Pakistan International School Jeddah – English Section

Y9 Saudi Studies - Note2

The Major Cities of Saudi Arabia

MAP OF SAUDI ARABIA MAJOR CITIES

Cities in Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Arabia is an Arab state found in Western Asia also referred as “the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Started in 1932 by Ibn Saud, it consists of many major cities namely Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, ,
Ta’if ,Dammam, Khobar, Yanbu, DhahranAbha, Aseer, Tabuk, Al-Ahsaa, Jizan, Najran,
Khamis Mushait, Burayda, Hofuf.

• Each of these cities in Saudi Arabia has different cultural, social and economic ties and they unite together
to form the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Regardless of their sizes and population, they all offer something
unique and worthy of exploration.

• Cities in Saudi Arabia are spread across 13 different regions. Each region has a capital and governorates,
which are further divided into sub-governorates.

• There is a total of 118 governorates (an administrative division of a country head by a governor.)

• With the discovery of the two largest oil fields, Saudi Arabia has gone through a massive population
boom.

• The country is a large market for employment in foam, insulation, and plastics, as well as chemicals.
 1) Riyadh - The political and historical heart of Saudi Arabia
• The name Riyadh is derived from the Arabic word meaning a place of gardens and
trees (“Rawdah”).
• The city of Riyadh is the country's largest, boasting a population of over 4 million,
and has a hot desert climate.

• Riyadh lies in the Central Region, is the capital city of The Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia.

• It is also the commercial capital of the country and now rivals any modern
city in the world in the splendor of its architecture.

• Riyadh city is the seat of government, ministries, embassies, diplomatic missions, as well as It contains
educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical, commercial, and social organizations.
• Broad highways sweep through the city in an impressive and still growing road network. Almost all the
companies that operate within the Saudi borders are headquartered in Riyadh. Several large plastic
and metal factories along with government-owned petrol company Aramco’s Riyadh Refineries are
the biggest sources of employment in the city.

The main features of Riyadh are:

1. Qasr Al-Hukm Area

2. The Diplomatic Quarter
3. The Ministry of Information Complex

4.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Complex

5. The Ministry of Interior

6. King Fahd Stadium
Other features of the city are Riyadh Water Tower, The National Museum,King Fahd National
Library, King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh also contains two university "cities," King Saud
and Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University, literary Centers and public libraries ,The
Equestrian Club and the 93 kilometer ring road encircling the city.

2) Jeddah - A Saudi city open to the world

• Jeddah is the second biggest city in Saudi Arabia and the largest town in
Makkah Province.
• Jeddah’s location on the ancient trade routes and its status as the seaport and
airport (gateway) for pilgrims.
• Jeddah is an industrial and a modern commercial hub of Saudi Arabia with
modern features, squares and courtyards as well as the biggest seaport along
the Red Sea.
• Jeddah has a tropical arid climate
• Jeddah now boasts some of the most beautiful examples of modern
architecture in the world. Tree-lined avenues and the generous distribution of
 bronze sculptures attest to the success of the city’s beautification program. Resort hotels, beaches and
outdoor sculptures line the Corniche, a seafront promenade anchored by the iconic King Fahd’s Fountain.
• Al-Balad historic district and retains traditional homes built from coral. The city is also a very important
tourist destination.

• Several industries like mining and glass manufacturing are located in and around Jeddah.

The main features of Jeddah are:

1. King Abdul Aziz University,

2. King Abdul Aziz International Airport
3. Jeddah Islamic Port.
4. King Fahd Fountain is located inside the Red Sea, near the coast, is an outstanding feature of the port of
Jeddah particularly during the night when it sends water up to two hundred and sixty meters.
5. Corniche Jeddah Towers.

3) Makkah Al-Mukkaramah - The birthplace of Islam

• The third most populated city in the Saudi Arabia is the holy city of Makkah.

• Makkah is the holiest city on earth to Muslims. All Muslims perform pilgrimage
to Makkah-Hajj. Thus, each year the Holy City of Makkah is host to more than
two million pilgrims from all over the world.

• Makkah Al-Mukkaramah has many other names such as Umm Al-Qura, Al-
Balad Al-Amen (Secure City) and Al-Balad Al-Haram (Holy City).

The main features of Makkah are:

1. The Holy Mosque

2. The Maqam of Prophet Ibrahim
3. Zamzam well
4. Near Makkah are the other holy shrines of Mina, Muzdalifa, and Arafat.
5. The royal clock Tower

4) Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah - The second holy city of Islam

• Madinah is then the city of the Prophet often referred as the "Radiant City".
• The fourth most populated city in the Saudi Arabia is the holy city of
Madinah.
• Madinah is the second holiest city in Islam and the Islamic era began.
• It has also got many other names such as Taibah, Yathrib, the city of the
Messenger, and Dar Al-Higra (i.e. Home of Immigration).
The main features of Al-Madinah are:

1. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) and his grave

2. Masjid Al-Qiblatain
3. Masjid Qubaa
4. Islamic University
5. King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran and many archaeological Islamic features.
4) Taif - A high land of scent

• Taif is a city in the Makkah Province of southwest Saudi Arabia. It’s known for 20th-century Shubra
Palace, a grand, white-walled building with latticework windows.
• Taif is also a favorite summer destination for Saudis looking for the pleasant weather offered by the
altitude while most of the Arabian Peninsula endures suffocating heat. For its cooler climate and fertile
land the region earned its title of "Garden of the Hejaz” whose beauty can be admired in the Al-Hada
natural reserve and the village of Ash-Shafa.
• The elevation of the city by about two thousand meters above sea level, makes it one of the important
resorts in the Kingdom. Taif's highest point, the Jebel Daka is even the fifth highest peak of Saudi Arabia.
• The City of Taif is located in the western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Taif, with its deep rooted history that dates back to thousands of years is famous for its gardens and good
quality agricultural production on top of which are grapes, pomegranates and honey.
• A modern net work of roads link Taif to Makkah Al-Mukaramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah and
Riyadh which passes through the high Hada mountains, and is one of the most outstanding achievements
in the technology of road construction.

The main features of Taif are:

1. Taif Regional Museum, it exhibits artifacts from Islamic and pre-Islamic periods.
2. Taif National Park, with trees and a large dam.
3. The Souk Okaz Festival