With the rich past of the Kingdom showcased through over 400 storytelling pictorial presentations, Nabd AlRiyadh truly lives to what it means, which is the pulse of the capital. One of the 14 zones in the Riyadh Zone Nabd AlRiyadh offers a visually enhanced journey to explore the history, heritage, and culture of Saudi Arabia.
Free to access, this zone has been a popular feature of Riyadh Season, but this year, it has been given an extra dash of music and shows from all around the world to complement the Saudi folklore and keep the visitors entertained.
Get a glimpse of each Saudi region through its culture and art while you take a historical trip through the Kingdom.
Step back in time with Al Masmak Palace
While Riyadh is a modern metropolis, complete with soaring skyscrapers and a 99-story-high sky bridge, you’ll also discover the 150-year-old Al Masmak Fortress in the heart of the old section.
A vast clay and mud-brick fortress that bore witness to the birth of a kingdom, Al Masmak, the word a high, strong, and thick building, is a proud reminder of Saudi Arabia’s layered history. Constructed in 1865, the fortress has served a multitude of purposes. In 1902, King Abdulaziz seized the fortress and took control of Riyadh, his familial home. From this fortress, Abdulaziz Al Saud captured and unified the different kingdoms and provinces that make up the Saudi nation that we know today. Today, the refurbished building is a museum, a popular tourist site during the Riyadh season for those wanting to discover Saudi Arabia’s roots.
An immersive cultural experience
At Nabd Al Riyadh you can visually explore patriotic stories that take you back to the past, introduce you to the traditions of the country’s fathers and ancestors, and narrates how King Abdulaziz claimed the city of Riyadh a century ago, and how the country exerted its power and influence in the region and the world.
If you are an art and culture champion, there are many shows that will interest you. Be prepared to be blown away by 3D presentations featuring a hawk roaming above all Saudi regions, as well as musical performances, and decorations that symbolize each Saudi region. You can spot aesthetic designs under the theme Nabd Al-Riyadh all over the zone. Explore shows displaying diverse popular costumes from Saudi Arabia and the world.
Don’t miss out on the events at Nabd Al-Riyadh that include the Safat Square where you can enjoy sand painting, Rubik’s square painting, ‘3D’ street art, glitter art, and theatrical and musical performances. Along the way, be at The Al-Masmak Square area where you can witness artistic, theatrical, and interactive performances. Did you know that the Nabd Al-Riyadh theatre has featured over 30 Saudi and international bands, orchestras, and singers? From the land of Najd, where you can discover all kinds of arts from every Saudi region along with entertainment and musical events, and various international and local performances.
If you want to pause and step back into the past, then visit the AlDahou street and explore a time when houses were made of mud and streets were the main playground for children to play. Time stands still here as you soak up the platter of culture and heritage on offer.
Try out the local cuisine scene
A visit to any zone in the Riyadh Season is incomplete without indulging your taste buds. At Nabd Al-Riyadh, you can experience the Saudi cuisine at its finest. Here, enjoy intricate flavours and lively local and international tunes as you travel from the East to the West, North to the South of the Kingdom, and enjoy intricate flavours and vibrant local and international tunes. Want to catch a breath and relax? Visit Safat Cafe, a historic coffee shop with a contemporary twist where you can order a cup of local java and nibble on traditional sweets. But, if you want to continue to revel in the Saudi culture, stop at Rouchen, a modern restaurant influenced by Saudi heritage and rare antiques, where this fusion creates an unforgettable experience to cherish.
For art and culture connoisseurs, Nabd Al-Riyadh is a must-visit while visiting the Riyadh season. Don’t forget to brush up on your knowledge of Saudi history and culture for a fulfilling trip.
