Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RIYADH
01 / POP 4.7 MILLION
Once a mudbrick waystation along desert trading routes, Riyadh is now one of the wealthi-
est cities in the world. The country's political, financial and administrative capital is also a
city with a fascinating subtext. Nowhere are the contradictions of modern Saudi more evid-
ent than in Riyadh. Seen from afar, soaring, sparkling, stunning modern towers rise above
the dusty desert and shiny 4WDs throng modern highways. Up close, Riyadh is conservat-
ive, cautious and sober (certainly compared to Jeddah). This sometimes jarring, always in-
triguing mix is combined with fine hotels and restaurants and some excellent sights.
