| | History (Source: WCities) | Top | Think vast expanses of desert, golden sands, a fiery sun, date-palms and mosques, interspersed with multistorey towers, malls, and the best cars money can buy – welcome to Riyadh, where the past and the present blend into the city’s singular identity. It took twenty centuries for Saudi Arabia’s young capital to evolve from a tiny settlement at the confluence of riverbeds to a sprawling metropolis in one of the richest countries in the world. For hundreds of years, Riyadh remained an oasis in the midst of a sweltering desert, a patch of green in a sea of gold. Historical travelers’ accounts make mention of this almost magical settlement, which managed to survive and prosper in one of the most arid, barren regions in the world. The settlement was known by the name ‘Hajar’ in pre-Islamic times, and is referred to in the diaries and journals of merchants and tradesmen who visited. It seems that it was as prosperous then as it is now—it was a center of commerce. Trade flourished and travelers from all over the world came to barter their goods and carry home stories of this unique little place in the midst of what is now the Arabian Peninsula. Hajar was primarily known for its vast amounts of date orchards. Parts of the settlement were known as Riyadh, a name derived from the Arabic word 'rowdhah,' meaning 'place of gardens.' These parts possessed several orchards, which is probably how they got their name. It was a sight of amazement to see the green trees stretching
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| How To Get There (Source: WCities) | Top | By Air: King Khaled International Airport ( http://www.pca.gov.sa ) Tel: +966 1 221 1000 Fax: +966 1 221 1637 The King Khaled Airport, an architectural masterpiece, is located 35 kilometers from the Riyadh City Centre. With four terminals housed within the same building, it facilitates easy access for passengers of domestic and international passengers. Visitors can enjoy duty-free shopping and dine at some of the best Arabic restaurants within the airport. Major airlines flying to Riyadh include: Saudi Arabian Airlines ( +966 1 488 4444/ 488 4893 / http://www.saudiairlines.com/ ) Ethiopian ( +966 1 478 2140 / http://www.flyethiopian.com/ ) Biman Airlines ( +966 +966 1 462 3376 / http//www.bimanair.com/ ) Pakistan International Airlines ( +966 1 465 9600 / http://www.piac.com.pk/ ) Air Malaysia ( +966 1 478 4039 / http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/ ) Lufthansa ( +966 1 463 2004 / http://www.lufthansa.com/ ) British Airways ( +966 1 465 1633 / http://www.britishairways.com/ ) Thai ( +966 1 476 6776 / http://www.thaiairways.com/ ) Singapore Airlines ( +966 1 465 5835 / http://www.singaporeair.com/ ) Sri Lankan ( +966 1 477 2228 / http://www.srilankan.aero/ ) Air France ( +966 1 477 7654 / http://www.airfrance.com/ ) Phillippine Airlines ( +966 1 478 0336 / http://www.philippineair.com/ ) Cyprus Airways ( +966 1 477 7212 / http://www.cyprusair
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| What To Do (Source: WCities) | Top | Riyadh looks like any other cosmopolitan city with its neon lights and skyscraper skyline; but nightlife here goes as far as your neighborhood coffee shop or a visit to your favorite restaurant. The dress code dictates that women regardless of nationality have to wear the abaya, and men must wear long sleeves. This is a strict dictum, and the religious police insist that no part of a woman is uncovered, not even the head. This pertains to all public places including markets and shopping centers. Photography is also prohibited unless you obtain a special permit. While dining, women and men sit in separate rooms or in a partitioned family room separate from the public. There are no bars or nightclubs as the consumption or possession of alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia. Despite the seemingly limited social activities, a stay in Riyadh is a unique experience – it provides an insight into an ancient Arabic land that has held on to its traditions while continuously evolving both economically and industrially. Restaurants Most restaurants in the city have the trademark hookahs and shishas, traditional lamps and seating, as well as Arabic food. But they also patronize much diversity. One can find all kinds of cuisine - from Indian to French to Italian - the city offers it all. Walk down King Fahad Road where most of Riyadh’s upscale restaurants are located and visitors are sure to find something they like. Spazio77 offers a bird’s eye view of Riyadh from th
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