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The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh, the name of the capital city of Saudi Arabia is derived from the Arabic word rawdah, which means gardens. It was named after the natural beauty that is provided by its location at the juncture of Wadis Ḥanīfah and Al-Baṭḥā. The capital city, Riyadh, is located in the Mintaqat Al-Riyadh which is one of the 13 provinces of the country and is situated in the center of the country on the greater Arabian Peninsula. Read this blog to learn more about “What Is The Capital Of Saudi Arabia?”
Table of Contents
Overview Of The Capital City Of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is located right in the center of the country, on the vast Arabian Peninsula.
- Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has transformed itself from a desert in the 17th century to a modern settlement in the 21st century.
- The name of the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, translates to “The Garden”
- Riyadh has a hot desert climate with scorching summers where temperatures can reach up to 50°C (122°F). Winters are mild, with occasional dust storms.
Source- Saudivisa.com
- The Royal Court and many government ministries are located in the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
- Due to its political and economic importance, Riyadh is a diverse city with a mix of cultures and ethnicities.
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History Of The Capital Of Saudi Arabia
The capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, has a rich history.
- The place where Riyadh is located today was settled as early as the pre-Islamic Era.
- It was earlier known as Hajr and served as the capital of Al-Yamamah province during powerful empires like the Umayyads and Abbasids.
- The founding of Riyadh is credited to Deham ibn Dawwas in 1737.
- In 1744, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and Muhammad bin Saud captured Riyadh, establishing it as the capital of the first Saudi state.
- In the 19th century, the Ottomans crushed the first Saudi State Diriyah.
- In 1824, Turki bin Abdullah Al-Saud, a descendant of the founder, reestablished Riyadh as the second Saudi state.
- King Abdulaziz ibn Saud, founder of the modern Saudi Arabia, conquered the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in the 1920s.
Source- Google Arts and Culture
- A symbolic moment of modernization came in 1950 with the demolition of Riyadh’s historic mudbrick walls.
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Demography and Geography Of The Capital Of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is very strategically located and consists of various deserts
- Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has the largest sand desert, “Empty Quarter.”.
- Occupying roughly 80% of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia is the fourth largest state in the Arab world
- Saudi Arabia has experienced a dramatic population increase in recent decades.
- Over 40% of Saudi Arabia’s population are non-citizens, majorly from the Indian Subcontinent and neighboring Arab countries.
- Saudi Arabia is primarily Arab, with a majority belonging to various tribes.
- Despite the vast deserts, most Saudis live in urban areas. Major cities include Riyadh (the capital), Jeddah (major port city), and Dammam (eastern industrial center).
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Culture and Economy Of The Capital Of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh’s culture is a mix. Traditional Islamic values and practices coexist with a growing modern lifestyle, especially among the youth.
- The social norms of the capital city of Saudi Arabia is evolving, with increased opportunities for women in education and the workforce
- The annual Janadriyah Festival showcases rich Saudi heritage and culture.
- Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is home to major banks, corporations, and government ministries.
- Riyadh is a major center for international trade and investment.
- The King Abdullah Financial District has numerous financial institutions.
Source- Arab News
- “Vision 2030” is a government initiative of Saudi Arabia that aims to transform Riyadh into a global economic powerhouse and a leading center for innovation and entrepreneurship
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FAQs
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has a population of over 7 million people, according to recent estimates.
Riyadh experiences a hot desert climate with extremely hot summers where temperatures can reach up to 50 °C (122 °F) and mild winters with occasional dust storms.
Riyadh is a major economic hub in Saudi Arabia, home to government ministries, financial institutions, and numerous corporations. It plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and is a center for international trade and investment.
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