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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, blending tradition with contemporary development.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Saudi riyal (SAR)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
+03 (UTC+3)
Local time now
00:01:41

Hotels in Riyadh

Riyadh offers a range of accommodation options to suit different travellers. From well-known international chains like Sheraton 4 Points and Marriott Riyadh to other established hotels such as Hotel Latifa and Gloria Inn, visitors will find hotels throughout the city to meet their 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 and air bases, including King Khalid International Airport (مطار الملك خالد الدولي), Riyadh Khashm Alan Air Base, Dirab Air Base, and Banban Airport (مطار بنبان). These facilities connect the city to domestic and international destinations. 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. Local rental companies such as سيف للتأجير السيارات, الركن لتاجير السيارات, ابداع الطريق لتأجير السيارات, أوبشن لتأجير السيارات, and الفائز لتأجير السيارات operate 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 historical and cultural landmarks worth exploring. From iconic fortresses like قلعة المصمك to royal palaces such as قصر المربع and المتحف الوطني السعودي, the city showcases Saudi Arabia's heritage and architectural significance. 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 a variety of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. From establishments like Pizza Al Taza and Latifa Restaurant to casual options such as Brosted Coffee and Moutaem Roti, visitors and residents can find numerous places to eat 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 diverse selection of cafes where locals and visitors can enjoy coffee and relaxation. From traditional coffee houses to modern cafe spaces, establishments like Layali Cafe and دوران الخليج كافية reflect the city's growing coffee culture. 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 diverse shopping experiences across numerous commercial centers. From مركز بن سليمان التجاري to العساف and فلاجيو, the city provides visitors and residents with a wide range of retail and dining options. 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 green spaces where visitors can experience nature and wildlife in the city. Notable parks include حديقة الوطن, حديقة الفوطة, حديقة العمل, حديقة مركز الملك عبد العزيز التاريخي, and حديقة عمر بن الخطاب, providing recreational areas for residents and tourists alike. 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 hot desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild winters. The city sees minimal rainfall throughout the year, with most precipitation occurring during the cooler months.

Interesting Facts About Riyadh — Weird & Wonderful

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

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Riyadh

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Riyadh

What currency is used in Riyadh?

The currency used in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal.

What language is spoken in Riyadh?

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

What is Riyadh's significance in Saudi Arabia?

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, and also serves as the capital of Riyadh Province and the centre of the Riyadh Governorate.

What major events and festivals are held in Riyadh?

Riyadh hosts several major events including Jenadriyah (an annual cultural festival with camel races and poetry), the Riyadh International Book Fair (held between March and April), and Riyadh Season (a tourism initiative featuring sports, music, theatre, and entertainment).

Map of Riyadh

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