Riyadh between Najd Heritage and Desert Landscape

The Riyadh Region brings together historic Najd settlements and a striking landscape of rock formations and desert. In Shaqra and Ushaiger, the old towns, traditional architecture and cultural heritage take centre stage; the Ibex Protected Area and the Edge of the World reveal another side of the destination. For travellers, these are different ways to experience the region: one offers living cultural heritage, the other plateaus, canyons and a sheer cliff edge.

Old Towns and Traditional Architecture

Shaqra’s historic old town is a significant tourism and cultural heritage area in the Riyadh Region. Its historical importance and strategic location are as much a part of its character as its mosques, markets and houses, which represent the traditional urban landscape of Najd. Together, these features present Shaqra as a historic townscape, not just a collection of individual buildings.

The historic Al-Subaie House in Shaqra was built in 1327 AH, has 32 rooms and contains historical objects. Its construction date, number of rooms and collection give the house a distinct profile within Shaqra’s cultural heritage.

The heritage village of Ushaiger is one of the most visited destinations in the Riyadh Region and is known for its traditional architecture. In contrast to Shaqra’s old town, the focus here is specifically on the architecture of the heritage village; both places offer different points of interest for a culturally and historically focused trip.

Plateau, Wildlife and Desert Horizons

The Ibex Protected Area is a rugged plateau of the Tuwayq Escarpment, cut through by canyons and gullies. It is home to the largest population of Nubian ibex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The terrain and wildlife together shape the character of this protected area.

The Edge of the World is in the Riyadh Region, a high cliff edge overlooking an endless desert horizon. You can hike there and take in the landscape from the highest point. Unlike the historic sites, this destination combines a specific hiking activity with expansive views.

Culture or Nature as the Focus of Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can use the differences between culture and landscape as a starting point. Shaqra and Ushaiger offer old towns, traditional architecture and cultural heritage; the Ibex Protected Area and the Edge of the World offer plateaus, wildlife, cliff edges and hiking. Decide first which of these perspectives you want to shape your stay, and you can tailor your search for a holiday apartment in Riyadh more closely to your travel interests.

Saudi Arabia in a Broader Cultural Context

In the broader context of Saudi Arabia, Hegra and Al-Ahsa reveal other distinctive cultural landscapes. Hegra comprises 111 monumental tombs, 94 of which are decorated, as well as water wells; the tombs and monuments are carved directly into sandstone. The site lay on a trade route connecting the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean region and Asia. The Al-Ahsa Oasis comprises gardens, canals, springs, wells, historic buildings, urban structures and archaeological sites, as well as more than 2.5 million palm trees. Its traditional historic souks include Al-Qaysariyah in Al-Hofuf.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Shaqra, Al Majmaah, Kharj, Quai', Al Quwaiiyah, Al Hulwah, Al-Mikhlaf, Wadi Addawasir, Al Muzahimiyah, Afif, Hautat Sudair, Al Ulya, Rumah, Az Zulfi.

For the broader travel overview: Saudi Arabia.