Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's capital, a fast-changing desert city where the mud-brick Masmak Fortress, the National Museum, the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge and the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district in Diriyah sit within a short drive of each other.
Riyadh traces its roots to the oasis of Hajr and the mud-brick capital of Diriyah, where the first Saudi state began in 1727. Riyadh became the capital in 1824, was retaken at Masmak Fortress in 1902, and became the centre of the Kingdom founded in 1932. Today the National Museum, Masmak and At-Turaif present that story to visitors.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Riyadh.
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1
Diriyah becomes capital
Imam Muhammad bin Saud takes power at Diriyah, founding the first Saudi state.
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2
Alliance of Diriyah
Muhammad bin Saud and the scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab agree an alliance that shapes the first state.
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3
Fall of Diriyah
Ottoman-Egyptian forces under Ibrahim Pasha destroy Diriyah, ending the first Saudi state.
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4
Riyadh becomes capital
Imam Turki bin Abdullah re-establishes Saudi rule and makes Riyadh the capital of the second Saudi state.
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5
Masmak Fortress built
The fort is built in Riyadh and later serves as the Rashidi garrison.
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6
Riyadh retaken
Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud captures Masmak Fortress and regains Riyadh.
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7
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia declared
King Abdulaziz unifies his territories as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; the date is celebrated as National Day.
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8
Murabba Palace built
King Abdulaziz builds his residence outside the old city.
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9
King Abdulaziz Historical Center opens
The National Museum and heritage complex open to mark the centenary of the retaking of Riyadh.
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10
At-Turaif UNESCO listing
At-Turaif District in Diriyah is inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
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11
Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia announces Vision 2030, driving museum, heritage and tourism projects in Riyadh.
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12
Riyadh Metro opens
Riyadh Metro lines open in phases from late 2024.
Historical eras
The chapters of Riyadh's past.
Historical sites
Places where Riyadh's past comes alive.
At-Turaif District
The ruins of Diriyah, capital of the first Saudi state, destroyed in 1818 and now restored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where: Diriyah, north-west Riyadh
Admission: About SAR 50-100 (~$13.33-26.67); confirm at diriyah.sa
Salwa Palace
The largest palace of At-Turaif, home to the first Saudi state's rulers, with Najdi mud-brick courtyards and halls.
Where: Diriyah, north-west Riyadh
Admission: Included in the At-Turaif ticket, about SAR 50-100 (~$13.33-26.67)
Bujairi Quarter
The Najdi quarter across the wadi from At-Turaif, now a heritage walk with restaurants and lookouts.
Where: Diriyah, north-west Riyadh
Admission: Free to walk; fees apply for restaurants
Masmak Fortress
The mud-and-clay fort whose 1902 capture by King Abdulaziz began the unification of the Kingdom.
Where: Ad Dirah (old Riyadh)
Admission: Free
Murabba Palace
A mud-brick palace of 1936-37 turned museum, showing the King's council rooms and private quarters.
Where: Al Murabba, central Riyadh
Admission: About SAR 10-20 (~$2.67-5.33); confirm on site
King Abdulaziz Historical Center
The heritage complex built in 1999 around Murabba Palace to tell the story of the Kingdom's founding.
Where: Al Murabba, central Riyadh
Admission: Grounds free; museums about SAR 10-20 (~$2.67-5.33)
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Galleries covering Arabian prehistory, pre-Islamic kingdoms, the Prophet's mission, the two holy mosques and the Saudi states.
Where: Al Murabba, central Riyadh
Admission: About SAR 10 (~$2.67); confirm at the ticket desk
Souq Al Zal
The old souq of Riyadh, still selling antiques, carpets and daggers near Masmak.
Where: Ad Dirah (old Riyadh)
Admission: Free
Qasr Al Hokm (Justice Palace)
The mud-brick-styled administration building on Deera Square, viewed from the square.
Where: Ad Dirah (old Riyadh)
Admission: Free
Wadi Hanifah
The historic valley whose palm groves and springs supported the towns of central Najd for centuries.
Where: Diriyah and Riyadh
Admission: Free
Museums
Curated collections that tell Riyadh's story.
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.