The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's population is 32,175,224, with the majority concentrated in three cities: the capital, Riyadh, with 21.8 percent of the total population; Jeddah Governorate, with 11.7 percent; and Makkah al-Mukarramah City, with 7.8 percent, according to the 2022 Saudi Census.
When considering the factors that make these three cities attractive, the reason behind their population density becomes clear. In addition to being the capital, Riyadh serves as the seat of governance and government entities. It also represents approximately 50 percent of the Kingdom's non-oil economy and provides an environment conducive to fostering developmental, industrial, tourism, and investment opportunities. This is attributed to the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during the fifty-five years he governed Riyadh Province Emirate before assuming the throne. During that period, Riyadh witnessed significant development in its infrastructure and urban landscape, with its population growing from 150,000 to millions.
Looking back at the history of Jeddah Governorate, it emerged as the main gateway for reaching the holy sites by sea and air and served as a primary commercial port. This contributed to the governorate's economic growth and a subsequent increase in population over time. As for Makkah al-Mukarramah City, it serves as the administrative capital of Makkah al-Mukarramah Province and the location of the emirate's headquarters. It is home to the holiest Islamic sites visited by Muslims from around the world, which is the Grand Mosque, in addition to other sacred sites associated with Hajj and Umrah.
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