Riyadh is served by the King Khālid International Airport, which is located about 22 miles (35 km) north of the city and handles both domestic and international flights. There are thousands of miles of paved roads in Riyadh, including the King Fahd (running north-south) and Mecca (Makkah; running east-west) highways, which constitute the two main axes of the city. With its grid system of wide thoroughfares and expressways, modern Riyadh was designed as an automobile-oriented city. Taxis are a significant form of transportation in Riyadh; local buses are also available, but their main function is to transport lower-income workers from their living quarters (normally in and around the city centre) to workplaces in other parts of the city. Riyadh is connected with Al-Dammām, an eastern seaport, by rail.
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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