Riyadh

Date of publishing: 4/7/2012

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Destination: Riyadh | Date of publishing: 4/7/2012

Introduction, Travel Guide, Landmarks and Historic sites, Museums, Stores and shopping malls, Safety and Warnings

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About
Introduction
- Introduction
Riyadh, is the capital of Saudi Arabia and lies on the great limestone plateau of Nejd in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula, some 2500 feet above sea level. The name Riyadh comes from the Arabic word "rawdah" meaning "a place of gardens and trees". Riyadh has been a midpoint of attention for centuries since the pre-Islamic times when the settlement at the site was called Hajar. During the 18th century, Riyadh was part of the First Saudi State, with the capital at Diriyah. But in 1818 Diriyah was destroyed by the Turks and the capital moved to Riyadh. After the Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud gained control of Riyadh in 1902, it was from this base that he gradually established control over a vast area from the Arabian Gulf to the Red Sea. In 1932 the city became the capital the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Today, Riyadh, thanks to the oil boom money too, is a bustling metropolis and the seat of government! Educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical, commercial and social organizations are there, too. But, beside the modern buildings, the private houses are typical Saudi Arabian architecture with high walls and little lawn space. The oldest part of the city is called Al-Bathaa. The Riyadh airport, King Khalid International Airport-KKIA, is one of the largest international airports in the world.

Attractions
Travel Guide
- Travel Guide
Riyadh does not have monuments and other attractions like some other capital cities of Middle East because of its relatively new origin. However, things to do and visit surely dont miss: Al Bathaa, the heart of the city and also the oldest part, is where most of the tourists needs are fulfilled: it is home to facilities like bus stand, shopping area, post office, and banks. The National Museum displays the history of civilization in the Arabian peninsula. Other interesting museums are the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, the Folklore Museum and the King Faisal Museum in the King Faisal Foundation. The Masmak Fortress, built around 1865, has been renovated and made attractive to the tourists coming in. The traditional Diwan (sitting room of the king) is a major attraction. The diplomatic quarter, with modern buildings, built in the old Arabic style, is also worth a visit. Midan Aladl, Justice Square, is a beautiful square between the Big Mosque and Qasr almasmak. King Saudi University in Riyadh, one of the biggest libraries in Saudi Arabia, is a seven floor building of the size of a big mall, each floor specialize in one general topic with arabic books on your right side and other languages on the left side. Other attractions include: Dira Square, Murabba Palace, Janadriyah Festival and the exiting Camel Races. To get a feel for the landscape surrounding the capital, make an excursion to the "camel trails" along the escarpment southeast of town. They offer some beautiful and unforgettable views of the desert!

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Destination: Riyadh | Date of publishing: 4/7/2012

Landmarks and Historic sites

- Masmak Citadel
Masmak Citadel is a marvellous fort which was built in the nineteenth century by Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Rasheed. This fort was the home of the ruling Al Saud clan before it was taken over by the Al Rashid family. The fort was again recaptured by Amir Adb al-Aziz ibn Adb al-Rahman of the Al Saud clan and the heroic deeds of the ruler are an important part of the history of Masmak Citadel.The fort is made of mud bricks and clay and the roofs and walls are covered with palm tree leaves and wood. There are 4 watchtowers whose openings where used by soldiers to fire at the attackers. The palm gate at the entrance is about three and a half meters high and two and a half meters wide with a small opening called a Al Kokha which allows entry to and from the fort. In 1995 the fort was renovated and a museum, which exhibits weaponry and artefacts offormer periods, was included.

halls in the museum which include The Hajj and Two Holy Mosques, The Arabian Kingdoms, Islam and the Arab Peninsula, The Unification of the Kingdom, Man and Universe, The Pre-Islamic Era, The First and Second Saudi State and Prophet Mohammads Mission. Each hall is independent and opulent in their presentations and various workshops and lectures are held here on a regular basis.

Shopping
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- Shopping
Most people don't know this, Riyadh is the best place for shopping in Saudi Arabia, i.e Saks department store, Harvey Nichols department store and more. In Riyadh they have two big sales a year, Jan and Aug. the discounts and huge from 50%25 to 90%25 on top brands i.e. Prada, choloe, Jimmy choo and more.

Safety and Warnings

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- Safety and Warnings

Museums
- National Museum
The National Museum of Riyadh is a major landmark in Saudi Arabia which was built with the intention to honor the cultural and educational development of the nation and gives vital information about the history of Saudi Arabia through its display of various manuscripts and antiques. The National Museum is spread over an area of seventeen thousand meters and is situated in the beautiful city of Riyadh. There are 8 exhibition theme

Terrorist activities are directed against the American citizens and visiting Saudi Arabia is not recommended unless it is very essential.Terrorist groups tend to attack places where westerners are located and this includes government facilities. This is a serious travel warning for all westerners visiting places in Saudi Arabia and it is best to maintain a low profile and be very cautious at all times.While visiting a religious place make sure that you follow the dress code as there have been incidents of women being put in jail for not wearing an abbaya which is part of their tradition. Females are warned not to walk in dark and lonely areas at night or in the late evenings.Avoid hassles with the religious police by observing

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Destination: Riyadh | Date of publishing: 4/7/2012

religious laws and customs and follow any advice they give. While driving, do not drive carelessly or fast on the motorway and avoid bumps in the road or getting stranded in lonely areas.Always carry extra water and fuel while travelling least one gets stranded in the middle of the desert in very hot weather as this could be fatal if assistance is slow.

Weather
Saturday 4/7/2012 Sunday 4/8/2012 Monday 4/9/2012 Tuesday 4/10/2012 Wednesday 4/11/2012 Thursday 4/12/2012 Friday 4/13/2012 Cloudy Some clouds Cloudy Cloudy Clear Cloudy Clear

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