Maintenance work has started on the old Al-Kharj Road tunnel in Riyadh.

The Old Al Kharj Road is a historic route in Saudi Arabia that once connected Riyadh to the agricultural region of Al Kharj, serving as a vital trade and travel artery. Dating back centuries, it facilitated the movement of goods, people, and cultural exchange before modern highways were built. Today, it stands as a reminder of the kingdom’s pre-oil era and its reliance on inland trade routes.

The Second Industrial City, often associated with the rapid industrialization of regions like China’s Shenzhen or the United States’ Rust Belt, refers to a hub of manufacturing and economic growth that emerged during the second wave of the Industrial Revolution. These cities, such as Shenzhen in the late 20th century, transformed from small towns into global production centers through policies promoting foreign investment and technological innovation. Their history reflects a shift from agrarian economies to industrial powerhouses, driving urbanization and global trade while facing challenges like environmental impact and labor issues.

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. Originally a small, walled oasis town, it rose to prominence in the 18th century under the Al Saud dynasty and became the kingdom’s political and administrative center after the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Today, it is a modern metropolis known for its rapid development, towering skyscrapers, and rich cultural heritage sites like the historic Masmak Fortress.

Al Kharj is a historic oasis located in central Saudi Arabia, renowned for its agricultural significance and ancient irrigation systems. It has been inhabited for thousands of years, serving as a vital stop along trade routes and a source of fresh water and dates. In modern times, Al Kharj has developed into an important agricultural and industrial center while preserving its cultural heritage.

Najd is a central region in Saudi Arabia, historically known as the heartland of the Arabian Peninsula and the birthplace of the first Saudi state in the 18th century. It is characterized by its arid desert landscape and traditional mud-brick architecture, with the capital city of Riyadh now serving as the modern political and economic center of the kingdom. The region holds deep cultural significance, having been the stronghold of the Wahhabi religious movement and a key area for Bedouin heritage and Najdi Arabic dialect.

Masmak Fortress is a historic clay and mudbrick fort located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dating back to the late 19th century. It played a pivotal role in the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it was the site of the recapture of Riyadh by King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1902. Today, the fortress serves as a museum showcasing Saudi heritage and the nation’s founding history.

The Kingdom Centre is a prominent skyscraper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, completed in 2002 as part of the King Abdullah Financial District. It features a distinctive inverted arch at its top and houses a shopping mall, luxury hotel, and observation deck. The tower symbolizes modern Saudi development and has become an iconic landmark in the city’s skyline.