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Riyadh
The Riyadh (Arabic: الرياض, ar-Riyāḍ, Arabic pronunciation: Of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of the homonymous province (Ar Riyadh). Riyadh is located in the historic district of Najd, in the center of the Arabian Peninsula, on a high plateau. According to the latest census, Riyadh has a population of over 4,260,000 (4.9 million in 2009), about 20% of the country's population.
At a glance
The city lies in the "main corridor" of Saudi Arabia's development, along with Buraida in the north and Al Khartz in the south. The other areas of concentration are the two coastal areas, around Jeddah and Mecca in the Red Sea, and around Jumbai and Dammam in the Persian Gulf. The geographical coordinates of the center of Riyadh are 24 ° 42΄ 42΄΄ north latitude and 46 ° 43΄ 27΄΄ east longitude.
The city is divided into 15 "municipal districts" under the control of the Municipality of Riyadh and the Riyadh Development Authority, chaired by the Governor of Riyadh Province, Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz. The mayor of the city is Abdulaziz ibn Ayyaf al Migrin. The area of the municipality is 1000 km2, therefore the population density is 4878 inhabitants per km2.
The temperature in summer is high and usually exceeds 45 degrees C. Winters are mild with cool nights. Although in a dry area, the city receives some rain. Five dams store their water. There are also 96 wells and 467 kilometers of pipelines carrying huge amounts of water from desalination plants in the Persian Gulf.
Riyadh time is 1 hour ahead of time Of Greece in winter and 0 in summer, since daylight saving time does not apply there.
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BusApartments
The city developed both culturally and commercially, becoming a travel destination. In addition to being an administrative center, it is home to numerous educational, economic, agricultural, cultural, technological and social institutions and organizations. Its architecture is mostly modern, with new high-rise skyscrapers, but the Al-Dira apartment, the core of the old town, has been rebuilt in a style reminiscent of Nejad's old brick and mud buildings before 1900.
Riyadh is divided into 15 "municipal districts" or districts, and the Diplomatic District, while in its northwestern suburbs are the ruins of the former Saudi capital Diriya. Each apartment contributes in its own way to the character of the city.
In the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), are located all the embassies of foreign countries, the delegations of international organizations, but also residential buildings with shopping malls. It is one of the greenest areas in the city, with lush gardens and several sports centers. In particular, it is known for its excellent architecture, thanks to which it is considered a model for Islamic cities around the world. Despite its character and name, the Diplomatic Area has no special legal status or privileges: all the laws of Saudi Arabia apply there in full force, and patrols are also carried out by the Mutaween, the Saudi religious police.
The center of Riyadh, Al Bathaa and Al Dira, is also the oldest part. In the heart of the 19th century Masmak Fortress, one of the most important sights in the city. To the west are the Riyadh Museum of History and Archeology and the Muraba Palace, the old residence of the first Saudi king, Ibn Saud, and now a museum. Qasr al-Hukm (= Palace of Justice) is also nearby. Here the Governor of Riyadh Province meets the citizens, listens to their complaints and problems and stays close to all aspects of city life. In Al Dira there are also markets and traditional buildings, such as the Al-Mu'ikiliya Bazaar and the Grand Mosque of the city.
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BikeWhat to see
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What will you buy
The bustling Olaya Apartment is the commercial heart of Riyadh, which also has many residences, entertainment venues, restaurants and shops. Al Faisaliya Center, Basel Center and Al-Tahlya Street are the main landmarks in the area.
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Which area to go for coffee - drink
Local drinks
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Local cuisine
In what area to stay
Stay safe
Riyadh is said to offer the second highest quality of life in Saudi Arabia after Jeddah. It also has the best health services in the country (here Jeddah comes second).
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