Saudi Arabia: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia covers most of the Arabian Peninsula, between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Much of it is desert, including one of the largest sand deserts on Earth. It is known for oil, its historic Nabataean tombs and as home to Mecca and Medina, Islam's two holiest cities.

About Riyadh

Riyadh is in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula, on a high desert plateau. It is known for its skyscrapers, such as Kingdom Centre, and for the old mud-brick Masmak Fortress.

Fun facts about Saudi Arabia

1. The Rub' al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is the largest continuous sand desert in the world.
2. Saudi Arabia has no permanent rivers; water comes from underground sources, seasonal streams and desalination plants.
3. Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, has more than 100 tombs carved into sandstone about 2,000 years ago.
4. At-Turaif in Diriyah, a UNESCO site, is a historic mud-brick district that was the seat of the first Saudi state in the 1700s.
5. Saudi Arabia's green flag is never flown at half-mast because it carries a sacred written inscription.
6. Guests are traditionally welcomed with dates and cardamom-flavoured Arabic coffee served in small cups.