Riyadh's Evolution into a Premier Destination for Saudi Art

Over the past century, Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, has evolved into a significant global commercial hub. Today, art and architecture enthusiasts can explore remnants of the historic city alongside its artistic heritage, all while witnessing the impressive modernization that has transformed it into a bustling metropolis of nearly 8 million residents.

With the initiatives outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030 framework, particularly the Riyadh Art project, visitors to the city are now poised to immerse themselves in Arabic art and culture like never before.

A Legacy of Rich History

From the intricately designed minarets that call the faithful to prayer to the vibrant tapestries adorning the century-old stalls of the Souq Al-Zal, Riyadh boasts a rich and storied tradition of art and craftsmanship. In the northwest part of the city, the 15^th-century palaces of the At-Turaif District stand as remarkable examples of Najdi architecture, earning the area the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, the Masmak Fortress, a 19^th-century representation of that era’s unique adobe architecture, is a significant piece of Saudi architectural heritage.

Located on the site of the former Murabba Palace in the southern part of the city, the King Abdulaziz Historical Center serves as a bridge between history and modernity. Once the royal residence of Saudi Arabia’s first king, this structure was the first to be erected outside the old city walls. It has since become a key attraction for visitors to the rapidly growing capital. Today, the Historical Center houses various resources for those interested in Saudi heritage, including a public library, an auditorium, and the impressive Saudi National Museum.

Opened in 1999, the National Museum was designed to reflect the sweeping Red Sand Dunes surrounding the city, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of Arabic life from prehistoric times to today. Notable exhibits include dinosaur skeletons that once roamed the Arabian Peninsula, insights into daily life in the pre-Islamic period, and an extensive hall featuring models of Makkah, showcasing the contributions of founding King Abdulaziz to its development.

JAX: A Vision for the Future

While Jenadriyah focuses on Riyadh’s rich history, it’s just one of many festivals worth exploring. Recently, Riyadh Season has attracted major international acts like BTS, and the Noor Riyadh festival transforms the city into a massive art installation, featuring illuminating works by artists from over twenty countries.

Home to two of the city’s most exciting festivals, the JAX District symbolizes a new era in Riyadh’s development. Located to the west of At-Turaif and just outside the old city walls in the historic Diriyah neighborhood, JAX District is the creative hub of a $20 billion urban revitalization plan. It hosts the annual Saudi Design Festival each January and the inaugural Diriyah Biennale of contemporary art, which takes place from December to March.

The Diriyah Biennale, celebrated every other year, showcases Saudi art on a global platform, while the Diriyah Biennale Foundation engages the local community year-round with various events, workshops, and exhibitions featuring local artists. Additionally, the Islamic Arts Biennale is set to occur in Jeddah from January 23 to April 23, 2023.

Investing in the future

Riyadh's ambitions extend well beyond the confines of the JAX District. In the adjacent, mixed-use development known as Diriyah Gate, plans are underway to establish the Diriyah Art Oasis, the world’s first digital art center of its scale. Spanning a 10,000-square-meter area, this innovative space will include various studios and workspaces, along with an academy dedicated to new media, contemporary art research, machine learning, and more.

Traveling with companions

As Riyadh rapidly transforms, visitors stand to benefit greatly from the expertise of certified tour operators for deeper insights. For those eager to dive into the region's history, Alboraq presents various group travel options, including one-day tours highlighting the city center and week-long journeys across the Nadj region.

Travelers wanting to experience the city's modern culture with flair should reach out to Quintessentially for tailored private itineraries, concierge services, and more. Alternatively, for a comprehensive exploration of new attractions, Zahid Travel offers an all-inclusive tour package featuring visits to Saudi Arabia’s notable sites, from the ancient oasis of AlUla to Hail, the city that inspired the legendary tales of One Thousand and One Nights.