Cultural Capital of Saudi Arabia
The word Riyadh is derived from the Arabic word rawḍah which means ‘gardens’ or ‘meadows’. This is in reference to the immense fertility and lush green gardens of the area. Riyadh city is not only the administrative and political capital of the country but is also referred to as the cultural capital of Saudi Arabia due to the various cultural centres in the city like the King Abdulaziz Historical Center (National Museum).
Riyad saw a rapid transformation from being a small desert village to a modern city with tall skyscrapers. The 99 story tall Kingdom Center is an iconic landmark of the city and ranks as the fifth tallest skyscraper in the country. The city of Riyadh is situated at the centre of the Arabian peninsula, a historically important trade route that offers a great fusion of different cultures and traditions.