Riyadh itself is an amorphous expanse of neighbourhoods and subdivisions bounded by wide roads lined with commercial strip development. Two of the city’s dominant tower buildings are Al-Fayṣaliyyah (Al-Faisaliah) centre, which contains office space, a number of restaurants, and a luxury hotel, and the Markaz Al-Mamlakah (“Kingdom Centre”), which offers an expansive complex of office, retail, dining, and accommodation spaces located within and around its landmark tower.
The form and structure of the city has been reinforced by a number of large-scale construction projects undertaken in the latter half of the 20th century and in the early 21st century, including the establishment of the Diplomatic Quarter, where embassies and the offices of international organizations are located, and the redevelopment of the Qaṣr Al-Ḥukm (“Justice Palace”) district, which houses most of the central shops. Other important projects have included the Government Centre, King Saʿūd University, the Islamic University of Imam Muḥammad ibn Saʿūd, the King ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Historical Centre, and the creation of “industrial cities”—centres where land leases and utilities are available for reduced rates and the development of various classes of industry is encouraged.
The-landmark-tower-of-the-Markaz-al-Mamlakah-in-RiyadhThe landmark tower of the Markaz al-Mamlakah (“Kingdom Centre”) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[Credits : Peter Macdiarmid—Reuters/Corbis]
[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
The-prominent-escarpment-of-Mount-Tuwayq-south-of-Riyadh-SaudiThe prominent escarpment of Mount Ṭuwayq, south of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[Credits : Jane Lewis/Stone]
Ministry-of-Finance-building-in-Riyadh-Saudi-ArabiaMinistry of Finance building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[Credits : Diane Rawson—Photo Researchers]
Man-walking-through-a-garden-Riyadh-Saudi-ArabiaMan walking through a garden, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[Credits : SuperStock]
Competitors-in-the-Kings-Camel-Race-Riyadh-Saudi-ArabiaCompetitors in the King’s Camel Race, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[Credits : © Jodi Cobb—National Geographic/Getty Images]
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