Khreimes Guest House

Khreimes Guest House, also known as al-Deira Palace, is a historical landmark in the old city of Riyadh. Situated on the northern side, directly opposite Qasr al-Hukm, it was constructed during the reign of Founding King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. Commissioned by the King, the guest house served as a headquarters for government hospitality, complementing the role of Thulaim Palace. The establishment of guest houses and offering hospitality and assistance have been a tradition of the Saudi royal family since the era of the First Saudi State.

Hospitality was initially hosted in the palace of the Founding King following Riyadh City's recapture. In 1929, the King ordered the construction of a new palace, known as Khreimes Palace, located opposite his palace. This palace was built on the remains of other historic structures, including the palace of Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz (the First) and Al Sunaytan (a branch of Al Saud) palaces. The palace served as a headquarters for government hospitality, hosting and offering shelter and food to visitors arriving in Riyadh City. Guests were received and hosted based on their status: tribal leaders visiting King Abdulaziz were accommodated at Thulaim Palace, where they were provided with lodging and meals. Meanwhile, Khreimes Palace prepared large quantities of food to cater to all guests entering Riyadh.

The Khreimes Palace got its name from Khreimes Bin Abdullah, the official responsible for overseeing the guest house. He was one of those entrusted with managing royal hospitality. The structure featured a suspended passage, supported by stone columns, which connected it to Qasr al-Hukm. The ground floor was designated for hosting and accommodating guests, while the upper floor housed offices for certain government departments, including the Finance Department and the Arms Distribution Department.

King Abdulaziz was dedicated to creating guest palaces to offer shelter and meals for visitors coming to Riyadh City for various purposes, such as trade, treatment, or to meet him. Since the recapture of Riyadh City, his palace had served as a center of hospitality. Unlike Khreimes Guest House, in 1935, King Abdulaziz purchased a farm named Thulaim and built a second guest palace there, dedicating it to his father as a rest stop for travelers before reaching Riyadh. In 1940, King Abdulaziz commissioned Hamad Bin Qabaa to construct a guest house on Thulaim Farm, which included a hostel and kitchens to accommodate those visiting Riyadh City.

The services at the Thulaim Guest House went beyond hosting visitors to Riyadh City, also extending to feeding prisoners and students.