Riyadh is the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and now rivals any modern city in the world with the splendor of its architecture. The city extends for some 1,600 square kilometres and has a population of more than 4.7 million. It has enormous energy, mainly because it is such a new city. The ancestral home of the ruling Al-Saud family, most of the offices, apartments and shopping centres date from the past 20 years and apart from historical monuments there are almost no old buildings. Riyadh is a city quite unlike any other, and while it has less in the way of entertainment than many other cities, it remains distinctly fascinating.

Getting there
King Khaled International Airport (966 1 221 1000; www.gaca.gov.sa) houses four terminals that are linked by travelators and handles both international and domestic flights. The magnificently designed complex lies about 35 kilometres north of Riyadh. Almost all visitors require a sponsored visa; women arriving alone must be met by their sponsor or a male relative, and must have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. A railway line and well maintained roads link Riyadh to the main passenger port of Dammam, which is a short distance from neighbouring Bahrain.

Weather
Dry heat and very little rain (which usually falls between January and May) characterise Riyadh's climate. Hot, dusty winds can boost summer temperatures well over 37^oC. In sharp contrast, it can be freezing at night in winter between November and April. The most clement months are January to April, and October to December.

Important Numbers

Transportation/Getting Around

Note: The local currency is the balboa, but the US dollar is used throughout

Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.

Business and Finance
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia holds the world's largest reserves of oil, which naturally make it one of the foremost financial powers on earth. A thriving stock market and active chambers of commerce are indicative of Riyadh's economic success. Business is carried on in traditional fashion, and with due deference to Islam.

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