Declared a UNESCO World Site heritage in 2010, the ruins of the town of Dir'iyah - also spelled 'Ad Diriyah' - were built in 1466 by an Al-Saud clan ruler. Dir'iyah was the first capital city and the seat of power of the Saud dynasty from 1744 to 1818. The ruins include the ancient clan palaces made of mud brick, an ancient Wahhabi mosque, the city wall and urban constructions.
The oasis town of Dir'iyah is situated within the Turaif District within the valley of Wadi Hanifa in Riyadh. The area is known to have been inhabited 80,000 years ago, with rock carvings and various stone artifacts discovered in the area.
Today, with the growth of the capital city, the gates of Dir'iyah lie at the north-western periphery of Riyadh. Entry to the site is free.
Photo credit (above): Blue Abaya Photography
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Discover the ancient and powerful civilizations of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms on a guided bus trip to the ruins of Dadan and Jabal Ikmah. Enjoy optional pickup from your hotel in Al-Ula.
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, home to several rock-carved tombs. Learn about the culture and history of this extraordinary place and its people on a guided trip leaving from AlUla.
Discover highlights of AlUla on a guided tour. Visit the archeological site, Hegra, and the famous Hijaz Railway station. See the incredible Elephant Rock, ancient Dadan, and the Jabel Ikmah mountain.
Explore the Edge of the World and walk an old camel trail on a guided tour in Riyadh. Discover dramatic cliffs and ancient architecture, and learn about local culture.
Discover historic Riyadh on a full-day tour with hotel pickup and drop-off. See The National Museum and Park, Hall of King Abdulaziz, Murraba Palace, Dira Souq, Al Masmak, and Al Rajhi Mosque.
Relax and refresh before your departure or in-between flights with premium lounge access at Jeddah Airport. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and the relaxing environment before your next flight.
Enjoy your tour through the main landmarks of Old Jeddah. See the Old Market and galleries, and gasp at the architecture of Beit Nassif and the Ukash Mosque.
Explore Al Madinah on an open-top tour bus with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket. Travel along 2 different routes with 12 stops in total, including Al Salam Gate, Al Qiblatain Mosque, and Quba Mosque.
Discover the ancient and modern highlights of Riyadh on an all-day bus trip with lunch included. Visit landmarks in Saudi Arabia's capital like the National Museum and Kingdom Tower.
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