Riyadh 51554 225997199 2008-07-16T11:13:19Z 212.71.33.85 {{coord|24|42|42|N|46|43|27|E|display=title|type:city}} {{Infobox City |official_name = City of Riyadh |nickname = Riyadh |motto = |image_skyline = KING FAHD ROAD FEB1.JPG |image_caption = A part of King Fahd Road |image_flag = Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg |flag_link = Flag_of_Saudi_Arabia |flag_size = 80px |image_shield = Coat of arms of Saudi Arabia.svg |shield_link = Coat of arms of Saudi Arabia |shield_size = 40px |image_map = Riyadh, Saudi Arabia locator map.png |map_caption = Location of Riyadh |subdivision_type = [[Countries of the world|Country]] |subdivision_name = [[Image:Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg|25px]] [[Saudi Arabia]] |subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Saudi Arabia|Province]] |subdivision_name1 = [[Riyadh Province]] |subdivision_type2 = |subdivision_name2 = |leader_title = Mayor |leader_name = Abdul Aziz ibn 'Ayyaf Al Migrin |leader_title1 = Provincial Governor |leader_name1 = Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz |leader_title2 = |leader_name2 = |established_title = Established |established_date = Unknown |established_title2 = Capital of [[Second Saudi State]] |established_date2 = [[1824]]-[[1891]] |established_title3 = Capital of [[Saudi Arabia]] |established_date3 = [[1902]], [[1932]] (officially) |area_magnitude = |unit_pref = Metric |area_magnitude = |area_km2 = 1200 |area_metro_km2 = 1554 |area_urban_km2 = 1000 |elevation_m = |area_footnotes = |population_note = Riyadh Development Authority estimate |population_as_of = 2007 |population_total = 4,700,000 |population_density_km2 = 2921 |population_density_sq_mi = 1826 |population_urban = 4,853,912 |population_metro = 5,188,000 |population_footnotes = |timezone = [[East Africa Time|EAT]] |utc_offset = +3 |timezone_DST = [[East Africa Time|EAT]] |utc_offset_DST = +3 |postal_code_type = Postal Code |postal_code = (5 digits) |area_code = +966-1 |website = [http://www.arriyadh.com/ www.arriyadh.com] |latd= 24|latm= 38|lats=|latNS=N |longd= 46|longm= 43|longs=|longEW=E }} '''Riyadh''' ({{lang-ar|'''الرياض'''}} ''Ar-Riyāḍ'') is the [[capital]] of [[Saudi Arabia]] and its largest city. It is also the capital of [[Riyadh Province]], and belongs to the historical regions of [[Nejd]] and [[Al-Yamama]]. It is situated in the center of the [[Arabian Peninsula]] on a large plateau, and is home to over 4,260,000<ref>The Saudi Arabian Information Resource</ref> people. The city is divided into 15 municipal districts, managed by Riyadh Municipality headed by the mayor of Riyadh, and the Riyadh Development Authority, chaired by Governor of [[Riyadh Province]], [[Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz|Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz]]. The current mayor of Riyadh is [[Abdul Aziz ibn Ayyaf Al Migrin]], appointed in [[1998]]. ==Name== The name ''Riyadh'' is derived from the plural of the [[Arabic]] word ''rawdha'', which means "garden," particularly those formed in the desert after the spring rains. Riyadh has for more than 1500 years been a fertile area set in the [[heartland]] of the Arabian Peninsula.<ref>Al-Juhany, U.M., ''Najd before the Salafi Reform Movement'', Ithaca Press, 2002, ISBN 0863724019.</ref> The settlement was historically famous for its [[Date Palm|Palm Trees and Dates]] and [[Orchard]]s. The modern name was first applied to only certain parts of the settlement where orchards predominated. Gradually the name was used for the entire settlement. ==History== ===Early History=== During the [[Pre-Islamic Arabia|Pre-Islamic]] era, the settlement at the site was called ''Hajr'' ({{lang-ar|حجر}}), And was reportedly founded by the tribe of [[Banu Hanifa]].<ref>[http://www.arriyadh.com/En/Ab-Arriyad/index.asp History of Riyadh] at [http://www.arriyadh.com www.arriyadh.com]</ref> Hajr served as the capital of the province of [[al-Yamamah|Al Yamamah]], Whose governors were responsible for most of central and eastern [[Arabia]] during the [[Umayyad]] and [[Abbasid]] eras. Al-Yamamah broke away from the [[Abbasid Empire]] in [[866]] and the area fell under the rule of the [[Ukhaydhirites]], who moved the capital from Hajr to nearby [[al-Kharj|Al Kharj]]. The city then went into a long period of decline. In the 14th century [[North Africa]]n traveller [[Ibn Battuta]] wrote of his visit to Hajr, describing it as "the main city of Al-Yamamah, and its name is Hajr". Ibn Battuta goes on to describe it as a city of canals and trees with most of its inhabitants belongs to [[Bani Hanifa]], and reports that he continued on with their leader to [[Mecca]] to perform the [[Hajj]]. Later on, Hajr broke up into several separate settlements and estates. The most notable of these were ''Migrin'' (or ''Muqrin'') and ''Mi'kal'', though the name ''Hajr'' continued to appear in local folk poetry. The earliest known reference to the area by the name ''Riyadh'' comes from a 17th-century chronicler reporting on an event from the year [[1590]].<ref>Al-Juhany, p. 120-1</ref> In [[1737]], [[Deham ibn Dawwas]], a refugee from neighboring [[Manfuha]], took control of Riyadh. Ibn Dawwas built a single wall to encircle the various quarters of Riyadh, making them effectively a single town. ===The three Saudi States=== In [[1744]], [[Muhammad ibn Abdel Wahhab]] formed an alliance with [[Muhammad ibn Saud]], The ruler of the nearby town of [[Diriyah]]. Ibn Saud then set out to conquer the surrounding region with the goal of bringing it under the rule of a single Islamic state. Ibn Dawwas of Riyadh led the most determined resistance, Allied with forces from [[al-Kharj|Al Kharj]], [[al-Ahsa|Al Ahsa]], And the [[Banu Yam]] clan of [[Najran]]. [[Image:P-AD20061109-13h03m11s-g.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Al Masmak Castle]] However, Ibn Dawwas fled and Riyadh capitulated to the Saudis in 1774. Ending long years of wars. and declaring the [[First Saudi State]]. The [[First Saudi State]] was destroyed by forces sent by [[Muhammad Ali of Egypt]], acting on behalf of the [[Ottoman Empire]]. Ottoman forces razed the Saudi capital [[Diriyah]] in [[1818]]. In [[1823]], [[Turki ibn Abdallah]], the founder of the [[Second Saudi State]], revived the state and chose Riyadh as the new capital. Internecine struggles between Turki's grandsons led to the fall of the [[Second Saudi State]] in [[1891]] at the hand of the rival [[Al Rashid]] clan, who ruled from the northern city of [[Ha'il]]. Riyadh itself fell under the rule of [[Al Rashid]] in [[1865]]. The [[al-Masmak]] fort dates from this period. The city was recaptured in [[1902]] from the [[Al Rashid]] family by [[Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud|King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud]]. He went on to establish the modern Kingdom of [[Saudi Arabia]] in [[1932]], with Riyadh the capital of the nation. ==Geography== ===Population=== The city has experienced very high rates of population growth, which is indicated by the poor quality of development since the 1970s. In the 1960s, its population was 50,000. According to most recent sources, today it is home to over 4.5 million inhabitants. [[Image:Riyadh pop graph.gif|thumb|left|320px|Riyadh Population Growth 1862-2020*]] {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year || Population |- | [[1862]] || align="right" | 7,500 |- | [[1935]] || align="right" | 30,000 |- | [[1960]] || align="right" | 150,000 |- | [[1970]] || align="right" | 370,000 |- | [[1972]] || align="right" | 500,000 |- | [[1974]] || align="right" | 650,000 |- | [[1988]] || align="right" | 1,500,000 |- | [[1990]] || align="right" | 2,000,000 |- | [[1997]] || align="right" | 2,800,000 |- | [[2008]] || align="right" | 5,100,000 |- |} ===Climate=== Summer temperatures are very hot, frequently exceeding {{C to F|45}}. Winters are mild with cool nights. Although the city is located in a highly [[arid]] area, It receives some rainfall. [[Hail]] occasionally falls in Riyadh during winters. {| class="wikitable collapsible" style="font-size:90%;width:100%;border:0px;text-align:center;line-height:120%;" ! colspan= "15" style="background: #6688AA; color: white;" | <big>Riyadh Climatological Data</big><ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT002760 Average and recorded climate of Riyadh at BBC Weather]</ref> |- ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" height="16" | Month ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Jan ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Feb ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Mar ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Apr ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | May ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Jun ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Jul ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Aug ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Sep ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Oct ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Nov ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Dec ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | <!-- Leave this blank! --> ! style="background: #DDDDDD;" | Year |- ! height="16;" |Record high °C | style="background: #EF8F0F; color: black;" | 30 | style="background: #F5930A; color: black;" | 33 | style="background: #FA9605; color: black;" | 38 | style="background: #FF9900; color: black;" | 40 | style="background: #FF9900; color: black;" | 43 | style="background: #FF9900; color: black;" | 45 | style="background: #FF9900; color: black;" | 45 | style="background: #FF9900; color: black;" | 44 | style="background: #FF9900; color: black;" | 44 | style="background: #FF9900; color: black;" | 38 | style="background: #FF9900; color: black;" | 34 | style="background: #EF8F0F; color: black;" | 31 | <!-- Leave this blank! --> | <!-- Leave this blank! --> |- ! height="16;" |Average high °C | style="background: #DF8C1F; color: black;" | 21 | style="background: #DF8C1F; color: black;" | 23 | style="background: #DF8C1F; color: black;" | 28 | style="background: #EF8F0F; color: black;" | 32 | style="background: #F5930A; color: black;" | 38 | style="background: #F5930A; color: black;" | 42 | style="background: #F5930A; color: black;" | 42 | style="background: #F5930A; color: black;" | 42 | style="background: #F5930A; color: black;" | 39 | style="background: #F5930A; color: black;" | 34 | style="background: #EF8F0F; color: black;" | 29 | style="background: #E78D17; color: black;" | 21 | <!-- Leave this blank! --> | style="background: #EF8F0F; color: black;" | 33 |- ! height="16;" |Record low °C | style="background: #9F845F; color: black;" | -7 | style="background: #A78557; color: black;" | -2 | style="background: #AF864F; color: black;" | 1 | style="background: #A78557; color: black;" | 2 | style="background: #AF864F; color: black;" | 15 | style="background: #BF883F; color: black;" | 19 | style="background: #C78937; color: black;" | 19 | style="background: #CF8A2F; color: black;" | 17 | style="background: #C78937; color: black;" | 17 | style="background: #C78937; color: black;" | 10 | style="background: #B78747; color: black;" | 2 | style="background: #A78557; color: black;" | 0 | <!-- Leave this blank! --> | <!-- Leave this blank! --> |- ! height="16;" |Average low °C | style="background: #BF883F; color: black;" | 8 | style="background: #BF883F; color: black;" | 9 | style="background: #BF883F; color: black;" | 13 | style="background: #C78937; color: black;" | 18 | style="background: #CF8A2F; color: black;" | 22 | style="background: #CF8A2F; color: black;" | 25 | style="background: #D78B27; color: black;" | 26 | style="background: #D78B27; color: black;" | 24 | style="background: #D78B27; color: black;" | 22 | style="background: #CF8A2F; color: black;" | 16 | style="background: #C78937; color: black;" | 13 | style="background: #BF883F; color: black;" | 9 | <!-- Leave this blank! --> | style="background: #C78937; color: black;" | 17 |- ! colspan= "15" |<!--Leave this blank.--> |- ! height="16;" |Rainfall mm | style="background: #8CA3B5; color: black;" | 3 | style="background: #94A4B5; color: black;" | 20 | style="background: #94A4B5; color: black;" | 21 | style="background: #94A4B5; color: black;" | 22 | style="background: #94A4B5; color: black;" | 10 | style="background: #94A4B5; color: black;" | 0 | style="background: #94A4B5; color: black;" | 0 | style="background: #94A4B5; color: black;" | 0 | style="background: #94A4B5; color: black;" | 0 | style="background: #94A4B5; color: black;" | 0 | style="background: #84A1B5; color: black;" | 0 | style="background: #80A0B5; color: black;" | 0 | <!-- Leave this blank! --> | style="background: #8CA3B5; color: black;" | 76 |} ===City districts=== Riyadh is divided into 15 [[municipalities]], in addition to the Diplomatic Quarter, while on its northwestern outskirts lay the ruins of the former [[Saudi]] capital of [[Diriyah]]. Each municipal district contributes in its own way to the character of the city. The bustling [[Olaya (Riyadh)|Olaya District]] is the commercial heart of the city. This commercial and residential district offers accommodation, entertainment, dining and shopping options. The [[Kingdom Center]], [[Al Faisaliyah Center|Al Faisalyah]] and Al-Tahlya Street are the area's most prominent landmarks. The Diplomatic Quarter, or DQ as it is popularly known, is home to foreign embassies and international organizations as well as residential structures and malls. With lush gardens and numerous sports facilities, it is also one of the city's greenest areas. It is especially known for its fine architecture, and is considered a model for other Islamic cities around the world. Despite its name, the Diplomatic Quarter offers no special privileges. All Saudi laws must be obeyed and there are occasional patrols by the [[Mutaween]], or Saudi religious police. The centre of the city, [[Al-Bathaa]] and Al-Dirah, is also its oldest part. At its heart lies the 19th-century [[Masmak|Al Masmak]] fort, which is one of the city's major attractions; to the west lies the Riyadh Museum of History and Archeology and the Murabba' Palace, an old residence of first Saudi king, [[Ibn Saud]], now a museum.<ref>[http://www.arriyadh.com/En/ADA/LeftBar/DevProj/AlMurabba-a-Palace_ADA.doc_cvt.asp Article] at [http://www.arriyadh.com www.arRiyadh.com]</ref> The ''Qasr Al-Hukm'', or Palace of Justice, is nearby. It is here that the Governor of [[Riyadh Province]] meets citizens, listens to their grievances and problems, and stays abreast of all aspects of the region's life. The Al-Dira area also contains commercial markets and traditional buildings, such as the Al-Mu'eiqilia market and the city's Grand Mosque. ==Landmarks== [[Image:Riyadh-Skyline.jpg|thumbnail|760px|center|Riyadh Skyline , Picture from Al Faisaliyah Tower]] [[Image:Al-Mamlakah Tower.JPG|right|200px|thumbnail|Burj Al Mamlakah]] [[Image:Al-Faisaliyah Tower.JPG|right|200px|thumbnail|Al Faisaliyah Tower]] [[Image:Al Anoud Tower.JPG|right|200px|thumbnail|Al Anoud Tower]] [[Image:Ministry of Interior-Saudi Arabia.JPG|right|200px|thumbnail|Saudi Arabian Ministry of the Interior (left)]] ===Old Riyadh=== The old town includes ''[[Diriyah]]'', ''King Abdulaziz district'', ''Wadi Laban'' and many other historical villages which became a part of the city. It had a lot of amazing traditional multistory buildings, but lost ground to more modern development and giant business projects. However, the city's recent generations have come to appreciate its traditions more and have persevered in having many of the older buildings carefully preserved. Some of these structures are ''[[Masmak Castle|Al Masmak Castle]]'' and ''Qasr Al Hokom''. ===Landmarks=== '''Burj Al Mamlakah''' {{main|Kingdom Centre}} Kingdom Tower (Arabic: برج المملكة‎) in Riyadh is the tallest skyscraper in Saudi Arabia. With a height of 302 m (992 ft), it is the 37th tallest building in the world. The tower is built on area of 94,230 square meters of land, while the whole center is built on a total area of 300,000 square meters. The tower is host to the highest mosque in the world.<ref>Kingdom Tower - [http://www.kingdomcentre.com.sa/kc/]</ref> The Kingdom Center is owned by [[Al-Waleed bin Talal]], a prince of the Saudi royal family. It is also the headquarters of his holding company: [[Kingdom Holding Company]]. The total cost of the project was 1.717 billion Saudi Arabian Riyals and the contract was taken by Saudi Arabian El Saif and the Italian Impregilo S.p.A. Kingdom Center is situated in Al-Urubah Road between King Fahd Road and Olaya Street in the growing business district of Al-Olaya in Riyadh. Kingdom Center was the winner of the 2002 [[Emporis Skyscraper Award]], selected as the "best new skyscraper of the year for design and functionality". A three-level shopping center, which also won a major design award, fills the east wing. The large opening is illuminated at night in continuously changing colors. '''Burj Al Faisaliyah''' {{main|Al Faisaliyah Center}} Al Faisaliyah Center (Arabic: برج الفيصلية‎) was the first skyscraper constructed in Saudi Arabia, and the second tallest building in the country after the [[Kingdom Centre|Kingdom Center]]. The golden ball that lies atop the tower is said to be inspired by a ballpoint pen. Inside the ball is a restaurant, immediately below it an outside viewing deck at ground level, there is a shopping center with major world brands. '''Burj Al Anoud''' Al Anoud tower is a major commercial building on King Fahd road, with a height of 145 m. There is plans to build another similar tower beside the current tower with the same name. The tower is owned by ''Princess Al-Anoud'' and moderated by several Saudi Arabian companies. '''Riyadh TV Tower''' {{main|Riyadh TV Tower}} The Riyadh TV Tower is a 170 metre high television tower with an observation deck at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The tower was built between 1978 and 1981. '''Ministry of Interior Building''' The main building of Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia which is located in Riyadh, Can be considered as one of Riyadh most beautiful landmarks with its unique design. '''Al Masmak Castle''' {{main|Masmak Castle}} This castle was built around [[1865]] under the reign of [[Mohammed ibn Abdullah ibn Rasheed]] (1289-1315 AH), the ruler of [[Ha'il]] to the north, who had wrested control of the city from the rival clan of [[Al Saud]]. In January [[1902]] [[Ibn Saud]], who was at the time living in exile in [[Kuwait]] succeeded in capturing the Masmak fortress from its Rashid garrison. The event, which restored Al Saud control over Riyadh, has acquired almost mythical status in the history of Saudi Arabia and has been retold many times, but has as its central theme the heroism and bravery of the future King Abd Abdulaziz Ibn Saud. ===Embassies=== Riyadh hosts 50 embassies , 32 embassies belong to the states of the [[Arab League]]. Along with embassies of [[Austria]], [[Australia]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[China]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Denmark]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Greece]], [[India]], [[Indonesia]], [[Iran]], [[Italy]], [[Japan]], [[Malaysia]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Niger]], [[Nigeria]], [[Norway]], [[Pakistan]], [[Philippines]], [[Poland]], [[Russia]], [[Singapore]], [[South Korea]], [[South Africa]], [[Spain]], [[Sweden]], [[Turkey]], [[United Kingdom]], [[United States of America]]. ==Economy== [[Image:Commecial Building - Riyadh.JPG|thumbnail|right|300px|A commercial building in Riyadh]] Once a small walled city, Riyadh has developed into a dynamic [[metropolis]] over the years. Along with the urban areas of [[Dhahran]], [[Dammam]] and [[Khobar]], Riyadh has become a focal point for both travel and trade. In addition to being the center of power, the city is also a commercial hub. Numerous educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical, and social organizations have set up base here. The architecture is mostly modern, including contemporary high-rise towers, but the Al-Dira district, the nucleus of the city, has been rebuilt in a style meant to evoke the old mud-brick buildings of pre-20th century [[Nejd]]. Since beginning of oil exploration in [[Saudi Arabia]] until nowadays, the government is attempting to promote growth in the private sector by privatizing industries such as power and telecommunications. Saudi Arabia announced plans for privatizing the electricity companies. A lot of these new private [[Conglomerate (company)|conglomerates]] and [[Company|companies]] headquarters are located in Riyadh, along with National Banks headquarters. Because of that, Riyadh can be considered as one of biggest business cities in the [[Middle East]]. [[King Khalid International Airport]], has a major impact on the commercial movement in Riyadh, Providing Air-Transportation for millions of people across a year. And shipping goods to the city from all continents. ===King Fahd Road=== King Fahd road is the wealthiest business place in Riyadh, Headquarters of major companies and organizations are located on the road's both sides. Huge malls, business towers and skyscrapers are widely distributed on this road. The northern end reaches the Airport over another highway. According to many opinions, King Fahd Road is the most beautiful street in Saudi Arabia. Which gives the road a tourism value also. Famous landmarks such as [[Kingdom Centre]], [[Al Faisaliyah Center]], Al Anoud Tower and the Ministry of Interior building are also located in King Fahd Road. ===The Industrial City=== The Industrial areas are located on the East and the North-East of the city, Including some of world largest factories of oil-related industry, high-tech, low-tech and agriculture. The headquarter of [[Aramco]], The world largest oil company is located in [[Dhahran]]. Electricity and water-treatments plants supply the city with the needed energy and water, which also reach the nearby towns. {{see also|Water supply and sanitation in Saudi Arabia}} ==Demographic== As a capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has received millions of visitors of different backgrounds from all over the country. The population of Riyadh includes 66% of Saudis along with 34% of foreigners <ref>[http://www.saudinf.com/main/y7933.htm Demographic-Saudi info]</ref> from [[Africa]], [[Central Asia]], [[Southeast Asia]], [[Europe]] and the Middle East, many of whom remained and became residents of the city. ==Education== Riyadh is home to two public universities and several private universities and colleges. Universities: *[[King Saud University]] *[[Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University]] *[[Prince Sultan University]] *[[Arab Open University]] *[http://alfaisal.edu Al-Faisal University] *[http://www.ksau-hs.edu.sa King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences] Colleges: *[http://www.alyamamah.edu.sa Al Yamamah College] *[http://www.riyadh.edu.sa/ Riyadh College of Dentistry and Pharmacy] *King Faisal College of Aviation - responsible for training the officer corps of the [[Royal Saudi Air Force]]. *King Khalid Military College - responsible for training the officer corps of the [[Saudi National Guard]]. Riyadh also houses the main campus of the Government's [http://www.ipa.edu.sa/en/index.asp Institute of Public Administration] and the [[Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency]]'s [http://www.iobf.org/ Institute of Banking]. ==Culture== [[Image:Kabsa.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Saudi [[Kabsa]]]] [[Image:Riyadh TV Tower.JPG|thumbnail|150px|right|Riyadh TV Tower]] [[Image:Ml3b elmalik fahad.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|King Fahd Stadium]] ===Religious significance=== The vast majority of Riyadh residents are [[Sunni Islam|Sunni Muslims]], with a minority of Asian and Westerner [[Christianity|Christians]]. The city has over 4292 [[Mosque]]s<ref>Arriyadh.com / Research - [www.arriyadh.com/Researches/LandUses1424H.doc (.Doc)]</ref>. The cultural environment of today's Riyadh has been influenced by a religious movement that began in central Arabia in the mid-18th century. This movement is commonly known as the [[Wahhabi]] movement. ===Cuisine=== Like other Saudi cities, the [[Nejdi]] [[Kabsa]] is the most traditional lunch in Riyadh. The [[Yemeni]] [[Mandi (food)|Mandi]] is also popular as a lunch meal. Fast food is also popular in the city. [[McDonald's]], [[Burger King]], [[Domino's Pizza]] and [[KFC]] among others are widely distributed in Riyadh. ===Media=== Riyadh is served by four major Arabic-language newspapers, [[Asharq Al-Awsat]] (which is owned by the city governor), Al-Riyadh, Al-Jazira and [[Al-Watan (Saudi Arabia)|Al-Watan]]. Television stations serving the city area include Saudi TV1, Saudi TV2, Saudi TV Sports, Al-Ekhbariya, [[Arab Radio and Television Network|ART channels network]] and hundreds of cable, satellite and other specialty television providers. The Riyadh TV Tower is a {{m to ft|170|abbr=yes|precision=0}} high television tower with an observation deck at Riyadh. The tower started construction in [[1978]] and finished in [[1981]] and is a part of the Ministry of Information. {{see also|Riyadh TV Tower}} ===Sport=== Football (Soccer) is the most popular sport in Riyadh. The city hosts four major football clubs, Such as [[Al-Shabab (Saudi Arabia)|Al Shabab]], which was established in 1947, holding a great record in the [[Saudi Premier League]]. [[Al-Nasr]] club is another famous squad in the league, was named six times as a champion of the Saudi League, and was established in 1955. The well-known club [[Al-Hilal]], Which was established in 1957 conquers the league as the winner of ten championships, is the most popular team in Riyadh. Also, there is [[Al-Riyadh]] club, which was established in 1954 along with many other minor clubs. The city also hosts several giant stadiums, such as [[King Fahd International Stadium]] with capacity of 70,000 seats. The stadium hosted the [[FIFA Confederations Cup]] three times in [[1992 King Fahd Cup|1992]], [[1995 King Fahd Cup|1995]] and [[1997 FIFA Confederations Cup|1997]]. And also the [[FIFA U-20 World Cup]] in [[1989 FIFA World Youth Championship|1989]]. ===Accent=== The Riyadh city area has a distinctive regional speech pattern called the Najdi dialect. It is often considered to be one of the most recognizable accents within the Arabic language. The Najdi accent is widely spoken in the desert regions of central and eastern [[Saudi Arabia]]. {{see also|Najdi Arabic}} ==Transportation== ===Airports=== Riyadh's [[King Khalid International Airport]] ([[IATA]]: '''RUH'''), located 35 kilometers north, is the city's main airport. It's one of the four [[international airport]]s in the country serving over 9 million passengers a year. ===Highways=== The city is served by a modern major highway system. The main Eastern Ring Road connects the city's south and north, while Northern Ring Road connects the city's east and west. King Fahd Road runs through the center of the city from north to south, in parallel with the East Ring Road. Makkah Road (also known as Khurais Road), which runs east-west across the city's center, connects eastern parts of the city with the city's main business district and the diplomatic quarters. ===Railway=== [[Saudi Railway Authority]] operates two separate passenger and cargo lines between Riyadh and [[Dammam]] passing through [[Hofuf]], and [[Haradh]]. Two future railway projects connecting Riyadh with [[Jeddah]] and [[Mecca]] in the western region and connecting Riyadh with [[Buraidah]], [[Ha'il]] and Northern Saudi Arabia are underway. Developers are the RC corporation, wholly owned by H O’Donovan, W Daly and S Burgoyne, however, are now being built single-handedly by H O'Donovan. ===Public transport=== The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO), the national bus system, runs a fleet of buses that provides public transportation inside the city, and also an extending service transporting passengers to several cities across the kingdom and neighboring countries. An electric [[Monorail|sky train]] system has been approved and the first phase will be installed in King Abdullah Road, King Fahd Road and Al Olaya Road. It will run for 25km and will include communication services such as phones and internet. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arriyadh.com/Homepage/Riyadh_Kataar.doc_cvt.asp|title=The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh (Arabic)}}</ref> ==See also== :[[Riyadh Province]] :[[Saudi Arabia]] ==Notes and References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== *[http://www.arriyadh.com/en Riyadh City], official site with News, history and photos *[http://www.9661.com/ Riyadh Key], The non official guide to Riyadh. *[http://www.riyadh905.com/ Riyadh Directory], A Directory of businesses and services in Riyadh. *[http://www.saudinf.com/main/a81.htm Saudi Arabian Information Resource], official site with history and photos *[http://www.splendidarabia.com Saudi Arabian Travel and Trekking Guide], A travel site with photos and routes * [http://www.what-they-say.com/Riyadh-1.html What they say about Riyadh], reviews and information *[http://www.toursaudiarabia.com/riyadh.html Riyadh, Saudi Arabia] *[http://www.riyadh.gov.sa/Eng/ Riyadh Principality] {{Geographic Location (8-way) | Centre =Riyadh | North = | Northeast = | East = | Southeast = | South = | Southwest = | West = | Northwest = }} {{Commons|Category:Riyadh}} {{Riyadh}} {{Saudi cities}} <!-- Template removed per [[Wikipedia:Templates_for_deletion/Log/2008_April_22#Template:AL_LargestCities]] --> {{Asian capitals}} [[Category:Cities, towns and villages in Saudi Arabia]] [[Category:Capitals in Asia]] [[Category:Riyadh|*]] [[am:ሪያድ]] [[ar:الرياض]] [[frp:Riyad]] [[bn:রিয়াদ]] [[be-x-old:Рыяд]] [[bs:Rijad]] [[br:Riyadh]] [[bg:Рияд]] [[ca:Al-Riyad]] [[cs:Rijád]] [[cy:Riyadh]] [[da:Riyadh]] [[de:Riad]] [[et:Ar-Riyāḑ]] [[el:Ριάντ]] [[es:Riad]] [[eo:Rijado]] [[fa:ریاض]] [[fo:Riyadh]] [[fr:Riyad]] [[fy:Riyad]] [[ga:Riyadh]] [[gd:Riyadh]] [[gl:Riad]] [[ko:리야드]] [[haw:Riyadh]] [[hr:Rijad]] [[io:Riad]] [[id:Riyadh]] [[is:Ríad]] [[it:Riyad]] [[he:ריאד]] [[ka:ერ-რიადი]] [[sw:Riyad]] [[ht:Riyad]] [[ku:Rîyad]] [[la:Riadum]] [[lv:Rijāda]] [[lb:Riad]] [[lt:Rijadas]] [[hu:Rijád]] [[mk:Ер Ријад]] [[ml:റിയാദ്]] [[mr:रियाध]] [[ms:Riyadh]] [[nl:Riyad (stad)]] [[ja:リヤド]] [[no:Riyadh]] [[nn:Riyadh]] [[nov:Riyad]] [[oc:Riyad]] [[pms:Riyadh]] [[pl:Rijad]] [[pt:Riade]] [[ro:Riyadh]] [[ru:Эр-Рияд]] [[sq:Riadi]] [[simple:Riyadh]] [[sk:Rijád]] [[sr:Ријад]] [[fi:Riad]] [[sv:Riyadh]] [[tl:Riyadh]] [[ta:ரியாத்]] [[th:ริยาด]] [[vi:Riyadh]] [[tg:Эр-Рияд]] [[tr:Riyad]] [[uk:Ер-Ріяд]] [[ur:ریاض]] [[vo:Riyad]] [[fiu-vro:Riad]] [[zh:利雅德]]