
    Multi-entry Saudi tourist visas take a few minutes to obtain for travellers from most nations and, while the museums of Riyadh can be a little dull, the Red Sea resorts and AlUla desert cultural centre are among the best new attractions in the Gulf.
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    National museums vital for celebrating Arab cultural heritage

    Arab News 20 Apr 2025
    In July, the Grand Egyptian Museum, located a mile north of the Pyramids, will officially open ... In Riyadh, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia continues to evolve as a dynamic cultural landmark.
    Edit

    Kersten Group constructs state-of-the-art production facility in RAKEZ

    Eye Of Riyadh 08 Apr 2025
      ... It has played a key role in shaping some of the region’s most iconic structures, including the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Al Wasl Dome in Dubai Expo City, Riyadh Metro Stations and many others.   ...   ...   ...   ...   ... Print.
    Edit

    Kersten Group opens state-of-the-art metal bending facility in RAKEZ

    GCC Business News 07 Apr 2025
    It has played a key role in shaping some of the region’s most iconic structures, including the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Al Wasl Dome in Dubai Expo City, Riyadh Metro Stations and many others ... The Future is Curved!” Ramy Jallad ... Recommended .
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    Kersten constructs production facility in Rakez

    The Gulf Time 07 Apr 2025
    RAS AL KHAIMAH / WAM ... It has played a key role in shaping some of the region’s most iconic structures, including the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Al Wasl Dome in Dubai Expo City, Riyadh Metro Stations and many others ... The Future is Curved!” ... ....
    Edit

    Kersten Group constructs production facility in RAKEZ

    Urdu Point 07 Apr 2025
    It has played a key role in shaping some of the region’s most iconic structures, including the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Al Wasl Dome in Dubai Expo City, Riyadh Metro Stations and many ...
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