Riyadh

Al-Rajhi Grand Mosque stands as one of the largest places of worship in Riyadh. Its vast prayer halls can accommodate over 20,500 worshippers, and the complex functions as a comprehensive Islamic centre with libraries and educational facilities. While entry is reserved for Muslims, the impressive exterior architecture, particularly striking when illuminated after dark, makes it a notable city landmark. The mosque's scale and community role underscore its significant position within the capital's religious and cultural landscape.

Deera Square is a central public space known by several names, including Alsafat, Justice Square, and colloquially as 'Chop-Chop Square', a reference to its former role as a site for public executions. Today, that macabre past stands in stark contrast to its present function. The square has been transformed into a vast, open area with landscaped greenery, benches and cafés. By afternoon and evening, it becomes a lively social hub where locals gather, creating a relaxed and communal atmosphere far removed from its historical notoriety.

The Edge of the World, known locally as Jebel Fihrayn, is a dramatic 1,131-metre-high escarpment marking the end of the Tuwaig Mountain range approximately 100 kilometres northwest of Riyadh. The name derives from the breathtaking panorama from the cliff's edge, where the vast, flat desert stretches to the horizon. Reaching the site requires a 4x4 vehicle and careful preparation, as the final stretch involves rugged, unmarked desert tracks with no services or reliable mobile signal. The challenging access is rewarded with stark, magnificent views, fossil-strewn terrain, and exceptional stargazing, best experienced at sunset when the cliffs glow in the warm evening light.

Ushaiqer Heritage Village, located approximately 200 kilometres northwest of Riyadh, offers a journey into the architectural and cultural history of the Najd region. This labyrinthine settlement of ochre-coloured mud-brick houses, some dating back centuries, was once a vital stop for pilgrims. Its narrow, shaded alleys wind between traditional dwellings, many featuring distinctive triangular windows and carved wooden doors. While some buildings have been restored, others stand in a state of arrested decay, creating an atmospheric exploration of a bygone era. The site also includes a small museum displaying local artefacts, providing context to the evocative surroundings.

Al-Murabba Palace offers a direct insight into the life of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. Built just outside old Riyadh's walls, this square, mud-brick complex served as his official residence and the seat of government from 1938. Its design, centred around a large internal courtyard, reflects both traditional Najdi architecture and the need for privacy and security. The palace's 32 rooms, now a museum, display personal effects, historical photographs, and administrative offices, providing a tangible connection to a pivotal era in the nation's history.

The Old Camel Market, situated approximately 30 kilometres north of Riyadh, is one of the largest such trading grounds on the Arabian Peninsula. This sprawling, dusty arena offers a direct encounter with an enduring tradition, where Bedouin traders assess, present and haggle over hundreds of dromedaries. The atmosphere is immersive and unfiltered, defined by the din of negotiation and the distinct, earthy scent of the animals. While the trading continues throughout the day, the activity peaks in the late afternoon. It is advisable to confirm its current location before visiting, as urban development has prompted relocations in the past.

A night in the desert reveals a landscape transformed. The intense silence and profound darkness that follow sunset give way to a celestial display, with the Milky Way arching vividly across the sky. This experience often begins with the thrill of dune bashing at dusk, followed by the tranquillity of a traditional camp. Here, the evening is spent around a fire, enjoying aromatic coffee and sweet dates, perhaps accompanied by the gentle bubbling of a shisha pipe. It is a stark, beautiful contrast to the daytime heat and a chance to comprehend the vast, empty spaces that have shaped Bedouin culture for millennia.

Al-Faisaliya Tower is a landmark of modern Riyadh, recognised as the kingdom's first skyscraper. Its distinctive pyramid-like form, crowned with a glass globe, punctuates the Olaya district skyline. The primary draw is the observation deck, which provides a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the city's expansive urban grid. The complex at its base houses a refined shopping mall, known for its selection of luxury brands and calm, spacious corridors. While the city now has taller structures, the tower remains a significant architectural pioneer, offering a classic perspective on Riyadh's dramatic growth.