Walking in the footsteps of the Saudi founding fathers at Salwa Palace

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An image taken by George Rendel on his visit to Diriyah in 1937. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 September 2021
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Walking in the footsteps of the Saudi founding fathers at Salwa Palace

  • This treasure trove of history offers a glimpse into the daily lives of leaders centuries ago, along with the decisions and achievements that paved the way for the modern-day Kingdom
  • Home of Mohammed ibn Saud, founder of the first Saudi state, it was known as ‘the ruling palace’ because leaders gathered there to discuss business, politics, and social events

RIYADH: If the walls of Salwa Palace could speak, what a thrilling tale of secrets, integrity and valor they could tell.

Exploring the narrow hallways of what was once home to the Kingdom’s early leaders, who paved the way for modern-day Saudi Arabia, is like wandering through a maze of historic wonders.

The palace is not only a part of the historic At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage site in Diriyah, it is also a symbol of the enduring spirit and culture of the people of Saudi Arabia.

Part of the defenses that protected the first Saudi state from a 193-day attack by the Ottoman army in 1818, the palace continues to stands tall. While the walls were battered by the assault, many parts remained intact and their resilience came to be seen as a reflection of the spirit of the Saudi people.

The Arabic word “salwa” translates as “joy and comfort.” Visitors get a sense of why this is such an appropriate name for the palace as they are engulfed with a sense of peace and serenity as they walk through its different sections.

Salwa was the home of Mohammed ibn Saud, considered the founder of the first Saudi state. It was referred to as the ruling palace because it is where state leaders gathered to discuss business, politics, and social events — essentially the administrative hub of the time.

Built in 1776 by Imam Abdulaziz ibn Mohammed ibn Saud, the palace remains the largest standing structure in Diriyah. It covers an area of 10,000 square meters and includes seven sections, including a reception area, majlis, administrative units, a school, a mosque and a public meeting space.

During the palace’s heyday, guests were greeted in the reception area before being taken to the majlis or the mukhtasar, depending on the nature of the meeting. A very exclusive part of the palace, the mukhtasar is where private issues were addressed by the leaders of the Kingdom. Only the imam and his councilors were permitted to enter this room to discuss and resolve the important matters that arose.

The private school within the palace is where the members of the royal family were tutored in Islamic subjects, mathematics and the Qur’an. When Diriyah opens to the public, visitors can see the remains of the original pillars, which are all that remain the school building.

However, many historical treasures and artifacts have survived that offer insights into the daily lives of Saudis hundreds of years ago. A well, for example, where people could drink and perform ablutions before prayer, is almost untouched.

The palace was built from stone, mud-bricks and straw. Wood from tamarisk trees served as the foundations to support doors and walls. The mud-bricks were made from a mixture of mud and silt that was poured into a 20cm-by-40cm wooden frame, pressed and then laid out in the sun to dry. The bricks were layered, one by one to create the walls of the palace.

History is etched in every detail of its construction. The personal touches of the workers who built the structures, including unique variations in the alignment of the mud-bricks, transport visitors back in time to the days of the forebears of modern-day Saudis. As such it is an enduring representation of the heart and soul of the Kingdom through the ages.

Salwa Palace serves as an important symbol of the country’s history, heritage and culture. Walking through its narrow pathways in the footsteps of leaders from centuries ago, visitors cannot help but feel a sense of empowerment, pride and honor, knowing that this was where the fates aligned and decisions and achievements were made that paved the way for the modern nation the world knows today.

Diriyah, past, present and future
On Saudi Arabia’s 91st National Day, the birthplace of the Kingdom continues to make history

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Ministry of Tourism inspects hospitality facilities ahead of Hajj

Saudi Arabia’s tourism ministry conducted an inspection of Hajj hospitality facilities. (SPA)
Updated 6 sec ago
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Ministry of Tourism inspects hospitality facilities ahead of Hajj

  • Al-Mazyad is assessing whether preparations and procedures of multiple hospitality establishments are following the tourism law and its executive regulations

RIYADH: Deputy Minister of Licensing and Classification at the Ministry of Tourism Abdulmuhsen Al-Mazyad has been conducting field tours of hospitality facilities in Makkah to ensure readiness for receiving pilgrims during the Hajj season.

Al-Mazyad is assessing whether preparations and procedures of multiple hospitality establishments are following the tourism law and its executive regulations.

The deputy minister is especially concerned about whether these establishments have obtained the proper operational licensing from the Ministry of Tourism.

As part of its efforts to grow sustainable partnerships with the tourism sector, the ministry’s delegation has also sat with hospitality investors and operators at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce.

Enhancing the quality of service in Makkah and the rest of the Kingdom, managing hardships faced by investors and operators, and the ministry’s commitment to combating those hardships, have all been discussed during the meetings.


Thunderstorms expected across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Updated 47 sec ago
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Thunderstorms expected across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

  • Makkah province is expected to see moderate to heavy rainfall with potential flash floods, hail, and dust-stirring winds
  • Riyadh province will also experience light to moderate rainfall, flash floods, hail, and dust-stirring winds

RIYADH: Thunderstorms are expected across most of Saudi Arabia throughout the weekend until Sunday, according to the General Directorate of Civil Defense.
Makkah province is expected to see moderate to heavy rainfall with potential flash floods, hail, and dust-stirring winds, affecting areas like Taif, Maysan, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Al-Khurmah and Ranyah.
Riyadh province will also experience light to moderate rainfall, flash floods, hail, and dust-stirring winds, affecting areas including Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Quwayiyah, and Shaqra.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, and Madinah regions, with moderate rain in Hail and light to moderate rain in Najran and Qassim.
The directorate advised caution, avoiding flood-prone areas such as valleys, and refraining from swimming in them.
It also encouraged staying informed about the latest weather updates through official media channels and social media platforms.


Saudi crown prince meets Palestinian vice president

Updated 38 min 39 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince meets Palestinian vice president

  • The meeting focused on the latest developments in Palestine

The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, received on Thursday Vice President of Palestine, Hussein al-Sheikh, at his office in al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

The meeting focused on the latest developments in Palestine and explored ways to strengthen joint efforts in support of the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people.

The reception was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

From the Palestinian side, attendees included Diplomatic Advisor to the Palestinian President Majdi al-Khalidi, President of the General Authority of Civil Affairs Mr. Ayman Qandil, and Head of the Vice President's Office Ms. Aya Muhaisen.


Jeddah public transport network expands with new buses and routes

Saleh bin Ali Al-Turki, Mayor of Jeddah and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jeddah Transport Company, and Dr. Rumaih Al-Ru
Updated 08 May 2025
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Jeddah public transport network expands with new buses and routes

  • New fleet includes fully electric models and improved accessibility
  • Six new routes expand network reach

JEDDAH: In a major stride toward transforming urban mobility, Jeddah has officially launched the new phase of its public transport system.

The expansion includes 91 new buses with three fully electric models, and six new bus routes. All the vehicles feature improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities.  

The new fleet was unveiled in a ceremony on Wednesday under the supervision of the Jeddah Transport Company in partnership with the Saudi Public Transport Company.

Reflecting on the upgrade, Youssef bin Nasser Al-Sayegh, CEO of JTC, said: “Our focus is not just on movement, but on intelligent movement. We plan to leverage data and analytics from the new GPS and dashboard systems to continually improve long-term operational efficiency and deliver a more seamless passenger experience.

“This includes improving route synchronization, adjusting timetables, and reducing unnecessary stops to enhance efficiency and increase the punctuality of bus arrivals.”

The new technology is being used to analyze trip durations, delays and passenger counts in real time.

By collecting and studying long-term data on passenger movement, peak hours, and high-demand areas, JTC hopes to improve services by refining routes.

The network expansion has increased the number of routes from six to 14, providing better access to the city.

There now more than 80 stops and 117 air-conditioned stations, with buses operating daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tickets are priced at SAR 3.45 per trip (including VAT), with daily, weekly, and monthly subscription options available.

“This launch is not just about numbers, it’s about building confidence in public transportation,” said Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, managing director and CEO of SAPTCO.

Passengers can now use the official Jeddah Buses mobile application to buy tickets and plan journeys.

Looking to the future, Al-Sayegh shared a broader vision beyond 2028.

He said: “We’re actively designing a public transport system that not only includes comprehensive bus routes but also introduces new modes, like the marine taxi, to enhance connectivity and make the most of Jeddah’s coastal geography.

“As part of our five-year roadmap, we plan to expand coverage further into Jeddah’s suburbs and northern areas, connecting key neighborhoods and alleviating pressure on high-traffic corridors.

“These developments will ensure that every resident, no matter where they live, has convenient access to sustainable transport,” he added.

The marine taxi initiative, which recently began a pilot phase, presents a novel approach to alleviating road congestion by using the Red Sea as an alternative transit route.

The sea taxi service is already up and running, connecting major locations like the Jeddah Yacht Club, Historic Jeddah district, and will soon begin operations in the Sharm Obhur district.

“This project is just the beginning; our goal is to expand the routes and enhance the city’s connectivity along the waterfront,” he said.

Al-Sayegh emphasized the project’s long-term impact: “In the future, we plan to develop 20 state-of-the-art water taxi stations that will handle up to 29,000 passengers daily, further reducing congestion and promoting maritime tourism.

“This project is not just about improving transport; it’s also about enhancing the overall experience for residents, visitors, and tourists, aligning with the Kingdom’s vision to modernize infrastructure and provide modern transportation solutions.

 “Our integrated approach looks at how buses, future rail solutions, and maritime options can all work in sync. This is a foundation for a forward-thinking urban transport system, one that evolves with the city and its people.”

Ceremony attendees were given a tour of the control room at the event, where they watched live feeds from bus stations and marine taxis, showing how the system is operated and monitored in real time.


Saudi Arabia issues royal decrees reshuffling key government posts

Updated 08 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia issues royal decrees reshuffling key government posts

King Salman issued a series of royal orders on Thursday announcing key changes in government positions.

Among the key decisions, Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz al-Saud was relieved of his post as Governor of Jazan Region. He will be succeeded by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz  al-Saud, who has been appointed with the rank of minister.

Other appointments include: 

Prince Bandar bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz al-Saud is appointed Advisor at the Royal Court, with the rank of Excellent.

Prince Nasser bin Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Jalawi al-Saud is appointed Deputy Governor of Jazan Region, with the rank of Excellent.

Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Faisal bin Saad al-Saud has been relieved of his membership in the Shura Council and appointed Deputy Governor of Al-Qassim Region, with the rank of Excellent.

Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf al-Muqrin, Special Advisor to the King, is assigned to act as Deputy Minister of Interior.

Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz al-Daoud has been relieved of his post as Deputy Minister of Interior and appointed Deputy Minister of the National Guard, with the rank of Minister.

Mr. Fahd bin Abdullah al-Askar is appointed Deputy Chief of the Royal Court, with the rank of Minister.

Mr. Tamim bin Abdulaziz al-Salem is appointed Deputy Private Secretary to the King, with the rank of Minister.

Dr. Mohammed bin Saud bin Musa al-Tamimi has been relieved of his position as Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission and appointed as Governor of the National Emergency Management Authority, with the rank of Minister.

Dr. Inas bint Sulaiman bin Mohammed al-Issa is appointed Deputy Minister of Education, with the rank of Excellent.

Professor Abdullah bin Siraj bin Mustafa Zaqzouq is appointed Head of Private Affairs for the Crown Prince, with the rank of Excellent.