Riyadh history

The history of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is rooted in deep antiquity. Settlements at this location, situated in a fertile oasis amidst the desert, have existed for millennia, though its formation as a significant urban centre began much later. Its journey from a small settlement to a modern metropolis reflects the key stages of development of the entire Arabian Peninsula.

Foundation and First Mentions

In the pre-Islamic era, a city named Hajr (or Hajr Al-Yamama) existed on the site of modern Riyadh, founded, according to tradition, by the Banu Hanifa tribe. It was a prosperous settlement in the Al-Yamama region, known for its gardens and date palm groves. In the 7th century, during the spread of Islam, Hajr became an important centre at the crossroads of trade routes. The city received its current name, Riyadh, which translates from Arabic as "The Gardens," in the 18th century, highlighting its green and fertile character in the middle of the desert.

Key Factors of Formation

The rise of Riyadh is closely linked to political and religious events in the region. Key moments in its history include:

• Political Centre: In 1823, following the destruction of the first Saudi capital, Diriyah, Imam Turki bin Abdullah moved the capital of the Second Saudi State to Riyadh. This decision transformed the city into the main political and military hub of Najd.
• Return to Power: In 1902, Abdulaziz ibn Saud recaptured Riyadh, which became the starting point for the unification of the lands and the creation of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the city proclaimed as its capital in 1932.
• Geographical Location: Situated in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula on the Najd plateau, the city enjoyed a strategic advantage, allowing for the control of trade routes and the coordination of regional administration.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the economy of Riyadh (then still Hajr) was based on agriculture. The oasis allowed for the cultivation of dates and wheat, which were exported to neighbouring areas. The city was known as an important trading hub hosting annual markets that attracted merchants from across Arabia. Cultural life was centred around traditional Islamic values and tribal customs. With its transformation into a capital, the city also became a religious centre for the Wahhabi movement. Until the mid-20th century, Riyadh remained a traditional Arab city with mud-brick houses and narrow streets, but the discovery of oil deposits radically changed its appearance and economy.

Chronology of Riyadh's History

Riyadh's path from an ancient settlement to an ultramodern metropolis reflects key milestones in the history of the Arabian Peninsula. Below is a brief timeline of the most important events in the life of the city.

• Pre-Islamic Era: The ancient settlement of Hajr existed on the site of the modern city, founded by the Banu Hanifa tribe and serving as the centre of the Al-Yamama region.
• 7th Century: During the spread of Islam, Hajr becomes an important point at the intersection of trade routes.
• 1737: The settlement receives its modern name — Riyadh, which translates from Arabic as "The Gardens."
• 1824: Imam Turki bin Abdullah proclaims Riyadh the capital of the Second Saudi State after the destruction of Diriyah.
• 1865: Construction of the Al Masmak Fortress is completed, becoming an important defensive structure and a symbol of the city.
• 1891: The city falls under the control of the Al Rashid dynasty, rivals of the House of Saud.
• 1902: The young Emir Abdulaziz ibn Saud, with a small detachment, recaptures Riyadh, marking the starting point for the unification of the country.
• 1932: Following the unification of the lands, Riyadh officially becomes the capital of the newly formed Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• 1938: The first oil fields are discovered in Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of an era of rapid modernization and growth for Riyadh.
• 1950s: Massive reconstruction of the city begins; old mud-brick walls are demolished to build modern buildings and roads.
• 1957: The country's first university, King Saud University, is founded, turning the capital into an educational hub.
• 1983: King Khalid International Airport opens, one of the largest in the world at that time.
• 2002: Construction of the Kingdom Centre is completed, a skyscraper that has become one of the most recognizable symbols of modern Riyadh.
• 2016: The state programme "Saudi Vision 2030" is launched, in which Riyadh is assigned a central role as a global investment and cultural hub.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The evolution of the capital is a story of rapid transformation from a closed settlement in the desert to a global centre of innovation and business. The key milestones of the city's development reflect not only a change in architectural styles but also deep changes in the economy and the lifestyle of society.

• Confirmation of Capital Status (1932): After the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the city became the administrative core of the new state. This event launched the process of creating a centralized state infrastructure and began attracting people from other regions.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough (1950s): Oil revenues allowed the first wave of modernization to begin. The demolition of old mud-brick walls and the construction of government buildings in a modern style marked the transition of Riyadh from a medieval way of life to modernity.
• The Doxiadis Master Plan (1970s): The implementation of a grid layout and the concept of "superblocks" organized the chaotic growth of the metropolis. This urban planning decision defined the city's appearance for decades to come, making it convenient for automobile transport and facilitating rapid expansion of boundaries.
• Creation of the Diplomatic Quarter (1980s): Moving foreign embassies to a specially designed district strengthened the capital's international status. The project became a benchmark for the harmonious combination of modern urbanism with traditions and desert ecology.
• Era of Skyscrapers (2000s): The construction of iconic towers, such as the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliah, radically changed the city skyline. The appearance of high-rises symbolized economic power and the city's ambition to become a leading business centre in the Middle East.
• King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD): The creation of this futuristic cluster was an important step in diversifying the economy. The district is conceived as a magnet for international corporations and investments, offering world-class infrastructure.
• Transport Revolution (2010s — 2020s): The implementation of the massive Riyadh Metro project is changing the city's transport paradigm, reducing dependence on private cars and linking remote districts into a single network.
• Cultural Transformation ("Vision 2030"): The launch of festivals like Riyadh Season and the creation of entertainment zones (Boulevard City) have turned the strict administrative centre into a vibrant tourist destination, opening the city to global cultural and sporting events.

The architectural appearance of Riyadh is a visual chronicle of its rapid transformation from an isolated desert city into an ultramodern global metropolis. Each era has left its unique mark on the urban fabric of the capital, creating a contrasting yet harmonious landscape where traditional mud-brick structures sit alongside futuristic skyscrapers.

Traditional Najdi Architecture (Until the mid-20th Century)

Historically, Riyadh, like the entire central Najd region, was characterized by the eponymous architectural style. Its main goal was adaptation to the harsh desert climate and ensuring privacy. Buildings were constructed from adobe (mud bricks), featuring thick walls and small windows for protection against the heat, as well as internal courtyards that created shade and coolness. Urban development was dense, with narrow winding streets that also protected against the sun and sandstorms. The brightest example of this era is the Al Masmak Fortress (1865), a symbol of old Riyadh.

The Era of Modernism (1950–1990s)

The discovery of oil fields and the proclamation of Riyadh as the capital triggered a process of radical reconstruction. Traditional buildings were replaced by the International Style and Modernism. Old city walls were demolished to make way for wide highways, government buildings made of concrete and glass, and new residential areas with grid layouts. During this period, architecture was primarily functional, reflecting the drive for rapid development and the creation of modern infrastructure.

The Era of Postmodernism and Skyscrapers (Late 1990s – 2010s)

At the turn of the century, Riyadh entered an era of ambitious architectural projects. The cityscape began to be shaped by skyscrapers in Postmodern and High-tech styles, which became new symbols of Saudi Arabia's economic prosperity. These glass and steel buildings are distinguished by bold forms and often include elements referencing local culture.

• Al Faisaliah Tower (2000) — the first skyscraper in Saudi Arabia, a pyramidal tower featuring a giant glass sphere near the top.
• Kingdom Centre (2002) — one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, nicknamed the "Bottle Opener" for its unique inverted arch and the "Sky Bridge" at a height of 300 metres.

Modern and Futuristic Architecture ("Vision 2030")

Under the state programme "Vision 2030," Riyadh's architecture has surged towards the future. New projects are characterized by gigantic scales, environmental sustainability, and the integration of the latest technologies. This is the era of Neo-futurism and sustainable architecture.

• King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) — a massive complex of dozens of futuristic towers designed by leading global architects, including Zaha Hadid Architects. The district is conceived as a "city within a city" with thoughtful pedestrian infrastructure and environmental solutions.
• The Mukaab — an announced mega-project representing a giant cube 400 metres high, inside of which will be a spiral tower and an immersive space with holographic projections. The building's facade will be adorned with triangular patterns inspired by the traditional Najdi style.

These projects are not only changing the face of Riyadh but also demonstrating its ambition to become one of the most innovative and attractive cities in the world to live in.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Riyadh

The history and modernity of Riyadh are closely intertwined with the destinies of many prominent figures. These individuals have left a significant mark on the politics, culture, and economy not only of the city but of the entire kingdom.

• Abdulaziz ibn Saud (1876–1953) — the founder and first King of Saudi Arabia. His historic conquest of Riyadh in 1902 became the starting point for the unification of the lands of the Arabian Peninsula. It was he who proclaimed Riyadh the capital of the new kingdom in 1932, laying the foundation for its future growth.
• King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (born 1935) — the current King of Saudi Arabia. Before ascending to the throne, he served as the Governor of Riyadh Province for over 50 years. During this time, he played a key role in transforming the city from a small settlement into a thriving metropolis.
• Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (born 1985) — the Crown Prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. He is the author of the ambitious "Vision 2030" programme, in which Riyadh is assigned a central role as a global economic, tourism, and cultural hub.
• Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud (1755–1834) — the founder of the Second Saudi State. In 1824, he moved the capital from the destroyed Diriyah to Riyadh, thereby defining the city's future status as a capital and laying the groundwork for its revival.
• Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud (born 1955) — a world-renowned investor, entrepreneur, and member of the royal family. He is the founder and owner of Kingdom Holding Company, headquartered in one of Riyadh's most recognizable symbols — the Kingdom Centre skyscraper.
• Haifaa al-Mansour (born 1974) — the first female filmmaker in Saudi Arabia and one of the most famous figures in the country's cultural life. Her works, which have received international acclaim, contributed to the development of Saudi cinema and drew the world's attention to social transformation in the kingdom.
• Turki Alalshikh (born 1981) — a statesman, Advisor to the Royal Court, and Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority. He is a key figure in organizing large-scale cultural and sporting events, such as the "Riyadh Season" festival, which are changing the face of the capital and attracting tourists from all over the world.