Riyadh Local History

Now the largest city in the country, Riyadh was once a tiny oasis village in the desert and has grown slowly but surely due to the oil industry and has blossomed into a huge modern metropolis. Where there was once only coarse clay walls now tower gleaming stretches of glass, steel and concrete and the oasis has been replaced by cultivated gardens and parks. The city is the political centre of the country, a well established seat of learning, boasting three large universities and has the largest airport in the world.

Riyadh Attractions

Riyadh Activities

Camel Races - More than 2000 riders and camels compete in the annual Kings Cup Camel Race, held near the Riyadh airport each year. Young boys are trained to ride camels from an early age, but for important races like this even Velcro is used to stay on board, as the stakes are high. If you miss the big race you can catch one of the regular Monday races, held throughout the winter months.

Riyadh Zoo - This modern, large zoo was built in 1987 and has more than 1 400 animals housed there, enough variety to entertain young and old alike.