History of Riyadh Province

After the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh Province was established, and Prince Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was the first to hold the position of Governor of the region from 1356 A.H. until 1366 A.H. (1937 A.D. - 1947 A.D.). The region witnessed a succession of the position of Emir (Prince) of Riyadh, bringing the total number of princes who held this position to 11.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is the longest-serving Emir of Riyadh, spending nearly 56 years, including half a century without interruption, highlighting his prominent role and great influence on the development of the region during this long period.

Geographic Information

Area and location 

The area of the Riyadh region extends over an area of 380,000 square kilometers, representing 19.4% of the areas of the Kingdom's administrative regions. Riyadh tops the list of states in terms of population, with a population of 26.7% of the total population of the Kingdom, which reflects its key role and prominent importance in the demographic structure of the Kingdom.

Location

The Riyadh region is located in the center of Saudi Arabia, stretching between longitudes 4200 and 4817 east, and between latitudes 1900 and 2745 north. Riyadh is surrounded to the north by Al Qassim region, to the east by the Eastern Province, to the south by the Najran region and parts of the Eastern Province, and to the west by the Makkah region, the Aseer region and Al Madinah.

Climate

The climate of the Riyadh region is characterized by a continental desert character, as it is characterized by dry heat in the summer and cold in the winter, accompanied by medium and irregular rain, and the seasons are characterized by a large temperature difference. The average temperature in the region is around 25°C, with summer temperatures rising above 50°C, and dropping to zero °C in winter. The average humidity in the area is about 33.1%, with an annual rainfall of about 84.4 mm. The area is also exposed to some sandstorms that disturb the atmosphere from time to time.

Cities and governorates of the region

Ad Diriyah Governorate

This governorate enjoys a unique position as the first governorate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it is bordered to the north by Huraymila Governorate, to the east and south and the city of Riyadh, to the south by Dhurma Governorate, and to the west by Dhurma Governorate. The governorate stands out with a vast area of about 2,020 square kilometers, with a population of about 45,104 people, which reflects vital activity and sustainable development in the region. The governorate is also characterized by its inclusion of ancient houses belonging to the Saudi royal family, built on the ruins of the city of Hajar, the former capital of Al Yamamah, embodying a unique blend of history and heritage that is appreciated and interested by residents and visitors alike.

Al Majmaah Governorate

Majmaah Governorate is one of the important Saudi governorates that follow the Riyadh Province, as it is characterized by its strategic and vital location in the heart of the Kingdom. It is surrounded to the north by the Eastern Region and Al-Qassim Region, to the south by Thadiq Governorate and Shaqra Governorate, to the east by Rumah Governorate, and to the west by Az Zulfi Governorate and Ghat Governorate. It is characterized by a vast area of about 30,000 square kilometers, and includes a population of 111,503 people according to 2004 estimates. The Governor is currently held by Mr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullah bin Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, who manages and regulates the affairs of the Governorate wisely and effectively.

Al Ghat Governorate

Al Ghat Governorate is located in the heart of the central Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia, and belongs to category (A) of the governorates. It is strategically located northwest of Riyadh, which gives it special importance as it is an integral part of the development and progress of the region. It covers an area of about 5,500 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 10,799 people according to the 2022 census.

Al-Kharj Governorate

Al-Kharj Governorate, located south of the Riyadh region, is a strategically important region in Saudi Arabia, bordered to the east by the Eastern Province, to the west by the governorates of Al-Muzahmiya and Al Hariq, to the south by the province of Al-Aflaj, while it is bordered to the north by the city of Riyadh, the vibrant capital. It is characterized by a large area of about 19,790 square kilometers, and a population of approximately 243443 people, which embodies an active and vibrant community life. Al-Kharj is one of the areas that host many important historical monuments and landmarks, including the famous Mushrif Palace, which dates back to the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, in addition to the town of Al-Yamamah, which retains a distinctive traditional character and a rich history that reflects the region's heritage with pride and beauty.

Al Duwadimi Governorate

Al Dawadimi Governorate enjoys a privileged strategic location, as it is bordered to the north by Al-Qassim region, to the south by Al-Quwaiiyah Governorate, to the west by Al-Qassim region and Afif Governorate, and to the east by Shaqra Governorate and the Marat Center. The province is famous for its vast area of about 30,580 square kilometers, with a population exceeding 200,620 people, according to the 2022 Saudi census. Al-Duwadimi is also distinguished by its rich and ancient heritage, as King Abdul Aziz Palace is one of the most prominent ancient monuments that add charm and attractiveness to the region, embodying a glorious history that deserves respect and attention.

Al-Quwaiiyah Governorate

Al-Quwaiiyah Governorate is in the middle of the Riyadh region, as a jewel that travels in a dress of ancient history and scenic natural beauty. It is bordered to the north by Al-Duwadimi Governorate and Marat Center, to the south by Wadi Ad-Dawasir Governorate, to the east by Al-Hariq Governorate, Al-Muzahmiya Governorate and Al-Aflaj Governorate, and to the west by Afif Governorate. It has an area of (50,580 km2) and a population of 71,410

Wadi Ad-Dawasir Governorate

Wadi Ad-Dawasir Governorate is located in the south of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where it is bordered to the north by the Governorate of Al-Quwaiiyah and to the south by its borders extending until it reaches the Najran region. It is surrounded to the east by As-Sulayyil Governorate and the Aflaj Governorate, while it is bordered to the west by the Asir Region and the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region. The governorate is characterized by a vast area of 48,900 square kilometers, and despite this large area, it has a population of about 77,363 people, which reflects the activity of life and population growth in it.

The province has many monuments and historical places that reflect its rich heritage, including the Government Palace in Khamasin, Batouk Palace and Bahja.

Al-Aflaj Governorate

It is considered one of the important governorates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it is located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, and falls under the administration of the capital, Riyadh, about three hundred kilometers from it. This governorate is connected to an area called Aseer on the southern side, and is accessed via well-developed paved roads.

The area of the governorate extends over about 54,120 square kilometers, and is bordered on the northern side by Hotat Bani Tamim, on the northwestern side by Al-Hariq area, on the northeastern side by Al-Kharj, and on the western side by Al-Quwaiiyah Governorate. On the southern side, it is connected to As-Sulayyil region, while the eastern region borders it on the eastern side.

Az-Zulfi Governorate

Az-Zulfi Governorate is located in the Najd region, specifically in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia, where it is considered one of the most prominent governorates in this region. The governorate extends along the northern side of the Riyadh region, making it one of the largest governorates in this region.

Az-Zulfi Governorate includes a major city of the same name, which is of great strategic importance due to the presence of the emirate's center in it. It is also considered the main point of connection between the northern regions of the Kingdom and its neighboring countries, in addition to its vital role as a transit point for pilgrims and Umrah performers heading to the Holy Land.

Shaqra Governorate

The city of Shaqra in Saudi Arabia is strategically located as one of the governorates of the Riyadh region, located about 190 kilometers south of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Shaqra is considered the administrative capital of the province of Al-Washm, a historical city that carries great cultural and economic richness. The city is characterized by an area of about 4110 square kilometers and its ancient history dating back to ancient times, as it was and still is considered one of the most important cities in the Najd region and the largest in terms of population size. Shaqra has an estimated population of 34,543, reflecting the city's vitality and continuous growth.

Hotat Bani Tamim Governorate

Hotat Bani Tamim is one of the important areas in Saudi Arabia, with an area of about 7,350 square kilometers and a population of approximately 43,000. This governorate is characterized by the presence of three natural paths through the valleys, namely the Sot Oasis from the north, Wadi Naam from the west, and Wadi Bark from the south.

In the past, Hotat Bani Tamim was surrounded by a wall intended to protect it, and the ruins of this wall still constitute a large part of the landscape today, which is why it is so named. Previously, it was known by different names such as branch, metaphor and brick.

Historically, Hotat Bani Tamim has been an important center of social and economic activity in the region and is considered one of the main tourist destinations in the Kingdom thanks to its unique terrain and stunning landscapes.

Afif Governorate

Afif Governorate occupies a prominent position as one of the governorates of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as it is located in the western part of the Riyadh region. The city of Afif is the administrative center of this governorate, due to its strategic location among many villages amounting to about 350 villages.

In 2017, the population of the governorate reached about 77,978 people, where Saudi citizens constitute about 67,281 of this number, in addition to the presence of 10,697 non-Saudi citizens. Afif Governorate is culturally and socially diverse and a major attraction for locals and immigrants alike.

As-Sulayyil Governorate

As-Sulayyil Governorate is one of the prominent governorates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it follows the Riyadh city area, and is located in the southeastern part of it. As-Sulayyil connects to the city of Riyadh via a dual carriageway that passes through Al-Aflaj Governorate. Al-Aflaj region is located to the northeast of As-Sulayyil Governorate, while it is bordered to the south by Najran region.

The area of As-Sulayyil is about 42,420 square kilometers, making it the fourth largest among the twenty governorates of the Riyadh region. The province has a wonderful geographical diversity, making it an important tourist attraction in the region.

Dhurma Governorate

Dhurma Governorate occupies a strategic location in the Al-Aarid area in the middle of the Najd region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located about 60 kilometers west of Riyadh, its location in Wadi Al Bateen gives it a natural charm. The governorate includes five centers and 25 villages, reflecting the diversity of social and economic life in the region. Dhurma is characterized by a rich history and culture that makes it one of the important tourist destinations in the Kingdom.

Al-Muzahmiya Governorate

Al-Muzahmiya is one of the most developed countries in the Riyadh region, located 59 kilometers southwest of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on the Riyadh-Makkah highway. Al-Muzahmiya is one of the modern cities that has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years.

As of 2004, it had a population of 24,224. Located in a wide valley known as Wadi al-Batin, the governorate was founded in the sixteenth century as a small farm settlement, and then joined to form a single village. Al-Muzahmiya is the western gateway to the capital Riyadh, where it is witnessing an increasing polarization of population and economic activities as a result of its strategic location and the development of infrastructure in the region.

Rumah Governorate

Rumah Governorate is one of the beautiful and distinguished governorates of the Riyadh region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is strategically located about 120 kilometers northeast of Riyadh, and is surrounded by many areas from different directions.

It is bordered on the northeastern side by the Eastern Region, on the southern side by the city of Riyadh, and on the western side by the Governorate of Al-Majmaah, Thadiq Governorate and the Governorate of Huraymila. It has a vast area of about 15,900 square kilometers, in addition to being home to about 28,055 people, making it a prosperous province suitable for living and investment.

Thadiq Governorate

Thadiq City is located about 140 kilometers northwest of Riyadh and is considered the regional capital of Al-Mahmal region. Historically, the city of Thadiq originated from a population of some tribes about 370 years ago, as it originated around Wadi Abithran, which is considered one of the most important valleys in the country. Thadiq residents work in agriculture and commerce, as well as work in government departments, reflecting the city's diversified economy and continued prosperity.

Huraymila Governorate

The city of Huraymila is one of the important cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it is located in a governorate that extends over an area of 1480 square kilometers, and constitutes the capital of the Riyadh region. The city is the headquarters of all government departments, providing all the necessary services to the villages of Wadi Al-Shuaib.

Although the official statistics of the city's population date back to 2004, when it recorded a population of about 12,569, the current number is expected to be much higher given the population growth that the area has witnessed in recent years.

Al-Hariq Governorate

Al-Hariq Governorate is one of the prominent governorates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it is located in the southwestern side of Riyadh, approximately 220 kilometers away. Al-Hariq Governorate is connected to the city of Riyadh through several roads, including Wadi Al-Dawasir, Al-Kharj, Bani Tamim, Bisha Road, Al-Rain, and Al-Malihat, then Al-Hariq Road, Al-Hajj Road and Al-Hariq.

It is worth noting that the fire governorate is administratively affiliated with several centers, including Al-Naam center, Al-Rabwa center, Al-Malihat center, Al-Mufajer center, and Abu Raml center.

Marat Governorate

It is considered one of the governorates of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is located in the northwestern part of the capital, Riyadh, at a distance of one hundred and thirty-four kilometers from it. It is part of the Al Washm area of Al Yamamah and enjoys a strategic location between geographical latitude and longitude. It rises about six hundred meters above sea level, and is characterized by a climatic nature represented by summer heat and winter cold, which makes it an ideal area for agriculture thanks to its fertile soil. It extends over a length of one hundred and sixty-seven kilometers, and is located close to Dirab Road, which facilitates access to it and enhances its economic and social role in the region.

Ad-Dilam Governorate

Southwest of Riyadh, about 90 kilometers away, is the city of Dilam, which is considered the capital of Al-Kharj Governorate. Ad-Dilam is located in an area surrounded by plains, sand dunes and valleys, giving it a distinctive natural beauty. It is considered an important administrative center for this city, as it plays a vital role in organizing and directing administrative and service activities in the region. It rises 455 meters above sea level, giving it a temperate climate suitable for various economic and social activities.

Ar-Rayn Governorate

The city of Ar-Rayn is located to the southwest of Riyadh, where it is an estimated distance of one hundred and eighty square kilometers, and it is approximately sixty square kilometers from the city of Al-Quwaiiyah. This city is located on the Tropic of Cancer, which is one of the main latitudes, between the thirty and twenty-third north latitudes, and at the longitude of thirty to forty-five east.