Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Al-Murabba Palace is a testament to the history and cultural heritage of the Kingdom. This magnificent palace, also known as Qasr Al-Murabba, invites us to explore the royal life of that era.
King Abdulaziz Al Saud historical center
Located in the Al-Murabba district, in the center of Riyadh, its size is impressive—over 440,000 m²! The majority is occupied by gardens. Despite the vast space, I took the time to walk around Al-Murabba Palace. On that day, the temperature reached 44 degrees—a real oven! That’s why I didn’t spend too much time outside.
I didn’t really know what to expect. It was only upon arrival that I realized that, while being one of the central monuments, the palace was just one among many others. The historic center includes several elements: a public park, the National Museum, the headquarters of Antiquities and Museums, Al-Murabba Palace, an auditorium, a library, and a mosque.
It was on the occasion of the centenary of the Kingdom’s founding by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that the Historical Center was established on January 23, 1999. Since then, it has become one of the most important cultural and heritage landmarks in Riyadh.
Notable elements:
- The water tower, Burj al-Khazzaan, visible from the historical centre, is iconic as it symbolises the rapid urban development of Saudi Arabia during the 1960s and 70s.
- The old water well, restored to commemorate the site’s history. Water flows from it into a stream that runs through the central square.
Public park
The majority of the area in the centre is occupied by parks. The buildings blend harmoniously with the surrounding greenery.
National museum
Located on the east side of the main square, the National Museum is a modern two-storey building. It hosts both temporary and permanent exhibitions.
Darat Al-Malik Abdulaziz
Located to the west of the main Maydan (square) of the Centre, Darah (the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives) is one of the key elements of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre. It is a large building that was constructed on the site of King Abdulaziz’s former residential palace.
I was alone, and I didn’t find the main entrance right away. An employee who had just finished a meeting walked me to the Marhaba Palace Museum. I first visited the galleries before entering the palace itself.
I was literally the only visitor on the entire site. So, I took my time exploring all the rooms and immersing myself in the history of Al-Murabba Palace. It was still 44 degrees, so it was impossible to stay outside for too long. The museum itself is interesting, but it’s the palace that’s truly magnificent. Its façade, in the traditional Najdi style, is particularly beautiful. It’s characterised by its mud-brick walls, similar to some of the buildings outside.
Exploring the Al Murabba Palace
Al-Murabba Palace is the most historically significant building in the Centre. King Abdulaziz Al Saud ordered the construction of a palace complex outside Riyadh, on the lands of Al-Murabba, to serve as the residential palace for his family. It consisted of residential palaces, service buildings, and the Diwan, the hall where the king received dignitaries, foreign heads of state, and his advisors to discuss the affairs of the kingdom. After 10 years of construction, the king moved in with his family in 1939.
When visiting Al-Murabba Palace, its unique design is immediately noticeable. The palace is built around an inner courtyard with a palm tree, a national symbol representing prosperity. The palace has 32 rooms spread over two floors.
On the ground floor, the palace consists of 16 rooms designated for the royal cabinet, as well as for assistants and servants. The first floor features two halls: the larger one, with green porticos visible from the outside, was reserved for receiving the king’s visitors.
Al-Murabba Palace is a true window into the history of Riyadh. Its rooms are filled with the king’s personal belongings, his clothing, as well as photos showing him with his children and various world leaders. Inside, the palace showcases diverse collections of artefacts, illustrating Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, from ancient relics to well-preserved pieces.
Palace architecture
Despite its simple architecture, the palace is very photogenic. It was built in the Najdi style, characterised by its mud-brick walls mixed with straw. In the halls, the ceilings are made from local wood, complemented by palm leaves and fronds. Like Diriyah and the traditional village of Ushaiger, this historic monument has undergone restoration work that has preserved its traditional style. This type of architecture is typical of the central region of Saudi Arabia.
Al-Murabba Palace Museum
The museum displays various memorabilia of the kings and their families, including clothing, photographs, and artisanal objects from the period. The museum also showcases personal items belonging to King Abdulaziz Al Saud, including his collection of cars, notably the Rolls Royce gifted to him by Winston Churchill.
Visiting Al-Murabba Palace: practical information
Duration of the visit
Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours. During cooler periods, the surroundings of the palace are very pleasant with all the greenery. In the summer, it’s more challenging, and I think 45 minutes is enough to explore the palace.
Admission fees
You don’t need tickets to enter. Admission is free in both winter and summer.
Opening hours:
- Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday to Thursday: 9 AM to 8 PM
- Friday: 5 PM to 8 PM
Best time to visit:
All year round, except in July and August, when the heat is truly oppressive. This will allow you to avoid the crowds, but it will be difficult to fully enjoy the gardens and the historic centre.
Adress
In arabic: قصر المربع التاريخي, 2722 الملك سعود، المربع،, Riyadh 12631, Saudi Arabia
Don’t miss visiting this jewel of Saudi heritage on your next trip to Riyadh! Near Al-Murabba Palace is another tourist site: Al-Masmak Palace, also known as Al-Masmak Fortress. It is located near Deera Square, where the Grand Mosque of Riyadh is situated.
