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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

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 thecapital 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.

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Attractions

Travel Guide

- Travel Guide

Riyadh does not have monuments and other attractio

like some other capital cities of Middle East because oits relatively new origin. However, things to do and vis

surely dont miss: Al Bathaa, the heart of the city and

also the oldest part, is where most of the tourists need

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 th

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 diplomati

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 Mosqu

and Qasr almasmak. King Saudi University in

Riyadh, one of the biggest libraries in Saudi Arabia, i

seven floor building of the size of a big mall, each floo

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 CamelRaces. To get a feel for the landscape surrounding th

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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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 ofmud 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

of former periods, was included.

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 inthe beautiful city of Riyadh. There are 8 exhibition

theme

halls in the museum which include The Hajj and Two

Holy Mosques, The Arabian Kingdoms, Islam and

the Arab Peninsula, The Unification of the Kingdo

Man and Universe, The Pre-Islamic Era, The Firstand Second Saudi State and Prophet Mohammad

Mission. Each hall is independent and opulent in thei

presentations and various workshops and lectures are

held here on a regular basis.

Shopping[paragrafo004]

- Shopping

Most people don't know this, Riyadh is the best place

forshopping 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[paragrafo005]

- Safety and Warnings

Terrorist activities are directed against the America

citizens and visiting Saudi Arabia is not recommende

unless it is very essential.Terrorist groups tend to atta

places where westerners are located and this include

government facilities. This is a serious travel warning

all westerners visiting places in Saudi Arabia and it is

best to maintain a low profile and be very cautious a

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 anabbaya which is part of their tradition. Females are

warned not to walk in dark and lonely areas at night o

in the late evenings.Avoid hassles with the religious

police by observing


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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 andfuel 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 Cloudy

Sunday 4/8/2012 Some clouds

Monday 4/9/2012 Cloudy

Tuesday 4/10/2012 Cloudy

Wednesday

4/11/2012Clear

Thursday 4/12/2012 Cloudy

Friday 4/13/2012 Clear


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