Tourists throng urban heritage sites

Hundreds of residents and expatriates in Riyadh and its suburbs visited areas of historical importance in the Kingdom’s capital on the occasion of the 83rd National Day.
Riyadh is host to a number of heritage sites reflecting the country’s extensive history.
Massive efforts were made by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) to promote tourism in the region.
The SCTA implemented major restoration projects of prominent heritage sites under the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), which has created huge demand for city tour operators.
Nasser Al-Sulaiman, a Ministry of Health supervisor at King Khalid International Airport, said: “I planned an educational trip with my family to national heritage sites to mark the occasion.”
Haya Tours, a licensed tour operator in Riyadh, conducted trips for local residents and foreigners to different tourist destinations in the Kingdom. The tour operator embarks on the “Riyadh City Tour” between 4:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
“The tour is packed with participants interested in learning about Saudi Arabia’s diverse culture and architectural bounties,” said Salwa Hamad Al-Qunaibit Haya, tour operations manager.
“This year, we took tourists to residential palaces belonging to King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.”
One of the city’s major attractions is the Qasr Al-Hoqm district, an important historical landmark in the capital that includes the 19th century Al-Masmak fort, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque and the “Qasr Al-Hoqm,” or the Governorate Palace.
Many found it interesting to witness reconstructed old city walls at the Al-Dukhana and Al-Thumairi Gate intersecting the Ad-Dirah Souk known for commercial markets and traditional buildings famous for gold market, carpets, “oud” Arabian incense and antiques in the Qasr Al-Hoqm district.
In addition, the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center, which contains the King Abdulaziz Memorial Hall, the Murabba Palace and the 100-palm park below the water tower along King Saud Street and in which the Riyadh Municipality exhibited various cultural shows, was also visited by many.
People also showed a keen interest in the National Museum that includes eight galleries packed with information on ancient culture, artifacts and photos of King Abdul Aziz.
The old Dirrayah, the capital of Saudi Arabia between 1744-1818, is currently being renovated to restore the old wall and the national flag circle in the historical district.
“I have visited the places many times before, but revisiting the fascinating Qasr Al-Hoqm district and the King Abdulaziz historical center and other tourist destinations in a group that shares similar interests in the Kingdom’s glorious past was an exciting way to celebrate,” says Aaliah Al-Aali, graphic designer with besaudi.com
Aaliah said: “The government has invested a great deal to uplift and restore our country’s golden past, but there is a need for organized promotional and awareness programs to reach remote villages in Saudi Arabia.”