Diriyah

Overview

Diriyah was the capital of the first Saudi state from 1744 to 1818 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old city is known for its traditional Najdi mud-brick architecture, with the Salwa Palace and the Turaif district the best preserved areas. In recent years Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in restoring the site as a destination blending history with modern tourism, and it has become a symbol of the kingdom's cultural revival.

History

Diriyah became the seat of the Al Saud family in 1446 and capital of the first Saudi state in 1744, when the alliance that shaped the modern kingdom was formed. The state was destroyed by Ottoman and Egyptian forces in 1818, and the capital later moved to Riyadh. The Turaif district was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2010, and a large-scale restoration and cultural development programme has been under way since 2017.

Highlights

• •Salwa Palace
• •The Najdi architectural complex
• •The traditional market

Practical tips

• •Some areas are free; guided tours cost extra
• •Evenings are cooler and the site is lit beautifully

Practical information

Best time

October to March

Tickets

Some areas free; guided tours about USD 50

Opening hours

Open all day

Local food

Arabian grilled meat, kabsa rice and dates

Getting around

Sights are spread out, so a hired car or self-drive is best

Visa

A tourist visa is required and an e-visa can be applied for online, with hotel bookings and itinerary details required.

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