www.travel-library.com 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Where there was once only coarse clay walls now tower gleaming stretches of glass, steel and concrete and the oasis has been replaced by cultivated gardens and parks.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.
The main tourist attractions are the Masmakh Fortress, the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography and the Janadriyah Festival.
The well preserved Masmakh clay fort is a reminder of fierce battles fought in defence of the desert out of which its bricks sprang. Looking rather like a solid sandcastle, it has a large tower at each corner, decorated carved walls and a courtyard. It looks as though it has been standing there for thousands of years and if walls could speak they would tell many a tale.
The Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography provides a penetrating flash of insight into Saudi history which stretches back into antiquity. This museum was founded in Riyadh in 1978 and features interesting displays and exhibits on a wide variety of subjects. Some of the largest libraries of Saudi Arabia are also situated in Riyadh, with the King Saud University libraries containing more than 1 million volumes. The Janadriyah Festival is organized by the National Guard, in February each year, at a site about 45 km outside of Riyadh. It includes displays of traditional dancing, and the dust and excitement of camel races. For the more cultural minded there are poetry readings and Saudi arts and crafts.
Children will enjoy camel races and Riyadh Zoo. More than 2000 riders and camels compete in the annual Kings Cup Camel Race, held near the Riyadh airport each year.. If you miss the big race you can catch one of the regular Monday races, held throughout the winter months. Riyadh Zoo was built in 1987 and has more than 1400 animals. |