Riyadh
The beating heart of the kingdom
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
In the heart of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh region shines like a jewel that flourishes amidst the desert, combining Najdi authenticity with the modern era. It is one of the 13 administrative regions in the country and is home to the capital, Riyadh, which is the center of government and administration and the headquarters of international organizations in the Kingdom.
According to the 2022 Saudi census, Riyadh is the first in terms of population and the second in terms of area, reflecting its political importance.
Economic and cultural
The Riyadh region derives its historical greatness from being home to two of the historical capitals of Saudi Arabia.
Diriyah was the capital of the first Saudi state, from which the spark of unification ignited.
Riyadh was the capital of the second Saudi state, and later the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Thus, Riyadh was the cradle of the unification of the country at the hands of the founding King Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, and today it has become a symbol of strength, renewal, and unity.
Najdi architecture: between mud and stone
The region still preserves the old Najdi architecture, which embodies the spirit of simplicity and pride in heritage.
The story of Riyadh city
One of its most prominent landmarks is the Al-Turaif district in Diriyah, which is registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered the largest mud city in the world. There, the Salwa Palace stands proudly, its mud walls telling the story of the founding of a nation.
The area also includes other historical landmarks such as
Al-Masmak Palace, which witnessed the battle to recapture Riyadh in 1902 AD, is now a museum commemorating that decisive moment.
Al Murabba Palace, which was the seat of power of the founding king
Al-Bajiri area, which blends historical character with modern development
Cities of the Riyadh region
Diriyah – Al-Kharj – Al-Dawadmi – Al-Majma'ah – Al-Quway'iyah – Wadi Al-Dawasir – Al-Aflaj – Al-Zulfi – Shaqra – Hawtat Bani Tamim – Afif – As-Sulayyil – Dhurma – Al-Muzahmiyah – Rumah – Thadiq – Huraymila – Al-Hariq –
Al-Ghat – Marat – Al-Dilam – Al-Rayn.
Authentic Najdi flavor
One of Riyadh's famous dishes that reflects its hospitality
Jareesh – a dish of cracked wheat cooked with milk or broth
Qursan – dough sheets cooked with vegetables and meat in a rich broth
Marqouq – pieces of dough cooked with meat and vegetables in one pot
Each dish tells a story of winter's warmth in mud houses and the generous tables of Najd.
Najdi generosity and the heritage of folk proverbs
In Riyadh, generosity is deeply rooted in people's hearts, just as palm trees are rooted in the land of Najd. One of their famous proverbs is:
"He who doesn't know a falcon will roast it."
The story of the proverb
It is said that a Bedouin man saw a valuable falcon, not recognizing its worth, and mistaking it for an ordinary bird, he roasted it to eat. When people learned what he had done, they began to use this proverb to describe someone who is ignorant of the value of something precious or a generous person.
Riyadh Lens
