Qibla Direction from Riyadh

The precise Qibla direction from Riyadh toward the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, calculated astronomically.

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Qibla Direction

244° West-Southwest 243.8° from True North

The Qibla direction from Riyadh is 244 degrees from north, roughly toward the West-Southwest.

This direction is calculated using the great-circle bearing formula between the coordinates of Riyadh and the Kaaba in Mecca — the most accurate astronomical method for finding the Qibla direction over long distances.

Kaaba Directions on Google Maps
Direct Great-Circle Distance 790 km (491 miles)
Driving Distance & Time ~870 km (~8h 30m via Route 40 / Makkah Hwy)
Direct Flight Duration ~1 hour 30 min (RUH to JED)

Sun-Shadow Alignment: 100% Astronomical Accuracy Without a Compass

Twice each year, the sun crosses the celestial zenith directly over the Holy Kaaba in Makkah at Dhuhr prayer time. At these exact moments, the Kaaba casts no shadow, and the sun's direction anywhere on Earth points directly towards the Qibla with zero magnetic distortion:

First Zenith: May 27 & 28

12:18 PM AST (Riyadh & Makkah Time)

Second Zenith: July 15 & 16

12:27 PM AST (Riyadh & Makkah Time)

1

Erect a vertical stick or rod perpendicularly on level ground in an open sunny spot in Riyadh.

2

At the exact minute indicated above, observe the shadow cast on the ground.

3

The shadow points directly opposite to Makkah; facing opposite the shadow (towards the sun) points 100% directly to the Holy Kaaba.

How Qibla Direction is Calculated from Riyadh

The Qibla bearing is computed using great-circle geometry between Riyadh’s coordinates (24.7136° N, 46.6753° E) and the Kaaba in Mecca (21.4225° N, 39.8262° E), accounting for the Earth’s curvature.

After finding the direction, check the prayer times in Riyadh today to plan when to pray. During the fasting month, use the Ramadan countdown and Riyadh timetable; for visits and travel around the two Eids, compare the Eid al-Fitr countdown and Eid al-Adha countdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Qibla direction from Riyadh?

The Qibla direction from Riyadh is approximately southwest (around 244 degrees from north), calculated astronomically toward the Kaaba in Mecca, roughly 790 km away.

Does the Qibla direction vary between neighborhoods in Riyadh?

The difference is negligible in practice: Riyadh's area is tiny compared to the 790 km distance to Mecca, so the Qibla direction stays close to 244 degrees from north across virtually every neighborhood in the city, with variations of less than a degree.

How accurate is a phone compass for finding the Qibla direction?

Accuracy depends on how well the phone's magnetic sensor is calibrated, and it can be thrown off by nearby metal objects or electronics. For the best reading, calibrate the compass by moving your phone in a figure-eight motion before use, and stay away from sources of magnetic interference.

What if the live compass doesn't work on my device?

You don't need it to know the direction — the fixed angle shown on the page (around 244 degrees from north) is accurate for virtually all of Riyadh, and you can use any ordinary compass or compass app to find that direction manually, without relying on your phone's sensors.

Why does the Qibla direction look different when viewed on a flat map?

Flat maps (like Google Maps' standard view) project the Earth's curved surface onto a two-dimensional plane, which distorts true directions over long distances. The correct Qibla direction is calculated using the great-circle formula on the Earth's curved surface, not a straight line on a flat map, so it can look different from what a quick glance at the map might suggest.

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