From Qafilat Al‑Zayt Magazine:
“Riyadh, Past and Present” by Sheikh Hamad Al‑Jasir (may God have mercy on him)
King Saud, may God have mercy on him, devoted great attention to the planning and development of the city of Riyadh from the time he was Crown Prince. He sought to widen its streets and introduce into its layout all the elements of modern urban development. He ordered the removal of the old city wall and established an authority to implement his vision, appointing as its director a firm and capable member of the noble Saudi family, Prince Fahd bin Faisal Al‑Farhan.
Efforts were swiftly undertaken to fulfill the royal directive, and Riyadh soon became one of the finest Arab cities in terms of the breadth of its streets, its cleanliness, and the orderly progression of its urban growth according to well‑defined principles.
Beginning in 1372 AH, the architectural style of the city began to change. Traditional building materials—mudbrick and clay—were replaced with modern construction using stone, cement, and steel. Large, imposing buildings began to appear across the city.
King Saud also rebuilt the new Qasr Al‑Hukm on the site of the old palace, which became his royal court. The Riyadh Governorate building and the Sharia Court were constructed, and in 1373 AH, the Saudi Library was established—along with many other major projects.
