Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, located in the central part of the country on the Najd plateau. As the political, financial, and administrative center of the Kingdom, Riyadh plays a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s governance and economy. It one of the most important metropolitan areas in the Middle East.
Riyadh Location on World Map
About Map: The map highlights the location of Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, situated in the central part of the country on the Najd plateau.
Where is Riyadh Located?
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, located in Riyadh Region in the historic Najd area. The city is situated in the central part of the Arabian Peninsula, on the eastern edge of the Najd plateau. Riyadh is one of the most important economic and administrative centers in the Middle East and receives millions of visitors each year for business, religious, and tourism purposes. For administrative purposes, the city is divided into 15 municipal districts.
The old town of Riyadh lies within the historic city walls and reflects traditional Najdi architecture. One of its most significant landmarks is the Al Masmak Fortress, along with restored sections of the original wall and gates. The area also contains several traditional mud-brick houses; some have been preserved and restored, while others remain as historical remnants.
Today, Riyadh serves as the center of government, finance, culture, education, technology, and commerce in Saudi Arabia. The modern city features advanced infrastructure and contemporary urban design. However, the Al Diriyah and Al Dirah districts preserve the architectural style of pre-20th century Najdi mud-brick buildings, maintaining a connection to the city’s historical heritage.
Riyadh, Riyadh Province Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Riyadh |
| Province | Riyadh Province |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| National Capital | Riyadh |
| Region | Central Arabia (Najd Region) |
| Latitude | 24.7136° N |
| Longitude | 46.6753° E |
| Elevation | 2,001 ft (610 m) |
| Land Area | 730 sq mi |
| Water Area | Includes wadis, reservoirs and urban water features |
| Total Area | 730 sq mi |
| Population (Latest Estimate) | Approximately 7.8 million |
| Population Density | Approximately 10,700 per sq mi |
| Postal Codes | 11411-14599 |
| Area Code | +966 11 |
| Time Zone Standard | Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3) |
| Time Zone Daylight | No daylight saving time observed |
| Currency | Saudi Riyal (SAR) |
| Administrative Code | Riyadh Municipality |
| National Representation | Consultative Assembly Constituencies |
Nearby Cities to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Diriyah, Saudi Arabia - 9 mi Northwest
- Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia - 48 mi Southeast
- Huraymila, Saudi Arabia - 55 mi Northwest
- Thadiq, Saudi Arabia - 70 mi Northwest
- Rumah, Saudi Arabia - 73 mi Northeast
- Al Majma'ah, Saudi Arabia - 112 mi Northwest
- Shaqra, Saudi Arabia - 118 mi Northwest
- Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia - 205 mi West
- Al Zulfi, Saudi Arabia - 161 mi Northwest
- Afif, Saudi Arabia - 315 mi West
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Climate and Weather Overview
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68 | 46 | 0.5 |
| April | 92 | 65 | 0.9 |
| July | 109 | 83 | 0.0 |
| October | 95 | 68 | 0.1 |
| Annual | 91 | 66 | 4.0 |
| Climate Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate Classification (Köppen) | BWh - Hot Desert |
| Annual Rainfall | Approximately 4 inches |
| Annual Sunshine Days | More than 320 sunny days |
| Hurricane/Tornado Risk | Very Low |
| Snowfall | No snowfall |
Driving Distances from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| City | Province | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diriyah | Riyadh | 9 | 20 min |
| Al Kharj | Riyadh | 48 | 50 min |
| Huraymila | Riyadh | 55 | 1 hr |
| Thadiq | Riyadh | 70 | 1 hr 10 min |
| Rumah | Riyadh | 73 | 1 hr 15 min |
| Al Zulfi | Riyadh | 161 | 2 hr 20 min |
| Al Majma'ah | Riyadh | 112 | 1 hr 40 min |
| Shaqra | Riyadh | 118 | 1 hr 50 min |
| Dawadmi | Riyadh | 205 | 3 hr |
| Afif | Riyadh | 315 | 4 hr 30 min |
Transportation and Connectivity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| Airport Name | King Khalid International Airport |
| IATA Code | RUH |
| Port | No Seaport |
| Major Highways | King Fahd Road, Makkah Road, Eastern Ring Road, Riyadh-Qassim Highway |
| Train Service | Saudi Railways, Riyadh-Dammam Railway and Haramain Connections |
| Local Transit Service | Riyadh Metro, Riyadh Bus Network, Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services |
- King Fahd Road - Main north-south corridor through central Riyadh.
- Makkah Road - Major route connecting Riyadh with western Saudi Arabia.
- Eastern Ring Road - Key bypass serving residential and commercial districts.
- Riyadh-Qassim Highway - Connects the capital with northern regions.
- Riyadh Metro - Modern rapid transit system serving major districts across the city.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Kingdom Centre | Skyscraper |
| Al Masmak Fortress | Historic Fort |
| Diriyah | UNESCO Site |
| National Museum of Saudi Arabia | Museum |
| King Abdullah Financial District | Business District |
| Riyadh Boulevard City | Entertainment District |
| Wadi Hanifah | Nature Area |
| Sky Bridge | Observation Deck |
| Salam Park | Urban Park |
| Murabba Historical Palace | Historic Site |
Places to Visit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Kingdom Centre | Skyscraper |
| Al Masmak Fortress | Historic Fort |
| Diriyah | UNESCO Site |
| National Museum of Saudi Arabia | Museum |
| King Abdullah Financial District | Business District |
| Riyadh Boulevard City | Entertainment District |
| Wadi Hanifah | Nature Area |
| Sky Bridge | Observation Deck |
| Salam Park | Urban Park |
| Murabba Historical Palace | Historic Site |
Colleges and Universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Saud University | Public | University | Research and higher education |
| Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University | Public | University | Women's education |
| Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University | Public | University | Islamic studies |
| Al Yamamah University | Private | University | Business and technology |
| Prince Sultan University | Private | University | Engineering and management |
Waterbodies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Wadi Hanifah, Wadi Namar Lake, Wadi Laban, Al Hair Lake, Wadi Sulai, Wadi Nisah, King Abdullah Park Lake, Wadi Al Batha, Diriyah Waterways, Thumamah Wetlands
Golf Courses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh Golf Club, Dirab Golf & Country Club, Arizona Golf Resort Riyadh, InterContinental Riyadh Golf Course, Nofa Golf Resort, Royal Greens Riyadh Practice Facility, Diriyah Golf Training Center
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Key Historical Facts
- Riyadh grew from a small oasis settlement in the Najd region into the political center of Saudi Arabia.
- The city became closely associated with the rise of the Al Saud dynasty during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
- Al Masmak Fortress played a key role in the recapture of Riyadh by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud in 1902.
- Riyadh was designated the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
- Rapid economic growth driven by oil revenues transformed the city during the second half of the twentieth century.
- Today, Riyadh is the country's largest financial, governmental and administrative center.
References
- Royal Commission for Riyadh City
- General Authority for Statistics Saudi Arabia
- Visit Saudi
- Encyclopaedia Britannica - Riyadh