DIRIYAH

Now a UNESCO Heritage Site, Diriyah occupies a seminal position in the history of Saudi Arabia. Once serving as the capital city, this marvelous region nestles along the Wadi valley on the outskirts of Riyadh. Although Diriyah fell to ruins during the World Wars, efforts have been made to restore many of its wonders. The Al Bujairy district in Diriyah has opened its doors to visitors.

Diriyah was the former residence of the Saudi Arabia royal family and is one of top-notch tourist places in Riyadh. Explore the whimsical essence of Riyadh at this enthralling desert village which is also a panoramic UNESCO heritage site. Upon entering tourists will walk through cobbled narrow pathways lined with verdant lanking palm trees rendering a picture-perfect backdrop for photography.

Tourists can also witness mud huts with traditional calligraphy and wall paintings worth admiring. At Turaif quarter, tourists can witness a humongous open air museum consisting of mosques, galleries, traditional souvenirs and crafts.

Diriyah is under refurbishment and reconstructions into a mega gigantic recreational centre featuring iconic restaurants and exemplary hotels. Not only this, tourists can find a Diriyah cultural museum with a fascinating display of Arab’s most precious and treasured artefacts and possessions from the glorious past of Riyadh.

• Location - Ar Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
• Timings - Open on Wednesdays, 3.40 pm

Highlights

• Explore the history of Saudi Arabia at the Diriyah Museum
• Admire the lovely architecture of the Saad bin Saud Palace
• Grab a quick bite at any of the hip cafes and eateries around the city
• Enjoy a picnic by the rivers of the Wadi valley, which runs along the perimeter of the city
• Get a glimpse of the city’s past as you visit the Diriyah Wall, the city’s line of defense