* diriyah
Diriyah is located in the northern part of the Riyadh Governorate on the Arabian Peninsula, specifically northwest of Riyadh city, about 20 kilometers from the capital.
You can reach Diriyah from Riyadh in a very short time. Situated approximately 700 meters above sea level .Diriyah lies north of the cities of Al-Jubailah and Al-Uyaynah, east of Riyadh. west of Wadi Hanifah and the surrounding mountainous area, north of Al-Amariyah Road, and south of Irkah Center.
The city is connected to the Northern Governorate via Salbukh Road, which separates it from Riyadh. Its proximity makes it very easy to visit, so if you are in Riyadh, you can effortlessly explore this historical site and its surrounding areas.
History
The history of human settlement in Diriyah dates back to prehistoric times, as archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of a Stone Age settlement along the banks of Wadi Hanifa.
In more recent history, the city is believed to have been inhabited for over five centuries. Archaeologists suggest it was founded in 1446 by Mani’ al-Muraidi, an ancestor of the Al Saud ruling family.
The emirate was governed by his sons and grandsons until the reign of Imam Muhammad bin Saudi .who established the First Saudi State in 1727 and declared Diriyah its capital. The city remained the capital of the rulers of the First Saudi State until the re-establishment of the Saudi state.
Museum
If you visit the Diriyah Museum, you will first encounter an 18th-century palace. To learn more about the complete history of this region, you can explore the gallery. By visiting this museum, you will gain insight into the ancient history of Saudi Arabia.
You will also discover the story of the Saud family—the royal family of the country—and the tribes that lived in this region before the settlement of Diriyah in 1446. You will learn about how they lived and what their culture was like. You will also have the opportunity to view practical and household items from their ancient times.
The palace itself is a stunning example of the Najdi architecture unique to this region.
* diriyah gate development authority
Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is a company that works to showcase the historical sites and culture of the Diriyah region to the world. Established in July 2017 in the city of Diriyah, it is a celebration of its community and is located at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage.
The company was established to transform the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif into one of the world’s best gathering places. DGDA has transformed Diriyah into one of the region’s leading destinations for cultural knowledge sharing activities and international events, making it easy for tourists to visit.
We create rich experiences by telling the story of our history. We aspire to transform Diriyah into a global gathering place by instilling a sense of pride in Saudi Arabia . creating world-famous destinations and landmarks that will allow tourists to learn more about its ancient history and cultur
about the agency
The Saudi Arabian government established the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) as an official agency responsible for developing the Diriyah neighborhood located just outside the capital, Riyadh.
The DGDA project serves as a major tourism initiative designed to attract visitors from around the world.
Situated on the outskirts of Riyadh, the project centers around the historic heart of Diriyah and the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site—an iconic mud-brick city with roots dating back to the 15th century. At-Turaif, once the first capital of the ruling Saudi dynasty, attracts major cultural and historical interest.
Upon completion, the project will enable visitors to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich history .wandering through its palaces, traditional buildings, and cultural landmarks while learning about the legacy of past Saudi kings. However, DGDA’s broader vision includes more than just developing At-Turaif as a tourist destination.
Beyond historical restoration, DGDA commits to promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, enhancing tourism, and creating new employment opportunities for locals. Additionally, the project aims to establish a vibrant cultural hub that can host world-class entertainment and cultural events, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global heritage and tourism destination.
* diriyah hospital
This Hospital, officially known as Ad Diriyah Hospital (مستشفى الدرعية), serves as a state-of-the-art healthcare facility located in Diriyah, a suburb of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Health operates the hospital, which provides comprehensive medical services to the local community and surrounding areas.
The hospital received the name Ad Diriyah Hospital because of its location in the historically and culturally significant city of Diriyah.
It remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring continuous access to medical care. The facility is well-equipped to handle a wide range of medical conditions, offering both emergency and routine healthcare services.
Beyond medical care, the hospital actively participates in public health initiatives. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Diriyah became one of the first places in Saudi Arabia to establish free drive-through testing centers, showcasing the hospital’s commitment to community health.
Additionally, the hospital maintains a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, aiming to engage with the community and keep the public informed about its services and health-related updates.
Overall, Ad Diriyah Hospital plays a significant role in delivering healthcare services to the historically important Diriyah region, earning recognition for its contributions to the well-being of both residents and visitor
When I visited the city of Diriyah, I was very impressed by the local buildings, ancient artifacts, and clay pots. Seeing these gave me a clear idea of their ancient history.
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