More than fifty years ago, Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz—then a student—wrote in an article that “what distinguishes Saudi Arabia from other nations is its strong adherence to religion and its deep commitment to implementing its teachings, with no difference between ruler and ruled. This fact is so well‑known that no two people disagree on it. The people of Riyadh and the entire Kingdom are firmly committed to religion and the Sunnah.”
In his article, Prince Ahmed discussed Riyadh’s geographical and demographic features, the customs of its people in dress and food, and the system by which disputes were resolved.
The newspaper Al‑Hayat published the full text of the article, originally printed in the second issue of Al‑Nasiriyah Newspaper, issued by Ma‘had al‑Anjal in 1377 AH (1957), when Prince Ahmed was a student and a member of the editorial board. The editor‑in‑chief was Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz, then Governor of Riyadh.
Below is the text of the article:
Social Life in Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the seat of the King and all ministries except the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is based in Jeddah. Riyadh has its own governor—Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz—whose authority covers central and southern Najd. The Riyadh Emirate includes Al‑Kharj, which oversees towns such as Al‑Sayh, Al‑Dalm, Al‑Hayatam, and Al‑Yamamah; as well as Al‑Sudair, which includes several large villages; Shaqra; Dhurma up to the Hijaz border; Al‑Dawasir (a region of villages and oases); Al‑Houta; Al‑Hariq; and Al‑Mahmal. Each town or village under the Riyadh Emirate has a local governor appointed by the King upon the recommendation of the Governor of Riyadh.
A Brief History of Riyadh
Riyadh was once an expanse of land covered with desert grasses that turned into green meadows after winter and spring rains, surrounded by valleys carrying seasonal floods.
Its boundaries:
- West: Wadi Hanifa
- Northwest: Wadi Al‑Yasin
- Through its center: Shu‘ayb Abu Rafee‘ (now Al‑Bathaa)
The first settlers were nomadic Bedouins. Later, Dahham bin Dawwas built a large town there—what appears to be the early Riyadh. The first to make Riyadh the capital of the Al‑Saud was Turki bin Abdullah Al‑Saud.
Its People
Riyadh has long been inhabited by a mix of Najdi tribes and others. Many residents trace their origins to tribes from central, southern, northern, and eastern Najd, as well as from the Hijaz and Yemen.
Disputes and How They Are Resolved
Disputes between individuals are settled by the judge or the King according to Islamic law. The official legal system of the country is the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah, and no one—not even the King—is exempt from the judge’s ruling.
A famous case occurred between a citizen and King Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him. The judge ruled in favor of the citizen. As they left the court, the man told the King: “I did not summon you to humiliate you, but so that people may know you are just and love your subjects, and so that history records this for you.” The King thanked him.
Marriage Customs
Like the rest of the Kingdom, the people of Riyadh maintain compatibility between spouses. If this principle is ignored, undesirable consequences may follow. The suitor sees only the woman’s face and hands, as permitted. After the marriage contract, the groom’s relatives gather before dinner for coffee and refreshments. After the evening prayer, the groom is taken to his bride. The next day, the wedding feast is held at the bride’s family home.
Commitment to Islam
The people of Riyadh—and the Kingdom as a whole—are deeply committed to Islamic teachings. They recognize no holidays except Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha, as prescribed by Islamic law. After the Eid prayer, each person returns home to congratulate family members, spread joy, and visit relatives.
Not long ago, people would bring food to the marketplace, arranging it on open tables for everyone—rich or poor—to eat freely. As Riyadh expanded, this custom faded in the capital but remains in many Najdi towns.
Hospitality
Arabs are known for generosity, and Najdis in particular are renowned for it, their Arab identity remaining pure through the ages. The people of Riyadh especially despise miserliness. Upon meeting you, they insist on offering coffee and food according to their means. Declining is nearly impossible.
Meals are traditionally served on the floor, and people eat with their hands, following the Sunnah—again, with no distinction between ruler and ruled. Given that Najdis descend from pure Arab stock, their deep‑rooted generosity is no surprise.
Birth and Death
When a child is born—male or female—no celebrations are held initially. After seven days, the child is named, and a feast is prepared. Meat is distributed to the poor.
In death, customs strictly follow Islamic teachings. The deceased is washed, shrouded in white, carried on a simple bier with four handles, and escorted to the grave with humility. The grave is covered with earth about 30 cm high, with stones marking the head and feet.
There is no difference between the grave of a king or prince and that of any citizen. The writer notes seeing the grave of King Abdulaziz in this simple form. The Kingdom does not build structures or domes over graves, following the Prophet’s prohibition. The royal family has no private cemetery; their graves lie in the public burial grounds.