Riyadh is the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ArRiyadh is the plural of the Arabic word 'Rawdah', which means 'Garden' or 'Meadow'. The name has been derived from the nature of the low location where flood water collects, and green grasses cover the soil with fragrance of roses. The city name comes from here. The city has risen on the ruins of Hajar Al Yamamah ancient City.
Location
Riyadh lies in the center of Arab Peninsula on latitude 34° - 38 northand longitude 46 – 43 east 600 m above sea level. This location has given Riyadh strategic dimension where it is considered the connecting link between the east and the west North and south in addition to deriving the strategic importance of the Arab Peninsula which is linking the two biggest continents. The distance between Riyadh and the center of administration regions is as follows:
Riyadh is 389 km from Dammam in the Eastern Province, 1,049 km from Arar in the Northern Province, 1,207 km from Sakaka in Juf Region, 1,310 km from Tabuk, 1,040 from Baha,641 km from Jizan, 641 km from Hail, 338 km from Buraidah in Qassim Region, 869 km from Madinah, 880 km from Makkah, 1,051 km from Abha in Asseir Region, and 979 km from Najran.
Today ArRiyadh is considered of the fast growing cities. In less than half a century, its area has expanded for more than hundred times. The city population has increased from 20,000 to almost four and a half millions. The city is still growing and developing under the leadership of faithful men who spare no effort for making the city a minaret for religion welfare and civilization.
Climate
Riyadh's climate is dry with big variation in temperature, irregular rains with much variation in quantity. The main feature of Riyadh's temperature is the extreme increase in Summer and decrease in winter.
