Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and its political and financial centre, a fast-growing metropolis in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula.
Overview
Riyadh (Arabic: الرياض, "the gardens") is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is the seat of the central government and the country's principal commercial and financial centre.
Geography
Riyadh lies in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula on the Najd plateau, at an elevation of about 600 metres. The city sits in a broad wadi and is surrounded by desert.
History
Riyadh was a small oasis settlement until it was captured by Ibn Saud in 1902, an event that began the unification of the Kingdom. It was proclaimed the capital of the newly unified Saudi Arabia in 1932 and has grown from a town of a few tens of thousands to a metropolis of several million.
Economy and landmarks
Riyadh is the headquarters of the central government, the Public Investment Fund and the largest concentration of corporate headquarters in the Kingdom. It contains the Masmak Fortress, the historic Diriyah district, the Kingdom Centre and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
References
- Riyadh \u2014 Encyclopaedia Britannica (accessed 5 October 2026)
- Riyadh: capital of Saudi Arabia \u2014 Saudi Ministry of Culture (accessed 5 October 2026)
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