Diriyah, Riyadh: The Birthplace of Saudi Arabia, a 300-Year-Old Quran and At-Turaif's Mud City
A guide to Diriyah from my visit: free entry at Bujairi Terrace, the At-Turaif mud city, a 300-year-old Quran, the Arabian Horse Museum's 9,000-year-old statue, a 200-year-old mosque with a women's prayer area, and the parking fee.
By Hafiz Tayyab · 26 October 2026 · 1 min read
300-year-old Quran
With the royal family tree beside it.
Arabian Horse Museum
A statue said to be 9,000 years old.
200-year-old mosque
With a separate prayer area for women, even then.
Ancient AC
Mud-brick walls and roof vents that keep homes cool.
If you only know Makkah and Madinah, Diriyah shows you a completely different Saudi Arabia. It's on the edge of Riyadh, and it's where the first Saudi state began, about 300 years ago.
Getting in: Bujairi Terrace
We came in through Bujairi Terrace, the modern dining and walking area facing the old city. Entry was free. Parking, though, isn't cheap; that's in the last video.
At-Turaif: the mud-brick city
Across the bridge is At-Turaif, the historic district:
- Mud-brick houses around 300 years old, in the Najdi style.
- Narrow streets that are now favourites for Instagram and TikTok videos.
- An ancient AC system: thick mud walls and roof vents that keep homes cool without electricity.
- Wooden roofs built without cement.
- A 300-year-old well.
Salwa Palace and the 300-year-old Quran
Inside the museum displays we saw a 300-year-old Quran, the Saudi royal family tree from the founders to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, old Saudi coins and cannonballs.
Arabian Horse Museum and Military Museum
- The Arabian Horse Museum has a horse statue said to be 9,000 years old.
- The Saudi Military Museum shows old swords, armour and guns, including a gold sword.
A 200-year-old mosque with a women's section
One of the most interesting things was a 200-year-old mosque with its courtyard, the imam's mihrab and a separate prayer area for women. Even 200 years ago, women came to the mosque here.
Tips
- Go late afternoon and stay for sunset at Bujairi.
- Wear comfortable shoes. It's a lot of walking on uneven ground.
- Budget for parking if you drive.
- Take a guide or read the panels. The displays are interactive and tell the story well.
Before Diriyah came the road trip from Jeddah. After it: AlUla's Elephant Rock and the night taxi to Madinah.
Watch the episodes
Inside 300 Years Old City of Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 | Diriyah Vlog | Hafiz Tayyab Vlogs
4 Mar 2026
Saudi Arabia Ka 3000 Saal Purana Shehar 😲 | Birthplace of Diriyah 🇸🇦
6 Mar 2026
200 Years Old Mosque 🕌 | Women's Prayer Area in Saudi Arabia | Hafiz Tayyab Vlogs
7 Mar 2026
Exploring 300 Years Old Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 | Diriyah Riyadh Vlog | Hafiz Tayyab
8 Mar 2026
300 Years Old Quran in Saudi Arabia! 📖🇸🇦 #Shorts
26 Feb 2026
9,000 Years Old Horse Statue Found! 🐎🤯 #Shorts
28 Feb 2026Questions people ask
Is entry to Diriyah free?
Hafiz Tayyab entered free at Bujairi Terrace. Some museums and areas may have their own tickets, and parking costs money.
What is At-Turaif?
The historic mud-brick district of Diriyah, where the first Saudi state was founded about 300 years ago. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What museums are in Diriyah?
On his visit: the Diriyah museum displays in At-Turaif, Salwa Palace, the Arabian Horse Museum and the Saudi Military Museum.
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