Called Ar-riyad in the Arabic language, Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia, a country that is among the world's leading oil producers. The oil business and the wealth it has brought have caused changes in Riyadh over the years. Just a small town even a century ago, Riyadh has grown into a large, modern city since the discovery of huge oil deposits in the 1930s. The city is situated on a high plateau in the Najd region of the central Arabian Peninsula.

Places of interest

Riyadh is home to the Islamic University of Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud, founded in 1974. Riyadh University, which was founded in 1957 and once called King Sa?ud I University, is also in the city. Other places of interest in Riyadh include the National Archeological Museum; Tibb Square; the Gold Market, a racetrack for horses and camels; a convention center; and a soccer stadium.

Economy

Riyadh is one of the major business centers of the world. In addition to the oil industry, the production of cement is important to the city's economy. Large highway and railway systems serve the city. Riyadh also has a modern international airport.

History

At one time the only people on the site where Riyadh now stands were the Najdis, a local tribe. In the 19th century different groups fought for control of the land. The site of modern-day Riyadh was the capital of the Saud dynasty in the early 19th century. In 1881 the Rashid family gained control of Riyadh.

Led by Ibn Saud, the Saud dynasty recovered its original Saudi territory in central Arabia early in the 20th century. Ibn Saud used Riyadh as the center for his conquest of all of Arabia, which he completed in 1930. When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was proclaimed in 1932, Riyadh was made the capital. Population (1991 estimate), city, 1,800,000; (1999 estimate), urban area, 3,183,000.