Riyadh Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Riyadh

Wise men say that the beauty of a city is not defined only by its length, width, and the grandness of its buildings, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams. Indeed, whoever envisioned today's Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh – poetically described as the place "where the sands meet skyscrapers," – must have dreamed big and wide!

The stark contrast between the surrounding desert and the impressive urban landscape makes it hard to imagine that some 100 years ago, on the site of this vibrant, fast-growing metropolis, was a small town with a population of just 18,000 people.

Riyadh's history dates back several centuries. Originally, it was a small walled settlement known for its palm groves and fertile land. The name "Riyadh" is derived from the Arabic word "rawḍah," which means "garden" or "meadow" and reflects the historical abundance of palm trees and lush vegetation in the area. Riyadh is also sometimes referred to as "Riyadh Al-Masmak," after the iconic Masmak Fortress located in the city.

In the 19th century, Riyadh became the capital of the First Saudi State during the reign of Imam Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud. In 1902, Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, began a campaign of unifying the Arabian Peninsula under his rule, which saw Riyadh as the center of his political and military activities. Riyadh developed culturally, but especially economically, beginning in the 1950s, when the petroleum industry boomed.

The King Abdulaziz Historical Center, incorporating the King Abdulaziz Library, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, and Murabba Palace, offers a glimpse into Saudi Arabian heritage, art, and culture. Another local landmark, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque is a prominent historic, religious, and architectural site.

Almaigliah Souq is a traditional market located in the historic Al-Masmak neighborhood of Riyadh; whereas Salam Park, also known as King Fahd Park, is a popular green space in the city.

American novelist Roman Payne wrote: "Cities were always like people, showing their varying personalities to the traveler. Depending on the city and on the traveler, there might begin a mutual love, or dislike, friendship, or enmity. Only through travel can we know where we belong or not, where we are loved and where we are rejected." To see where you stand in your relationship with Riyadh, take this self-guided walk and find out.