Diriyah Governorate

Diriyah Governorate (Ad Dirʻiyah), one of the governorates of the Riyadh Province, was established in 1446 by Mani' Al-Muraydi. It later became the capital of the First Saudi State, founded by Imam Muhammad Bin Saud in 1727, and the original home of the ruling Al Saud family. Diriyah is located northwest of the capital, Riyadh, and is administratively affiliated with it. It includes Al-Turaif District, one of the largest mud-brick districts in the world, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Diriyah has been nicknamed the “Jewel of Saudi Arabia.”

The Diriyah Project is the fifth of the megaprojects owned by the Public Investment Fund, contributing to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and supporting the National Tourism Strategy, which aims to attract 150 million visitors from around the world to Saudi Arabia by 2030.

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority, established by Royal Decree in 2017, is responsible for the urban, economic, social, and cultural development of Diriyah. It also oversees environmental management and protection, provides public facilities and services, and works to enhance and build Diriyah’s future.

Geography of Diriyah

Diriyah is located on the banks of Wadi Hanifa, about 20km from central Riyadh. It was historically known as “Al-Awja.”

Naming of Diriyah

Historians trace the name “Diriyah” to Al-Duru‘ clan, to which their leader Mani' Al-Muraydi belonged. In the past, it was also known as “Al-Awja,” referring to its winding location along Wadi Hanifa. The phrase “Ahl Al-Awja” later became an important rallying cry associated with the Saudi state and closely linked to the ruling Al Saud family.

Location and boundaries of Diriyah

Diriyah is located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, in the northern part of Riyadh Province—specifically northwest of the city of Riyadh. It lies no more than 20km from the center of the capital and stands at an elevation of approximately 700m above sea level. To its north, along the course of Wadi Hanifa, are the towns of Al-Jubaylah and Al-Uyaynah.

Diriyah is bordered to the east by the city of Riyadh, to the west by Wadi Hanifa and surrounding mountainous areas, to the north by Al-Amariyah Road, and to the south by the Irqah district. It is connected to the northern governorates by Salbukh Road, which once separated it from Riyadh. However, due to urban expansion, the area that previously distinguished Diriyah from Riyadh has largely disappeared.

Demographics of Diriyah

Diriyah has an estimated population of 96,000 residents, according to the Saudi Census 2022. It covers an area of 2,020 km², representing approximately 0.54% of the total area of the Riyadh Province. Diriyah is served by King Khalid International Airport, which can be reached in less than twenty-five minutes. It is also accessible via the Riyadh Metro, with a station located within less than a three-minute walk, or by car in under fifteen minutes from the heart of the capital, Riyadh.

Climate in Diriyah

Diriyah has a continental climate, characterized by very hot summers and cold winters. During summer, the average high temperature exceeds 43°C, while in winter, the average low temperature drops below 8°C.

The average annual rainfall in Diriyah is about 100 mm. Relative humidity fluctuates between around 20 percent in the summer months and up to 50 percent in the winter months. The prevailing winds are generally northwesterly, although wind direction and speed are influenced by the positions of high- and low-pressure systems and the pressure gradient between them.

Natural environment of Diriyah

The most prominent natural landmark within the boundaries of Diriyah Governorate is Wadi Hanifa. The valley stretches for more than 120 km, with a channel depth ranging between 10m and 100m and a width varying from 100m to 1,000m at its widest points. It extends from the northwest to the southeast, originating west of Al-Uyaynah and flowing into the village of Al-Sahba in the Riyadh Province, with an average gradient of about 2.8m. Wadi Laha and Wadi Laban are among its most important tributaries.

Within Diriyah, the valley is distinguished by its wide alluvial terraces. Deep layers of silt deposits formed by seasonal floods created fertile soil that supported Diriyah’s orchards and palm groves. These deposits also formed underground water reservoirs, replenished periodically by the valley’s flow. Agriculture in Diriyah traditionally relied on shallow wells.

Wadi Hanifa Dam was constructed to support groundwater resources, provide irrigation water for nearby agricultural areas, and raise water levels in wells located upstream of the dam.

History of Diriyah

Human settlement in Diriyah dates back to prehistoric times, as archaeological excavation teams have uncovered evidence of Stone Age habitation along the banks of Wadi Hanifa. In the modern era, settlement began around six centuries ago when Mani' Al-Muraydi—ancestor of the ruling Al Saud family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—founded it in 1446. Governance of the emirate remained with his sons and descendants until the rule of Imam Mohammad Bin Saud, who established the First Saudi State in 1727 and made Diriyah its capital. It remained the capital for all rulers of the First Saudi State until its end.

Founding of Diriyah

The founding of the “second Diriyah” dates back about six centuries, when Mani' Al-Muraydi decided to move with his family to the central Arabian Peninsula to establish it. Mani' Al-Muraydi had previously lived with his relatives in eastern Arabia, settled in a town called Diriyah (the first Diriyah) near Al-Qatif.

In 1446, Mani' Al-Muraydi corresponded with a relative named Ibn Dar‘, who held influence in Al-Yamamah. As a result of these exchanges, Mani’ traveled with his family across the arid sands of Al-Dahna Desert, eventually reaching Wadi Hanifa. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Ibn Dar‘, and the two leaders agreed to restore their ancestors’ legacy. They took control of the region, secured the pilgrimage and trade routes, and Ibn Dar‘ granted Mani’ two areas from his holdings—Mulaybid and Ghusaybah. These locations later became known as Diriyah. Mani’ developed Mulaybid for agriculture, while he built a surrounding wall around Ghusaybah, making it his residence and center of governance.

Diriyah as the capital of the First Saudi State

The First Saudi State was established in 1727, with Diriyah as its capital. Four rulers successively governed the state: Imam Mohammad Bin Saud, who founded the First Saudi State and ruled for forty years; followed by his son Abdulaziz Bin Mohammad, then Saud Bin Abdulaziz, and finally Abdullah Bin Saud.

The leaders of the state pursued a policy of unifying the country under laws that applied to everyone. As a result, the state’s borders extended from Al-Ahsa to Najd and Al-Hejaz, reaching Tihamah. This expansion led to the liberation of both Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and the state extended its influence throughout the region, maintaining security and protecting property. Consequently, Diriyah, as the capital, became a destination for students, merchants, and those seeking safety for their lives and possessions, escaping seizure or aggression elsewhere.

Historical significance of Diriyah

After its founding by Mani' Al-Muraydi, Diriyah developed rapidly, increasing its agricultural production beyond mere subsistence. It became a hub for trade and the exchange of goods, attracting those interested in agriculture and commerce due to its fertile lands and abundant output.

With the establishment of the First Saudi State, Diriyah became the first center of renaissance. Its rulers implemented a coherent architectural and urban program, transforming it into a center of knowledge, culture, and commerce. It served as the main control point along the pilgrimage route between the eastern and western regions of the state and held influence over the trade route connecting the north and south.

Thanks to its reputation, Diriyah became a meeting point for travelers from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Its advances in religious, political, and military fields made it the strongest city in the First Saudi State.

Traditional architecture of Diriyah

Diriyah is one of the largest mud-brick cities in the world. The foundations and columns of its buildings were constructed from stone, while the walls were made of mud-brick (adobe) reinforced with acacia trunks and branches. Roofs were built using palm fronds. Al-Turaif District, built in the 18th century, represents the most iconic facades of Diriyah. It is part of the national heritage sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and includes the largest palace in Diriyah, Salwa Palace, as well as the Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Mosque, the largest mosque of the First Saudi State.

Al-Bujairi District is the most important neighborhood after Al-Turaif, while Samhan District is another traditional mud-brick area, comprising around thirty-six houses, each one or two stories high. The Diriyah Gate Development Authority is working on restoring and developing it in the style of heritage hotels, while the Ministry of Culture collaborates with a Spanish consultancy to preserve the neighborhood’s heritage and develop it according to international standards.

King Salman Bin Abdulaziz’s interest in Diriyah

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, has shown great interest in Diriyah. His involvement began when he launched the Historical Diriyah Development Program while serving as the Governor of Riyadh and Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh (now the Royal Commission for Riyadh City). The program began with the formation of a committee tasked with studying Diriyah’s development, aiming to create a comprehensive urban and developmental plan that would highlight Diriyah’s historical role and establish it as a cultural and civilizational center.

In 1998, a Royal Decree was issued on 8 October approving the proposed program for the development of Historical Diriyah under the supervision of the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh (now the Royal Commission for Riyadh City).

The restoration and rehabilitation project was launched to preserve Diriyah’s historical heritage and transform the area into a sustainable historical and cultural tourism site. The Commission was responsible for preparing studies and implementing the project in coordination with the General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage (formerly), the King Abdulaziz Foundation, Diriyah Governorate and Municipality. These efforts bore fruit when, in 2010, UNESCO inscribed Al-Turaif District in Diriyah on the World Heritage List.

Diriyah in Saudi Vision 2030

Diriyah boasts rich cultural, heritage, and tourist assets, showcasing over 300 years of authentic Saudi history and culture. In 2023, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, announced that the Diriyah Project would become the fifth major project owned by the Public Investment Fund. This initiative is part of the broader plans to support Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to attract 27 million domestic and international visitors to Diriyah by 2030.

The Diriyah Project

The Public Investment Fund has worked to transform Diriyah into the world’s largest cultural and heritage destination through the Diriyah Project, one of its major initiatives supporting the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030. The project was launched on November 19, 2019, and aims to preserve, protect, and develop Al-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage historical site in Diriyah, while creating a unique lifestyle destination that celebrates Saudi culture by promoting Arab and national heritage both locally and internationally.

The project also seeks to introduce initiatives benefiting the local community, creating an environment that fosters creativity and inspiration, enhances residents’ quality of life, ensures financial sustainability without compromising cultural and heritage preservation, and strengthens awareness of Saudi Arabia as a cultural, tourist, and entertainment destination through heritage activation and hosting global cultural and entertainment events to attract local and international visitors.

The first phase of the Diriyah Project involves developing Al-Bujairi District according to modern environmental and urban standards applied to world heritage sites, creating an exceptional lifestyle experience for tourists and visitors from within Saudi Arabia and abroad across an area exceeding 7 km². This represents a new era in construction, architectural, heritage, and global hospitality projects. The master plan includes 3 km² dedicated to pedestrian areas, five main squares for gathering and exploration—King Salman Square, Samhan Amphitheater, Memorial Square, Mosque Square, and Historical Village Square—six museums, five arts academies, one hudred restaurants, cafés, and shopping areas featuring international brands. It also features multiple relaxation and leisure sites, including over twenty global hotel brands and fully integrated resorts overlooking Wadi Hanifa.

Sub-Projects of the Diriyah Project:

• Al-Turaif Historic District Project
• Wadi Hanifa Project
• Al-Bujairi District Project
• King Salman Square Project
• King Salman University Project
• Al Saud Museum Project

Economic future

The Diriyah Project contributes to diversifying the local economy by supporting the development and empowerment of vital sectors such as tourism and culture. It aims to attract 27 million domestic and international visitors by 2030, supporting the National Tourism Strategy, which targets hosting 150 million tourists from around the world in Saudi Arabia by the same year.

The project also creates new investment opportunities across various development and implementation phases, provides thousands of job opportunities, fosters partnerships with the private sector, and launches initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the region.

To achieve these goals, the project has been allocated a budget of 240 billion SAR for the development of Diriyah. This budget will support the creation of cultural facades and contemporary lifestyle experiences, accommodate one hundred thousand residents, host 27 million visitors annually, build twenty international hotels, develop three thousand residential units, open one hundred restaurants and outdoor plazas, establish twenty museums, offer 3,100 luxury hotel rooms, and construct four sports and entertainment facilities.

Diriyah Gate Development Authority

Diriyah has a dedicated development authority called the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, chaired and overseen by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The authority works to advance Diriyah’s urban and cultural development, highlighting its role as the birthplace of the Saudi state, showcasing its historical heritage, encouraging local residents to preserve and protect its legacy, and drawing attention to its tourism, cultural, and economic value through entertainment, arts, music, and fashion.

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority was established on July 20, 2017, to oversee the development and preservation of the historical site of Diriyah. Its mission includes serving the local community, elevating Diriyah as an international tourist destination, and transforming it into one of the world’s largest and most important hubs for events and activities. The authority supervises development across an area of up to 190 km², equivalent to the size of Santa Catalina Island in California, USA.The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has several roles, including the urban, economic, social, and cultural development of Diriyah Governorate. It is also responsible for managing and protecting the environment, providing public facilities and services, enhancing infrastructure, and building and strengthening the future of Diriyah.

On November 19, 2019, the authority launched the “Diriyah Gate” Project to establish a global tourist destination focused on culture and heritage. Among its responsibilities, in addition to development, are consulting with research and planning centers to design implementation plans for Diriyah Gate’s development, overseeing the planning and execution of necessary infrastructure in coordination with relevant authorities, establishing or investing in companies, and creating investment and endowment funds to ensure the authority fulfills its mission and achieves its objectives.

Authority programs

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has launched several programs aimed at attracting local talent and building a strong economy to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s future. In 2022, it launched the Diriyah Engineers Development Program, designed to prepare Saudi engineers with global expertise and skills, enabling them to play an effective role in various development and design projects under the authority.

The authority also launched the first edition of the Graduate Development Program in 2020 to bridge the gap between university education and professional life. The program provides Saudi university graduates from Diriyah with extensive training and career opportunities. It focuses on developing essential professional skills such as project management, public speaking, and effective communication, as well as personal skills including analytical thinking, initiative, time management, relationship building, and achievement-oriented focus.

Development projects

Diriyah serves as a center for culture and heritage and is also a prominent tourist destination in Saudi Arabia. As such, it is the focus of numerous development projects aimed at creating a vibrant economy, improving employment opportunities, raising living standards, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. These projects also help strengthen awareness of Saudi Arabia as a cultural, tourist, and entertainment destination.

Al-Turaif historic district

Al-Turaif Historic District is considered one of the main neighborhoods that make up Diriyah. It was built in the 18th century and is regarded as one of the largest mud-brick districts in the world. It is home to Salwa Palace, which served as the seat of government of the First Saudi State beginning in 1766, when it was built by Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammad Bin Saud, the second Imam of the First Saudi State. It also includes Al-Turaif Mosque, which was the largest mosque of the First Saudi State at the time of its construction. The district is the second Saudi site to be added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The development of Al-Turaif Historic District is one of the projects under the Diriyah Gate Development Project, one of the major initiatives supporting the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. As a leading destination for history enthusiasts, the district has witnessed continuous revitalization, infrastructure improvements, and significant enhancements in services. Its heritage elements are currently undergoing restoration, including the removal of debris from its buildings, documentation of its architectural features and archaeological structures, and preservation efforts. Documentation of the district’s history relies on drawings, photographs, and videos. Restoration includes repairing both exterior and interior elements, reinforcing them with appropriate building materials to address cracks, and improving façades overlooking squares and streets.

Salwa Palace is one of the most important historical landmarks located in Al-Turaif. It was established by Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammad Bin Saud in 1765. Historically known as the home of the early founders of the ruling family, it dates back to the early 18th century and served as the seat of government of the First Saudi State.

Opposite the palace, a modern visitor center has been established to receive guests and provide tourism and guidance services. It features the latest technical facilities to serve visitors, along with dramatic audio presentations enhanced with lighting effects that narrate the history of the Saudi state, as well as multimedia shows about various sites. The district also includes several museums, most notably the Diriyah Museum at Salwa Palace, the Social Life Museum, the Military Museum, the Arabian Horse Museum, and the Museum of Trade and Finance.

Wadi Hanifa

The first step toward the development of Wadi Hanifa began in 1988, when the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (formerly the Arriyadh Development Authority) designated it as an environmentally protected area and a special development zone under its supervision. In 1994, the Commission approved a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate the wadi and its tributaries. After the announcement of the Diriyah Project in 2019—one of the major megaprojects aimed at achieving Saudi Vision 2030—the development and rehabilitation of Wadi Hanifa were transferred to the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

Work is currently underway to develop an area of 2 km² of Wadi Hanifa to serve as open spaces for tourists and visitors to enjoy the valley’s distinctive natural scenery. The development efforts include rehabilitating and protecting palm groves and old local farms in the area, as well as creating new pedestrian pathways and picnic areas.

Bujairi Terrace

Bujairi District is one of the historic neighborhoods of Diriyah. On its western side, it overlooks the natural landscapes of Wadi Hanifa. It is among the historic districts included in the development plans of the Diriyah Project, one of the megaprojects supporting the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. Despite being targeted for major development initiatives, it has maintained its historic character externally.

The development of Bujairi District included the construction of streets designed in a traditional architectural style, landscaped surroundings, and tree-lined pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders. It is also set to become a major hub for international restaurants in the capital, Riyadh.

The district is home to Bujairi Terrace, which overlooks the Al-Turaif Historic District. It is considered one of the most prestigious dining destinations in Diriyah, featuring more than twenty restaurants, including some of the finest local and international restaurants, as well as distinctive cafes, all set within a unique atmosphere surrounded by traditional architecture.

Tourism in Diriyah

Diriyah is one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent tourist destinations, combining traditional Najdi architectural style with contemporary architecture. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s origins and the values deeply rooted in its history. The Diriyah Project is expected to attract 27 million local and international visitors by 2030, supporting the National Tourism Strategy, which aims for Saudi Arabia to host 150 million tourists from around the world by 2030.

Diriyah Season

Diriyah Season was launched in its first edition in 2019, contributing to the development of the tourism sector across entertainment, sports, travel, and cultural fields. It offers a wide range of events that enhance economic prosperity and community vitality. The season is part of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s efforts to attract 27 million visitors annually to Diriyah as a destination for culture, entertainment, relaxation, shopping, and hospitality, featuring various facilities such as museums, hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Diriyah Season has hosted several international sporting championships featuring global stars and prominent names. As part of its football events, the season hosted the Spanish Super Cup for the third consecutive time, with the participation of four teams: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Real Betis. It also staged the Diriyah Cup between Saudi club Al Hilal and Newcastle United. Additionally, the Italian Super Cup was held for the third time as part of the football festivities.

The season also welcomed a variety of other international sports events. In equestrian sports, Diriyah hosted— for the first time in Saudi Arabia— the Longines Global Champions Tour show jumping championship and an equestrian festival. In boxing, the historic “Clash on the Dunes” bout took place in Diriyah. The Diriyah Tennis Cup was also organized, marking the first international tennis tournament to be held in Saudi Arabia. In motorsports and racing, Diriyah hosted several championships, including the UCI Trials World Championship and the Diriyah E-Prix Formula E race.

Global sports in Diriyah

Through hosting major international sporting events such as Formula E races, Diriyah seeks to establish itself as a promising destination for motorsports. It first hosted this type of race in 2018, and then again in 2019.

In 2021, the championship faced a new milestone in Saudi Arabia, as the race was held at night for the first time in the history of the series. Diriyah continued to host the opening first and second rounds of the 2022 Formula E season.

The 2023 Formula E race was held on a 2.495 km circuit featuring twenty-one turns. The track was constructed in line with local content requirements and according to recognized international standards and specifications.

Diriyah Formula E

Diriyah Formula E is one of the international Formula racing events held annually in the historic city of Diriyah. The race is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia over a ten-year period, from 2018 to 2028. Saudi Arabia was the first country in the Middle East to host this type of race. Unlike Formula 1 cars, which run on petroleum-based fuels, Formula E cars produce no carbon emissions, as they operate entirely on electric power. As a result, Formula E races are considered environmentally friendly compared to conventional fuel-powered motorsports.

The Formula E events in Diriyah also function as an integrated entertainment festival. The Formula E Village, known as “Allianz E-Village,” covers an area of approximately 180,000 square feet (about 16,700 m²). In addition to the main race event, the festival includes various entertainment activities such as live performances, concerts, shopping areas, and other attractions.

Culture and arts in Diriyah

Diriyah’s present-day appearance reflects its deep-rooted history spanning more than five centuries. It has undergone a series of restoration, improvement, and development projects as part of efforts to position it as a cultural capital of Saudi Arabia and a destination for culture and heritage. Diriyah includes more than twenty-six cultural landmarks, in addition to various exhibitions and cultural institutions that highlight Saudi Arabia’s historical heritage and artistic legacy.

Arab Capital of Culture 2030

In 2021, Diriyah was selected by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) as the Arab Capital of Culture for the year 2030. The selection reflects its long-standing historical significance, civilizational status, and its role in knowledge, culture, and trade for more than five centuries. This marks the second time a Saudi city has been chosen as an Arab Capital of Culture, following the selection of Riyadh in 2000, highlighting the cultural and intellectual contributions of both cities.

JAX District

JAX District is one of the creative neighborhoods located in Diriyah. It was opened in 2021 and serves as a platform supporting local talent and a center for culture and the arts. The district hosts local and international exhibitions, as well as cultural and artistic activities throughout the year.

Previously, the area was an industrial zone comprising around one hundred warehouses and was known as a logistics hub for infrastructure projects in Riyadh. The Ministry of Culture redeveloped the site into one of the early cultural districts supporting the arts in Saudi Arabia. Today, it includes approximately 140 units, such as art studios, galleries, platforms, and training halls. A number of cultural and artistic events were held in the district, including:

Diriyah Biennale

JAX District hosted the opening of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale on December 11, 2021. The exhibition, titled “Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones,” featured forty works by twenty-seven local artists, in addition to pieces by international artists. Another exhibition was held under the title “Echoes: A World Between Analogue and Virtual.”

The district also hosted the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium, one of the programs of the Riyadh Art initiative, under the theme “The Poetics of Place.” It brought together twenty sculptors from various countries and included thirty workshops and panel discussions, with participation from local and international speakers, as well as more than four hundred students from different educational institutions

Contemporary Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition

JAX District also hosted the Contemporary Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition, launched by the Ministry of Culture on December 13, 2021. The exhibition was part of the Quality of Life Program, one of the initiatives supporting Saudi Vision 2030. It celebrated Arabic calligraphy and promoted its presence within the community. The exhibition included a calligraphy store and live demonstrations by professional calligraphers.

JAX Arts Festival

The Ministry of Culture also launched the JAX Arts Festival at the Diriyah Biennale headquarters in JAX District. The festival, which began on July 14, 2022, ran for ten days and featured a range of artistic works, activities, and programs with participation from local and international artists. The event was supported by the Quality of Life Program under Saudi Vision 2030.

Diriyah Art Oasis

Diriyah Art Oasis is described as the first museum dedicated to digital arts of its kind, offering programs and training tracks related to arts and modern technologies. It was designed by Italian architect Amedeo Ciaccherella and is located in the Bujairi District. The Oasis includes six art studios, workshop halls, training and educational classrooms, artists’ workspaces, a library, an art store, and facilities for young participants.

It offers various educational programs, including: Arts and Artificial Intelligence, graphic design, 3D modeling, animation, digital arts, photography, filmmaking, and sound arts, public engagement programs, exhibitions, digital art hackathons, and a New Media and Contemporary Art Research Center

Diriyah Art Oasis is one of the projects affiliated with the Diriyah development project. It also includes the establishment of five academies dedicated to specialties such as Arabic calligraphy, Islamic arts, Najdi architecture, mud-brick construction, Najdi culinary arts, theater, and Arabic music.

Museums in Diriyah

Diriyah is regarded as a cultural capital of Saudi Arabia and a major tourist destination. It includes several national museums that highlight Saudi Arabia’s history and culture spanning more than three hundred years. The museums also serve a research role, acting as references for those interested in documenting Diriyah’s history and culture.

One of the main museum areas is the historic At-Turaif District, which includes: "Diriyah Museum in Salwa Palace", presents the history of the First Saudi State, its governance and administrative features, through visual displays, photographs, models, and exhibits narrating the story of the palace during its time as the seat of government. "Social Life Museum", showcases the daily life, traditions, customs, and tools used by the people of Diriyah during the First Saudi State. The “Military Museum” displays the tools and weapons that were historically used by soldiers of the First Saudi State in battles and wars, and documents the story of the defense of Diriyah during its final days.

The “Arabian Horse Museum” introduces methods of horse care and breeding during the period of Diriyah’s growth and prosperity, as well as the locations that once served as horse stables in earlier times. Meanwhile, the “Trade and Finance Museum,” located in buildings that historically housed the treasury (Bayt Al-Mal), presents currencies, endowments, weights and measures, features of commerce, and the economic developments experienced by Diriyah.

There are also six additional museums affiliated with the Diriyah project that are currently being developed and prepared for opening: the Al Saud House Museum, the Saudi State and Arabian Peninsula Museum, the Journey of 100 Stories Museum, in addition to the Diriyah Art Center, the Digital Art Museum, and the Misk Heritage Museum.