Riyadh is truly a city full of personality, appeal, and interesting places to see! As the capital of Saudi Arabia and its primary financial ...
Riyadh is truly a city full of personality, appeal, and interesting places to see! As the capital of Saudi Arabia and its primary financial center, it was the venue for the 2025 Annual General Assembly of the Global Network of Export-Import Banks and Development Finance Institutions (G-NEXID) and the Saudi EXIM Bank Global Partners Forum, held from November 17 to 20, 2025.
In addition to attending both events, I had the honor of facilitating an informative G-NEXID roundtable session titled 'Promoting Economic Growth and Collaboration, South-South Trade and Investment Prospects'. The panelists were seasoned experts in trade and investment from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), India EXIM Bank, and Ghana EXIM Bank.
\xa0\xa0Aerial\xa0view of Riyadh
Riyadh blends old traditions with contemporary energy, providing a view of Saudi Arabia's history and its evolving future. Easily, you can explore the city's deep-rooted culture via its markets, museums, and historic buildings, while also experiencing its modern aspect through many high-rises and a vibrant artistic community, exemplified by the Riyadh Arts Initiative that has transformed the city into an outdoor museum.
As the capital and primary financial center of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is situated on a desert plateau in the heart of the country. Among the notable landmarks in the business districts are the 302-meter-tall Kingdom Centre, featuring a sky bridge linking two towers, and the 267-meter-high Al Faisaliah Centre, which has a glass-globe top. In the historic Deira District, Masmak Fort stands as a symbol of the 1902 attack that led the Al Saud family to take control of Riyadh.
In April 2016, the Saudi government introduced the Saudi Vision 2030, a national initiative designed to promote broader economic, social, and cultural diversification, aligning with the goals of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Vision 2030 outlines objectives for enhancing diversification and competitiveness. It focuses on three key areas, each with specific targets to be met by 2030: a dynamic society – covering urban development, culture and entertainment, sports, Umrah, UNESCO heritage sites, and life expectancy.
This initiative will be followed by Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 World Cup, as confirmed by FIFA, the international football governing body. The US$500 billion Vision 2034 represents Saudi Arabia's most ambitious sports endeavor, featuring twelve cutting-edge stadiums throughout the country. The nation is preparing to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which will be the first 48-team World Cup held in a single country. It has also unveiled plans for the NEOM Stadium, the world's first 'Sky Stadium,' suspended 350 meters above the desert.
Riyadh Boulevard
Riyadh continues to be the focal point of the changes outlined in the Vision 2023 initiative. The city serves as a center for progress and modernization, featuring a thriving economy, a wide variety of entertainment choices, and significant construction developments, all while maintaining its role as the heart of Saudi Arabia's deep cultural and religious legacy. The climate is dry, with very hot summers and relatively warm winters, and the city is experiencing swift expansion driven by oil revenues and its advantageous position.
Contemporary architecture
Kingdom Centre
Created by the group ofEllerbe Becket\xa0and\xa0Omrania, the tower is situated on 94,230 square metres of land. The Kingdom Centre is owned by a consortium of companies, includingKingdom Holding Company headed by\xa0Al-Waleed bin Talal– a prince from the Saudi royal family – and serves as the headquarters of the holding company. The project cost 2 billion Saudi Arabian Riyals, with the contract awarded to El-Seif.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
The Kingdom Center has won the 2002 awardEmporis Skyscraper Award, chosen as the "best new skyscraper of the year for design and functionality." A three-tiered shopping complex, which also received a significant design award, occupies the eastern wing. The expansive entrance is lit up at night with constantly shifting colors.
The mall features a dedicated floor for female shoppers, with men prohibited from entering. The Kingdom Centre consists of 99 floors and is the fifth highest building in the country, reaching a height of 300 meters. An unique feature of the tower is that it splits into two sections in the final one-third of its height and is connected by a sky-bridge walkway, offering panoramic views of Riyadh.
Burj Rafal
Burj Rafal, situated along King Fahd Road, stands as the highest building in Riyadh, reaching a height of 307.9 meters (1,010 feet). The structure was conceived and developed by P & T Group. Work commenced in 2010 and concluded in 2014. The project was regarded as a triumph, with 70 percent of the living spaces sold by the time the skyscraper was finished. The building includes 474 residential condominiums and a 349-room five-star Kempinski Hotel. Since then, the hotel has been managed under the JW Marriott name.
Al-Faisaliah Tower
Al Faisaliah Tower was the first high-rise building built in Saudi Arabia and is the third highest structure in Riyadh followingBurj Rafal\xa0and the\xa0Kingdom Centre. The golden sphere located at the top of the tower is believed to have been inspired by a ballpoint pen and includes a restaurant; directly beneath it is an open-air observation deck. At ground level, there is a shopping mall featuring well-known international brands. Al-Faisaliah Tower also houses a hotel on both sides of the structure, while the main building is used for office spaces. The Al-Faisaliah Tower consists of 44 floors. It was designed byFoster and Partners.
- Boulevard Riyadh City
Excitement and enjoyment are waiting for you at Riyadh's biggest entertainment complex, Boulevard Riyadh City, where you can discover countless fun spots all in one location. Along with high-end shopping areas offering items from top international brand stores for your wardrobe, as well as meals that delight your taste buds with flavors from both local and global cuisines. Boulevard Riyadh delivers fun, happiness, and energy for both adults and kids.\xa0\xa0
Conclusion
Saudi Vision 2030 is advancing considerably, with numerous projects finalized and key performance metrics reflecting favorable progress toward the 2030 objectives. The strategy is effectively shifting the economy away from oil dependence, as demonstrated by a rising non-oil GDP and a higher contribution from the private sector. Significant social and economic changes have also been introduced to strengthen areas such as tourism and entertainment, generate employment opportunities, and improve the business environment.
>>>the writer A leading figure in Marketing Communications, Stakeholder Relationship Management, and International Cooperation. Over the past fifteen (15) years, he has significantly influenced Africa's corporate communications and creative arts industries. You can contact him at chriskoney@gmail.com or +233 20 854 1480.
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