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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 an 18th-century walled town, blending historic heritage with contemporary development.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Saudi riyal (SAR)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
+03 (UTC+3)
Local time now
15:53:58

Hotels in Riyadh

Riyadh offers a variety of hotel options for visitors, from well-known international chains like Sheraton 4 Points and فندق مريوت رياض to other establishments such as hotel latifa and فندق جلوريا إن. Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, you'll find accommodation choices throughout the city. 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 facilities. King Khalid International Airport (مطار الملك خالد الدولي) is the primary commercial airport, while Riyadh Khashm Alan Air Base, Dirab Air Base, and Benban Airport (مطار بنبان) also operate in the region. 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 services for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. 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 historical and cultural attractions. From the iconic Masmak Fortress and Red Palace to world-class museums like the Saudi National Museum, there are plenty of landmarks and experiences to explore in the 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 range of dining experiences, from casual cafes to traditional restaurants. Visitors and residents can explore various cuisines at establishments including بيتزا الطازج, latifa restaurant, بروستد كوفي, مطعم روتي, and سلامة, reflecting the city's varied food scene. 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 traditional coffee houses to modern cafe spots like Layali Cafe and محمصة الدار, the city's cafe culture provides welcoming spaces throughout the capital. 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. Visitors can explore major shopping destinations including مركز بن سليمان التجاري, مركز سويقة التجاري, فلاجيو, العساف, and مركز المعيقلية التجاري. 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 experience outdoor recreation and greenery. Notable attractions 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 sees very little rainfall throughout the year, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months. Dust storms are common during spring and early summer.

Interesting Facts About Riyadh — Weird & Wonderful

  • Riyadh was built on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, a significant geographic feature that shaped the city's development.
  • The modern city largely emerged in the 1950s following the dismantling of the 18th-century walled town's defensive fortifications.
  • Jenadriyah festival showcases traditional Saudi culture through events like camel racing and poetry reading.
  • The Riyadh International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East, typically held between March and April.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Riyadh

Jenadriyah
An annual festival featuring cultural and traditional events such as camel races and poetry reading.
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 initiative featuring sports, musical performances, theatrical shows, fashion shows, circus acts, and various other entertainment activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Riyadh

What is the currency used in Riyadh?

The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), the official currency of Saudi Arabia.

What language is spoken in Riyadh?

Arabic is the official language spoken in Riyadh and throughout Saudi Arabia.

What region is Riyadh in?

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

What is Riyadh's geographic setting?

Riyadh is located on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, an important geographic feature of the city.

When was modern Riyadh developed?

The current form of Riyadh largely emerged in the 1950s as an expansion of an 18th-century walled town after its defensive fortifications were dismantled.

What major cultural events are held in Riyadh?

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

Map of Riyadh

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