CITY OF RIYADH, CAPITAL OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA City of Riyadh which is the capital of the kingdom and a deeply rooted historical city is nowadays major international city with its population, utilities, and advanced services in addition to its political, economic, and cultural position. Historically, Riyadh has played prominent role in Najd history over more than three centuries. It was the second Saudi capital at the age of Imam Turki bin Abdullah in 1240H (1824D) and its glory returned to it after King Abdul-Aziz had restored it – may Allah rest his soul- in 5 Shawwal 1319H (15 January 1902D) to start on its land the modern history creation and contemporary civilization texture. The name of Riyadh (plural of meadow) means a place full of gardens and orchards and its location is known from the past time for being green. There was the ancient city of Hajar which was known as (Khadraa Hajar) and name of Riyadh was given to this city in the twelfth migratory century. Emergence of Hajar: The oldest references about the region history on which Riyadh city was established (i.e. 715 B.C.) indicate the existence of Hajar city which remained for many centuries the capital of Yamama region which includes also Al-Aerid, Al-Hawtah, Al-Hariq, Sadir, Al-Mahmal, Al-Kharj, Al-Aflaj, ant etc. The historians say that Hajar city was located bwteen Al-Watar valley which known nowadays in the name of (Bathaa) and Al-Ard valley which known nowadays as Hanifa valley. Geography and population: Riyadh is the capital of kingdom of Saudi Arabia and it is in the middle of all of the kingdom regions. It lies in the eastern part of Arab peninsula at 24° 39latitude and 46° 43 longitude and on a height of (600) meters above sea surface. Its strategic location was the cause of choosing it to be capital of the country and headquarter of the government. Area: In half a century, Riyadh city made its constructional renaissance to turn from small town surrounded with fences to modern city with an area of 1800 square kilometers. This reflects the great expansion which the city achieves after it went out of its historical fences. Climate: Riyadh is a city having continental climate as the climate is hot and dry in the summer long months and moderate during day and cold during night in the winter short season. As for rain, it is scarce and fall in different places of Riyadh and the rain is accompanied often with wind and storms. April is considered the month with highest amount of rain. Terrains Riyadh city lies in a region far from seas. It has not any lakes or rivers as it lies on Al-Safraa plateau at Najd region which extends towards west in the direction of Tuwaiq mountain chain and towards east to Al-Dahnaa desert belt. The distinctive geographic landmarks at Riyadh city include: 1- Hanifa valley. 2- Al-Bathaa valley. 3- Al-Yasn valley. 4- The small hills at the east. Population: Riyadh city population increases with very high rate from 1388H as the annual rate is more than (9%) as they were about 300 thousand people at that year. According to population and houses census in 1431H the population are 5.188.286 people. Hence Riyadh city is considered one of the fastest growing cities in the world. The city population is composed of Saudi families with a rate of 65% and non-Saudi families and employment with a rate of 35%. Riyadh city is composed of (162) districts divided according to two factors: area and density of land use. These districts belong to (15) fifteen secondary municipalities covering the constructional range of Riyadh city and all of them follow (Riyadh city secretariat). The municipalities are: 1/ Al-Bathaa 2/ Al-Ganoub 3/ Al-Hayer 4/ Al-Dira 5/ Al-Rawda 6/ Al-Sulai 7/ Al-Shamal 8/ Atika 9/ Arka 10/ Al-Arigaa 11/ Al-Olaya 12/ Al-Mu’zer 13/ Al-Malz 14/ Manfouha 15/ Al-Nasim And there is Al-Dar’ya historical municipality which lies at the city domain but it became independent governorate. City development: The great constructional development in the city and the good road networks and dense and safe communications in addition to the modern air transportation have led to creating fast dynamic movement between Riyadh and other cities of the kingdom and with the Arab gulf region and the world. This contributes directly to an increase in the city development in fast and balanced way. From the other side, the development in Riyadh worked on attracting population from inside and outside and this helps in accelerating its development procession.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 18:37:36 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015