population: 8.3 million

extension: 1,913 square kilometers

Museums

A great museum to visit in Riyadh is the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, which showcases the history and culture of Saudi Arabia. Other museums in Riyadh that you may be interested in visiting include the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, the Saqr Aljazeera Aviation Museum, and the Murabba Palace Museum.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) include:

1. Kabsa: A rice dish with meat (usually chicken or lamb), flavored with spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

2. Shawarma: Thinly sliced meat (usually beef or chicken) wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce.

3. Mutabbaq: A pastry filled with meat and vegetables, similar to a stuffed pancake.

4. Haneeth: Slow-roasted meat (usually lamb or goat) served with rice and bread.

5. Thareed: A stew made with meat (usually lamb or chicken) and vegetables, served over pieces of flatbread.

6. Saleeg: A creamy rice dish cooked with chicken or meat, milk, and spices.

7. Jareesh: A porridge made with cracked wheat and meat (usually lamb or chicken), flavored with spices like cumin and coriander.

8. Margoog: A stew made with vegetables and meat (usually chicken or lamb) and flavored with spices like turmeric and cumin.

Activities

Here are some fun activities that local people enjoy in Riyadh:

1. Visiting the Masmak Fortress: This historic site is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike to learn about the history of Saudi Arabia.

2. Exploring the Diriyah Historical City: This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to restored palaces, museums, and traditional architecture, offering a glimpse into the country's past.

3. Shopping at the Souq Al Zal: This bustling marketplace is a great place to find local crafts, textiles, and spices.

4. Enjoying traditional Saudi food: Local favorites include dishes like kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and shawarma (meat wrapped in pita bread).

5. Attending cultural events: From music concerts to art exhibitions, there are many cultural events throughout the year that showcase Saudi Arabian traditions and customs.