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Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, located on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa. The modern metropolis largely emerged in the 1950s as an expansion of the 18th-century walled town, following the dismantling of its defensive fortifications.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Saudi riyal (SAR)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
+03 (UTC+3)
Local time now
22:07:23

Hotels in Riyadh

Riyadh offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from established international chains like Sheraton 4 Points and Marriott Riyadh to local hotels such as Hotel Latifa and Gloria Inn. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, you'll find hotels throughout the city to suit your needs. See all hotels →

فندق عبدالله عبدالعزيز الراجحي
228 m from centre
Sheraton 4 Points
420 m from centre
hotel latifa
504 m from centre

Airports in Riyadh

Riyadh is served by several airports that connect the city to domestic and international destinations. King Khalid International Airport (مطار الملك خالد الدولي) is the primary airport, while the city also has access to military air bases including Riyadh Khashm Alan Air Base, Dirab Air Base, and Banban Airport (مطار بنبان). See all airports →

Riyadh Khashm Alan Air Base
20.6 km from centre
Dirab Air Base
23.4 km from centre
مطار الملك خالد الدولي
35.3 km from centre

Car Hire in Riyadh

Riyadh offers several car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Companies such as سيف للتأجير السيارات, الركن لتاجير السيارات, ابداع الطريق لتأجير السيارات, أوبشن لتأجير السيارات, and الفائز لتأجير السيارات provide car rental services throughout the city. See all car hire →

سيف للتأجير السيارات
778 m from centre
الركن لتاجير السيارات
780 m from centre
ابداع الطريق لتأجير السيارات
1.7 km from centre
أوبشن لتأجير السيارات
1.7 km from centre

Things to Do in Riyadh

Riyadh offers visitors a rich blend of historic landmarks and cultural attractions. From the fortress of قلعة المصمك to the royal palaces including قصر المربع and القصر الأحمر, alongside the comprehensive المتحف الوطني السعودي, there is plenty to explore in Saudi Arabia's dynamic capital city. See all things to do →

القصر الأحمر
765 m from centre
دروازة الثميري
871 m from centre
قلعة المصمك
899 m from centre
المتحف الوطني السعودي
1.1 km from centre
قصر المربع
1.1 km from centre
قصر الناصرية
3.7 km from centre

Restaurants in Riyadh

Riyadh offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants catering to various tastes and cuisines. From بيتزا الطازج and latifa restaurant to بروستد كوفي, مطعم روتي, and سلامة, visitors can explore a range of local and international dining experiences throughout the city. See all restaurants →

بيتزا الطازج
pizza · 378 m from centre
latifa restaurant
473 m from centre
بروستد كوفي
787 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Riyadh

We're still gathering swimming pools listings for Riyadh — check back soon.

Spas in Riyadh

We're still gathering spas listings for Riyadh — check back soon.

Nightlife in Riyadh

We're still gathering nightlife listings for Riyadh — check back soon.

Bars in Riyadh

We're still gathering bars listings for Riyadh — check back soon.

Cafes in Riyadh

Riyadh offers a variety of cafes where locals and visitors can enjoy coffee and refreshments. Popular options in the city include Layali Cafe, دوران الخليج كافية, المهرجان كافية, and محمصة الدار, each providing a unique cafe experience. See all cafes →

latifa hospital
509 m from centre
Layali Cafe
1.4 km from centre
دوران الخليج كافية
1.4 km from centre

Shopping in Riyadh

Riyadh offers a diverse shopping experience with modern commercial centers and traditional retail spaces. From مركز بن سليمان التجاري and مركز سويقة التجاري to stores like فلاجيو and العساف, visitors can find everything from everyday goods to specialty items across the city's shopping districts. See all shopping →

مركز بن سليمان التجاري
563 m from centre
مركز سويقة التجاري
810 m from centre
فلاجيو
821 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Riyadh

Riyadh offers several parks and natural spaces where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and green areas. Popular parks include حديقة الوطن, حديقة الفوطة, حديقة العمل, حديقة مركز الملك عبد العزيز التاريخي, and حديقة عمر بن الخطاب. See all nature & wildlife →

حديقة الفوطة
699 m from centre
حديقة الوطن
840 m from centre
حديقة العمل
923 m from centre
حديقة مركز الملك عبد العزيز التاريخي
1.1 km from centre
حديقة عمر بن الخطاب
1.2 km from centre
حديقة العود
1.3 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Riyadh experiences a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city is characterized by dry conditions throughout the year, with minimal rainfall. Dust storms can occur during spring months, while the cooler winter months offer more comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.

Interesting Facts About Riyadh — Weird & Wonderful

  • Riyadh is built on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, a geographical feature that shaped the city's location and development.
  • The current form of Riyadh largely emerged in the 1950s following the dismantling of the 18th-century walled town's defensive fortifications.
  • Jenadriyah, an annual festival held in Riyadh, features traditional camel races and poetry readings among its cultural events.
  • The Riyadh International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East, hosting Saudi, Arab, and international publishers.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Riyadh

Jenadriyah
An annual festival held in Riyadh that includes cultural and traditional events such as camel races, poetry reading, and others.
March to April
Riyadh International Book Fair
One of the largest book fairs in the Middle East that hosts a wide range of Saudi, Arab, and international publishers.
October to December
Riyadh Season
An initiative to promote tourism that includes a wide range of sports, musical, theatrical, fashion shows, circus, and various other entertainment activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Riyadh

What is the currency used in Riyadh?

The currency used in Riyadh is the Saudi Riyal, which is the official currency of Saudi Arabia.

What language is spoken in Riyadh?

Arabic is the primary language spoken in Riyadh, as it is the official language of Saudi Arabia.

What region of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh in?

Riyadh is the capital of the Riyadh Province and the centre of the Riyadh Governorate.

What are the main cultural events in Riyadh?

Riyadh hosts several major events including the Jenadriyah festival featuring camel races and poetry readings, the Riyadh International Book Fair (one of the largest in the Middle East), and Riyadh Season, which showcases sports, musical, theatrical, and fashion events.

When is the Riyadh International Book Fair held?

The Riyadh International Book Fair is usually held between March and April each year.

Map of Riyadh

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