Riyadh

The G20 Riyadh summit was held virtually on November 21-22, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the first G20 summit hosted by Saudi Arabia, it highlighted Riyadh's growing influence on the global stage. The summit brought together leaders from the world's major economies to address global challenges, focusing on issues such as pandemic response and economic recovery. Although held virtually, the event was based from Riyadh, demonstrating its status as a center for international diplomacy.

Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist critical of Saudi leadership, was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. The murder led to international condemnation and heightened scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's human rights record. Although the event did not occur in Riyadh, the city as the capital was deeply involved in the ensuing diplomatic fallout and legal proceedings, affecting Saudi Arabia's global relations.

On June 5, 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt severed diplomatic relations with Qatar, initiating a blockade. Riyadh played a central role in this decision, citing Qatar's alleged support for terrorism and close relations with Iran as motivations. The blockade led to significant regional tensions and reshaped Gulf Cooperation Council dynamics. It lasted until early 2021, when diplomatic relations were restored.

During the Gulf War, on January 29, 1991, Riyadh experienced a Scud missile attack launched by Iraqi forces led by Saddam Hussein. The missile attack was part of Iraq's retaliation against the coalition forces arrayed against it, which included Saudi Arabia. Although the Patriot missile defense system intercepted the attack, the event highlighted the vulnerabilities of the region to missile warfare and the tensions during the conflict.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was established on November 11, 1981, in Riyadh. The GCC is a regional political and economic alliance comprising six Middle Eastern countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The council's formation aimed to foster cooperation and integration among its member states, addressing economic, social, and political issues. Riyadh, as the capital of Saudi Arabia, hosts the headquarters of the GCC.

On March 25, 1975, King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was assassinated in Riyadh by his nephew Faisal bin Musaid. This shocking event had a profound impact on the Kingdom and the region. King Faisal was known for his modernization of the country, as well as his support for Arab unity and opposition to Israel. His assassination led to a period of mourning and a reevaluation of security measures within the Kingdom.

The opening of Riyadh University, now King Saud University, on October 25, 1963, was a landmark event for education in Saudi Arabia. As the first university in the Kingdom, it set a precedent for higher education and academic excellence. Located in the capital city, the institution has played a crucial role in the development of the country's intellectual and professional landscape, providing higher education to thousands of students each year.

The discovery of oil near Dhahran on March 4, 1938, significantly impacted Riyadh as it led to rapid economic growth and development. While the discovery was not in Riyadh itself, the city's role as the capital of Saudi Arabia meant it became the administrative and political center for managing the country's new wealth and resources. The oil boom transformed Riyadh from a small town to the bustling metropolis it is today.

The capture of Riyadh in January 1902 was a pivotal moment in the history of Saudi Arabia. Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia, led a group of warriors to reclaim the city from the Al Rashid family, who were part of the rival Emirate of Jabal Shammar. This event marked the beginning of Ibn Saud's campaign to unify the Arabian Peninsula under his rule, eventually leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.

The Battle of Riyadh took place in the early days of Islam when Prophet Muhammad sent an expedition led by Zaid ibn Haritha to attack the tribe of Banu Tamim. This conflict highlighted the spread of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula and underscored the strategic importance of Riyadh, which was then a small settlement. The campaign was part of the ongoing struggles as Islamic teachings and influence spread across the region.