Places to Visit in The Riyadh Region

Riyadh grew from a small village back in the seventeenth century to the contemporary metropolitan city with millions of dwellers that it is today. The city was established in the Yamamah regions along with the old Hajr city ruins. Hajr at the time was the heart of the caravan trade route of the Arabian Peninsula. Neighboring the region were valleys, palm groves, wells, and green surroundings which enhanced water availability and land fertility. Consequently, people began to farm a variety of crops. These resources and activities spearheaded the establishment and growth of Riyadh.

In 2000, UNESCO chose Riyadh as the Arab world’s heritage capital. Life in Riyadh is mostly concentrated around its mosques and shopping centers. The souks attract a huge number of people and offer a true glimpse of the hustle and bustle of the cities of Riyad province.  

The King Abdulaziz Historical Center (National Museum) showcases cultural works such as documents of the past. Al-Jinadiriyyah is a festival that is held in February, every year in Riyadh and is considered one of the largest cultural heritage events of its kind in the Arab world. The festival is meant to showcase the rich heritage and culture of present and past Saudi Arabia. During the event, they offer heritage shows, shopping, exhibitions, and camel races that often attract a large group of participants and visitors globally.

Another fun activity that this region offers is Fossil Hunting. Some of the fossils date over twenty million years old. It is believed that these fossils were discovered along the escarpments of the Tuwaiq Mountains. Musayqirah Petroglyphs is another attraction site situated close to 110 kilometers drive from the city. Petroglyphs are prehistoric rock arts that provide interesting information regarding the lives of the people of that time.

You should also visit the Heet Cave and the 'Edge of the world'. Saudi Arabia is a country blessed with some of the rarest wild caves. The Heet Cave has an underground lake in its bottom chambers. About 96 km northwest of Riyadh also lies the 'Edge of the world'. The beautiful sceneries of the cliffs and plains of this area are meant to be seen and experienced first hand.