Diriyah
Diriyah is the historic home of the House of Saud and the first Saudi state, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cultural destination on the edge of Riyadh.
Overview
Diriyah (Arabic: الدرعية) is a town on the north-western edge of Riyadh and the historic home of the House of Saud. It was the capital of the first Saudi state (1744–1818) and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
The At-Turaif district
The At-Turaif district, built in the eighteenth century in the Najdi architectural style, is the heart of the site, with its mud-brick palaces, mosques and houses.
Today
Diriyah has been restored and developed as a cultural destination, hosting the Diriyah Season events and the Diriyah Gate project, and is a major attraction for visitors to Riyadh.
References
- At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah \u2014 UNESCO World Heritage Centre (accessed 5 October 2026)
- Diriyah \u2014 Diriyah Gate Development Authority (accessed 5 October 2026)
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