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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.

Photo: B.alotaby (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Saudi riyal (SAR)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
+03 (UTC+3)
Local time now
11:33:31

Hotels in Riyadh

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

Airports in Riyadh

Riyadh is served by several airports providing both civilian and military aviation services. Key facilities include مطار الملك خالد الدولي (King Khalid International Airport), along with air bases such as Riyadh Khashm Alan Air Base and Dirab Air Base. 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. Companies such as سيف للتأجير السيارات, الركن لتاجير السيارات, ابداع الطريق لتأجير السيارات, أوبشن لتأجير السيارات, and الفائز لتأجير السيارات provide vehicle 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 wealth of cultural and historic sites to explore. From the iconic قلعة المصمك fortress and القصر الأحمر palace to the comprehensive المتحف الوطني السعودي museum, the city showcases Saudi Arabia's rich heritage. Whether you're interested in traditional architecture or modern landmarks like قصر المربع, Riyadh has something to discover. 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 serving a variety of cuisines. From establishments like بيتزا الطازج, latifa restaurant, بروستد كوفي, مطعم روتي, and سلامة, visitors can find options ranging from casual eateries to full-service restaurants 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 traditional and contemporary coffee culture. Popular spots include Layali Cafe, دوران الخليج كافية, المهرجان كافية, and محمصة الدار, each providing unique atmospheres for relaxation and socializing. 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 modern commercial centres and traditional markets. Visitors can explore destinations like مركز بن سليمان التجاري, مركز سويقة التجاري, فلاجيو, العساف, and مركز المعيقلية التجاري for a range of retail 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 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 hot desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild winters. The city is characterized by low rainfall throughout the year, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months.

Interesting Facts About Riyadh — Weird & Wonderful

  • Riyadh's current form largely emerged in the 1950s following the dismantling of the defensive fortifications of the 18th-century walled town.
  • The city is located on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, a significant geographical feature.
  • Jenadriyah, an annual festival held in Riyadh, includes cultural and traditional events such as camel races and poetry readings.
  • 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 a number of cultural and traditional events, such as camel races, poetry readings, 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 Arabian Riyal (SAR).

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 is Riyadh located in?

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

When was modern Riyadh developed?

Modern Riyadh largely emerged in the 1950s as an expansion of the 18th-century walled town.

What major events are held in Riyadh?

Riyadh hosts several major events including Jenadriyah festival, Riyadh International Book Fair, and Riyadh Season, which features sports, musical, and entertainment activities.

Map of Riyadh

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