Saudi Arabia was recently graced by the presence of Britain’s Prince William as he marked his official visit yesterday. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally guided Prince William through the At-Turaif District in Diriyah. Known as one of the Kingdom’s most important heritage sites, the visit blended history, diplomacy, and symbolism.
Saudi Crown Prince Gives Prince William A Historic Tour of Diriyah’s At-Turaif District
According to a report by Arab News, the tour formed part of Prince William’s first official visit to Saudi Arabia. It celebrated a key moment in cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Why At-Turaif Matters
At-Turaif District sits in the heart of Diriyah, just northwest of Riyadh. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the first Saudi state was born. It makes it one of the most meaningful locations in the Kingdom’s history.
Walking through At-Turaif means walking through the political, cultural, and architectural roots of modern Saudi Arabia.
Inside Salwa Palace
One of the highlights of the visit was the Salwa Palace, a site that once served as the centre of government during the first Saudi state. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman walked Prince William through the palace complex. It’s offering a close look at where early Saudi leadership lived and ruled.
The palace is a stark reminder of how Saudi governance began here, among Najdi architecture shaped by climate, culture, and necessity.
A Showcase of Najdi Architecture
Prince William’s tour focused heavily on the Najdi architectural style, a defining feature of At-Turaif. From thick walls, earth-toned materials, to thoughtful layouts designed for desert life remain visible throughout the district. The idea was to give Prince William an insight into how leadership spaces functioned long before the Kingdom’s modern era.
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A First Official Visit To The Kingdom
The Prince of Wales arrived in Riyadh on Monday evening for his first official visit to Saudi Arabia. Officials warmly welcomed him, including Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region.
British Ambassador to the Kingdom Stephen Hitchen also attended the visit, underscoring the diplomatic importance.
It was a moment of cultural exchange. By hosting Prince William at At-Turaif, Saudi Arabia placed its heritage front and centre.
For Prince William, the visit offered context. For Saudi Arabia, it reinforced the value of preserving history while engaging with the world.
Cover Image Courtesy: Saud Salman AlDossary/X