Riyadh stands on the land of historic Al-Yamamah, known in antiquity as Hajr, one of Najd's most important towns. Its modern name derives from the Arabic for 'gardens', after the lush meadows that flourished with the rains.
Masmak and the Founding Moment
At dawn in January 1902, King Abdulaziz Al Saud recaptured Riyadh in the famous Masmak Fortress raid, making the city the launchpad for unifying Saudi Arabia, proclaimed in 1932.
From Mud Walls to Modern Capital
With oil, Riyadh transformed from a walled mud-brick town into a modern capital of over seven million people. Today, Vision 2030 is driving its biggest transformation yet: the Riyadh Metro, historic Diriyah, King Salman Park, and world-class cultural projects.
