The capital
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and its largest city by population. It lies beside Diriyah, capital of the First Saudi State, and is the seat of the Riyadh Region emirate. [1]
Although its name is sometimes used for the whole region, the city covers only a small part of the region's area. [1][2]
Seat of government
Riyadh and Diriyah together formed the foundation of the three Saudi states. Riyadh contains Qasr Al-Hukm, seat of the emirate, near Masmak Palace, associated with King Abdulaziz's recovery of the city in 1319 AH/1902 CE. [1]
Historic sites and museums
- MuseumSaudi National Museum: Reading History through ObjectsAn introduction to Riyadh's National Museum, its setting within the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, and the use of objects and multimedia to explore the Arabian Peninsula's past.
- HistoricMasmak PalaceA historic earthen fortress in Al-Thumairi, central Riyadh, linked to King Abdulaziz's recovery of Riyadh in 1319 AH/1902 CE, now a museum of the Kingdom's founding.