On my first trip to Saudi Arabia in 2023, I was traveling solo — and, I’ll admit, not as well prepared as I should have been. So I decided to ease into the experience by focusing on places close to Riyadh. As a city person, I always feel most at home where there’s energy, movement, and plenty to explore.
From there, my journey unfolded in surprising ways. I wandered through Diriyah, the historic birthplace of Saudi Arabia, where restored mud-brick architecture tells the story of the kingdom’s beginnings. I spent an evening at Boulevard World, a lively theme park that lets you “travel” across different cultures in just a few steps. And I stood in awe at the Edge of the World, a dramatic stretch of cliffs and rock formations that made me feel as though the desert went on forever.
It was the perfect mix of history, modern life, and raw natural scenery — and an unforgettable first introduction to the country.
Diriyah – the birthplace of Saudi Arabia,
Diriyah – the birthplace of Saudia Arabia
Entering the site, the first view is striking. Clusters of mud-brick structures rise gently on small hills, framed by palm groves that give the whole place a quiet, pastoral feel. Diriyah is made up almost entirely of these traditional earthen buildings. The ruins are spread across three historic districts — Ghussaibah, Al-Mulaybeed, and Turaif — each perched on hills overlooking the valley below.
Diriyah – the birthplace of Saudia Arabia
A bit of history?
Diriyah was the original home of the House of Saud and the capital of the First Saudi State (the Emirate of Diriyah) from 1727 until 1818. Its influence grew rapidly — especially after the Saudi forces extended control over the holy cities of Mecca and Medina — which alarmed the Ottoman Empire, then the leading Islamic power.
In 1818, an Ottoman-Egyptian army laid siege to Diriyah for nearly a year. When the city finally capitulated, the invading commander ordered it destroyed. Much of Diriyah was burned, and many of its inhabitants relocated to the nearby settlement that would later become Riyadh.
Some restoration work took place during the 1980s and 1990s, and in 2010 Diriyah was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Major conservation and development only truly accelerated after 2019, revealing more of the site and opening it up to visitors in a thoughtful way.
Diriyah – the birthplace of Saudia Arabia
Diriyah – the birthplace of Saudia Arabia
These two young ladies were quite funny and attracted a lot of attention
Edge of the World
The cliffs sit well outside the city, so going with a tour made the most sense. I actually found it through an ad at my hotel, sent a quick email, and suddenly I had plans for the next day. We met at a Dunkin’ Donuts on the edge of Riyadh — not exactly what I pictured as the start of a desert adventure!
Back then, I was a bit nervous crossing the city, especially since the metro hadn’t opened yet. Now the new Riyadh metro makes getting around incredibly simple.
Edge of the World
Edge of the World
Edge of the World
Joining the tour was also a great way to meet other travelers — until then, I hadn’t seen a single tourist in Riyadh. After climbing across the dramatic cliffs, we were welcomed at a Bedouin tent for tea, a simple but memorable gesture. The cloudless sky stretched endlessly above, and the constellations were so sharp and clear that there was no room for guessing — the desert had its own way of showing the universe.
Toilet in Pitch dark desert
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZx7g8-8b48
Boulevard World – diving into foreign countries while in Riyadh
Want to see the world without actually traveling far? That’s the idea behind Boulevard World, a high-end theme park featuring the world’s largest man-made lagoon, covering approximately 12 hectares.
I had the privilege of visiting the first Boulevard World in 2023, just a year after it opened. The park is very family-oriented, but I also noticed many small groups of friends enjoying the attractions. It’s also one of the few places in Riyadh where dress codes are even more relaxed than they have been since 2019, making it feel a little freer and more cosmopolitan than the rest of the city.
Chinese Gate with Syrian tea seller in front
Egypt
Gigantic lagoon surounded by China, Italy and Pakistan
Marocco
Another ambitious project is Qiddiya City, a massive entertainment hub spanning hundreds of square kilometers, dedicated to games, sports, culture, and leisure. My Taxis driver raved about it, I did not visit.
Both Qiddiya and Boulevard World are part of Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s plan to become a global entertainment destination and diversify its economy beyond oil. Visiting these projects offers a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s bold ambitions for the future.
https://qiddiya.com/qiddiya-city/
https://qiddiya.com/qiddiya-city/
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