Riyadh: People & Places

Forty years ago the population of Riyadh was just 100,000. Now it is 5.7 million, which is rapidly increasing. 61 percent are Saudi citizens. The greatest number of the expats living and working in the city are from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Philippines. There are also workers from Arab countries that include Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon and Syria. European, North American, South Africans, Russian, Antipodeans and even people from China are engaged with vast range of new infrastructural projects. Riyadh has become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Arab world.

Moreover, a noticeable number of foreigners living in Riyadh are Saudi-born whose families have been living here for even longer! I, myself - originally from Pakistan with British and Emirate backgrounds - was born in Riyadh while my family goes back to be living here for over 35 years.

Furthermore, Riyadh is full of people of every kind! Whether it may be rich, poor, entertainment-looking, entertainment-offering, happy, sad...YOU NAME IT!! Riyadh could be the city for you whether you are looking for a job, new friends, or even just looking for an entertainment-filled holiday! Riyadh has many job vacancies so looking for a job sure won't be a great problem. Also, as I have mentioned before, the city is full of many kinds of people. From actors to singers, from car racers to horse racers...even camel racers! Oh, and have I not mentioned that Riyadh is a home to many awesome places like 1st Paintball (for paint-balling), Fantasy Land (they have a dolphin show there, dune buggies, ponies to ride, mini zoo, etc. Location: 24.867739, 46.807648)  and countless more!

1st Paintball

1st Paintball late Afternoon

An Aerial View of Riyadh

Dolphin Show at Fantasy Land

Tahliya Street: The Heart of Riyadh

Prince Muhammad ibn Abdulaziz Road (informally referred to as Tahliya) is one of Riyadh's busiest and full of life streets where people of all ages come from all over Riyadh to enjoy themselves whether it is teens, adults or even elderly, retired residents! The road is very beautifully decorated by lights and other pieces of decoration. Moreover, many vintage, sports and fancy car owners often hang around the place.

In my opinion, every one living in Riyadh who is looking for a good time being alone or with family or friends should take a trip there, especially at night as the street is best known for it's night life. Also, I recommend to spend some time here to anyone who does not live but ever pays a visit in Riyadh. Here are a few pictures of the beautiful street:

Tahliya a little after Midnight

Beautiful Tahliya Street