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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
13:31:27

Hotels in Riyadh

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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 that connect the Saudi capital to destinations worldwide. Key facilities include مطار الملك خالد الدولي (King Khalid International Airport), along with Riyadh Khashm Alan Air Base, Dirab Air Base, and 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. Local providers 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 historic and cultural attractions. Explore iconic landmarks such as قلعة المصمك, القصر الأحمر, قصر المربع, and دروازة الثميري, or visit المتحف الوطني السعودي to discover the region's heritage. 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 range of restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Whether you're looking for traditional Saudi dishes or modern fare, establishments like بيتزا الطازج, latifa restaurant, بروستد كوفي, مطعم روتي, and سلامة provide options for visitors and residents alike. 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. From established venues like Layali Cafe to traditional options such as محمصة الدار, there are numerous choices throughout the city to experience Saudi Arabia's vibrant cafe 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 centres and retail destinations. From established malls like مركز بن سليمان التجاري and مركز سويقة التجاري to boutique retailers such as فلاجيو and العساف, the city provides options for every shopper. 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 outdoor recreation. Notable 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 minimal rainfall throughout the year, with most precipitation occurring during the cooler months.

Interesting Facts About Riyadh — Weird & Wonderful

  • Riyadh is positioned on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, a geographical feature that has shaped the city's location and development.
  • The current form of Riyadh largely emerged in the 1950s, expanding from an 18th-century walled town after its defensive fortifications were dismantled.
  • Jenadriyah is an annual festival in Riyadh featuring camel races and poetry reading among other cultural and traditional events.
  • 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 in Riyadh that includes a number of cultural and traditional events, such as camel race, 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 held 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 official language spoken in Riyadh?

Arabic is the official language of Riyadh, as it is the capital of Saudi Arabia.

What currency is used in Riyadh?

The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the official currency used in Riyadh and throughout Saudi Arabia.

What region is Riyadh located in?

Riyadh is the capital of the Riyadh Province and the centre of the Riyadh Governorate in Saudi Arabia.

What is Riyadh International Book Fair?

Riyadh International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East, usually held between March and April, hosting a wide range of Saudi, Arab, and international publishers.

What cultural festivals are held in Riyadh?

Riyadh hosts several festivals including Jenadriyah, an annual event featuring camel races and poetry reading, and Riyadh International Book Fair held between March and April.

Map of Riyadh

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