Province
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Riyadh
Riyadh is the nation's legislative, financial administrative, diplomatic and commercial center. It is the location for foreign embassies, universities, banks and corporate headquarters. It is the capital of the nation. |
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Riyadh is a particularly youthful city, with half the population under 20 years of age. The land around it, however, is old. |
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In a region where tradition, modernity and globalization converge, Riyadh is the focal point of the Middle East’s largest economy. Riyadh is an international business hub where you can experience contrasting lifestyles in a traditional Islamic environment.
Its vibrant globalized environment features: world class buildings, shopping, restaurants, historical and cultural sites, nature reserves and all the elements of an old Arab city.
Visually the countryside is dominated by the central Najd plateau. The majority of settlements run along the line of the magnificent Twaiq Escarpment with the sites of cities originally determined by the availability of water.
To the north and east of the province is the sandier landscape of the Ad Dahna. To the west is the higher land and harder rocks of the Arabian shield. In the south is the great sandy desert; the Rub al-Khali. This hardy and evocative desert is the traditional homeland of the Bedouin.
Ultimately, Riyadh is a concentration of the apparent opposites of history, modernity, religion, business, desert, oasis, nature and city. These different worlds converge to live side by side in the Arab Peninsula’s most challenging and stimulating city. |
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Horse racing is held at The King Abdulaziz Track located near the King Khalid International Airport at Janadriyah 40km north east of Riyadh. The facilities are of international standards with a grandstand accommodating 5,000 race-goers
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By the steeds that run with panting breath and strike sparks of fire, and push home the charge in the morning, and raise the dust in clouds the while, and penetrate the forthwith into the midst of the foe - (adiyat)
Quran: sura 'adiyat (the Chargers) no.100 (verses 1-11)
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The Saudi Arabian National Team is one of the powerhouses of the Asian Football Conference. The Saudis have made it to the World Cup three straight times (1994, 1998, and 2002). Presently, at the end of 2004, the Saudis are in the final round of qualifiers for World Cup 2006
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In a country where a man might be judged by his horsemanship, it's no wonder that some of the best riders in the world come from Saudi Arabia. Khaled Al 'Eid rode for his country in the 2000 Olympic games, and proved himself to be a champion
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In 1359H (1940G), employees of the oil company Aramco laid out Saudi Arabia's first golf course. Rather than build 'greens', the resourceful group mixed oil and sand to create 'browns' and the process was quickly adopted throughout the kingdom
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Few things in Arabian culture are as exciting as the camel races which seem to be a mad dash by competitors and spectators alike to the finishing line in a cacophony of cheering, engines, camel calls and dust
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"I was anxious to match myself against the Bedu on equal terms. They knew no world other than their own and accepted the hardships of their lives as a small price to pay for the freedom that was theirs" .
Wilfred Thesiger, 'Arabian Sands'
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Al-Kharj, located about 80km south of Riyadh, has always been outstanding with its verdant farms and groves of date palm trees flourishing in fertile soil. Today, this oasis has become a modern center for agriculture and related industries because of its abundant supply of fresh water
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In the Al Sahba Valley, 100km south east of Riyadh, is a dairy farm which feeds, waters and milks 29,000 cows every day. It also provides them with air-conditioning to protect them from the fierce Arabian summers
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The Kingdom Tower, with its unique double structure and sky bridge; and the elegant Faisaliah Tower with its embedded glass dome combine traditional Arabian imagery with ultra modern international design. They also combine the attraction of unique architecture, with icon shopping
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From traditional souqs to high end international fashion stores Riyadh offers the greatest range of shopping experiences in the Kingdom, which can turn any holiday into a treasure hunt for that special item
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Riyadh offers plenty of opportunities to deal and connect in the center of the Arab world's largest economy. The vibrant, globalized features of this international city include: world class telecommunications, modern efficient buildings and well maintained infrastructures in the heart of this ancient civilization
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The culture of information exchange is a vital part of Arab life. The majlis whether as part of government or in the family home are a meeting place of conversation and counsel. These are replicated as well-designed and comfortable conference rooms and meeting halls throughout the city
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The Annual Riyadh Motor show is one of dozens of exhibitions which attracts hundreds of thousand of visitors to Riyadh to exchange information, launch new products and make industry contacts. While the most popular of these are also the most famous, there are a number of equally successful specialist exhibitions
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The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a modern museum set in the sweeping grounds of the King Abdul Aziz Historical Area. It provides an extraordinary introduction to all aspects of the Kingdom's natural, religious, historical and social heritage
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This historic town and its prominent oasis are situated 20km northwest of Riyadh on the bank of Wadi Hanifa. Suburbs now join the old city with the new, although the old city of Diriyah enjoys independent administration within the Riyadh Emirate
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The fort is the most important historical monument in Riyadh, as well as an excellent example of traditional mud-walled construction. It was built around 1281H (1865) on the site of an older fortification
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The home of King Abdul Aziz also acted as the seat of Government, and his diwan was the scene of many important majlis. This is reflected in the powerful design and construction of the palace, which also served as the family home to his young and growing family
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One of the most beautiful and impressive landscaped open spaces in the Kingdom, the King Abdul Aziz Historical Area, provides welcome tranquility from the bustle of the city
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For two weeks every year, the past comes to Riyadh - and it's alive and well. The vibrant Janadriyah Annual Heritage and Culture Festival in Riyadh City District is a showcase for crafts from across the Kingdom organized by the National Guard. It celebrates the cultural traditions that unite this great country, while also revealing the regional differences which create the distinctive character of Saudi individuality
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