At-Turaif: A look into the jewel of the Kingdom’s museums

At-Turaif in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh is home to the largest open-air museum in the world. (Abdullah AlJabr/Faisal AlDakheel)
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Updated 23 September 2021
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At-Turaif: A look into the jewel of the Kingdom’s museums

  • Arab News visited five galleries in the district that take visitors back in time through the birth of the Kingdom

RIYADH: At-Turaif is home to the largest open-air museum in the world. Arab News visited five galleries in the district that take visitors back in time through the birth of the Kingdom, detailing every important aspect, including lifestyle, trade, territory disputes and architecture of the Saudi states.

1 - Diriyah Museum:

Diriyah Museum is known for taking individuals step by step into a sequence of historical events dating back to the formation of the Saudi states.

The museum begins in A.D. 400, displaying maps and documents pertaining to the Banu Hanifah tribe migration from the west Arabian Peninsula to the center of Al-Yamama.

It explains how Diriyah was established in 1446 when Manaa’ Al-Muraide shared the region’s leadership with his cousin Ibn Dera’.




The Diriyah Museum holds replicas of some of the most important documents that contributed to the growth of the first and second Saudi states. (Abdullah AlJabr)  

On display are swords, coins, stamps and copies of important documents that contributed to the growth of the first and second Saudi states.




Housed in the Diriyah Museum is a replica of the Al-Ajrab Sword owned by the founder of the second Saudi state, Imam Turki ibn Abdullah. (Faisal AlDakheel) 

The museum also showcases the progression of the Al-Saud royal family tree throughout each century. A digital and interactive activity allows visitors and their families to swipe through the royal tree and learn about unity, stability and the reform of the region dating back to the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Mohammed ibn Saud in 1744.

The tree explains the royal lineage, further detailing Imam Turki ibn Abdullah’s eviction of the Ottoman garrisons from Najd, the founding of the second Saudi state and the return of King Abdulaziz ibn Abdulrahman Al-Faisal to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.




The Al-Saud family tree can be seen in the Diriyah Museum detailing the names of the sons, daughters, and grandchildren of King Abdulaziz. (Supplied)

One of the most prominent features of the museum is a replica of the Al-Ajrab Sword owned by the founder of the second Saudi state, Imam Turki ibn Abdullah. The sword is named after the rusting on the edges of the blade.

2 - The Arabian Horse Museum:

The Arabian Horse Museum gives an in-depth look into the vital roles horses played in the Kingdom’s unification in 1932, including in warfare, trade and transportation.

The museum houses many replicas of important documents that detail the names of thousands of horses owned by the Al-Saud family at that time.




The Arabian Horse Museum displays replicas of the different types of saddles, clothing, and important documents relating to the  Kingdom’s unification in 1932. (Abdullah AlJabr)

The nobleman and sheiks of the era divided their horses into five categories:

Kehilan- Named for the black rings around its eyes resembling (Kohl) eyeliner.

Al-Hamdani- Named by its owners to distinguish it from the Kehilan horse.

Al-Saqlawi- Named for its glossy coat, the horse is known for its long neck and sparkling eyes.

Abayan- According to a legend, the rider’s coat, an abaya, slipped down to the horse’s tail during the race. Throughout the race the horse’s tail was raised, preventing the cloak from falling.

Hadban- One of the strongest and fastest horses, its name means “long forelock” (the top of the horse’s mane).




The Arabian Horse Museum also houses a life size bronze sculpture of a horse named Tarfah, a beloved horse King Abdulaziz gifted to King George VI of England. (Abdullah AlJabr)

Within the museum is a life-size bronze sculpture of Tarfah, King Abdulaziz’s horse which he gifted to King George VI of the United Kingdom.

The museum shows how domestication and taming of the horses was used as a vital part of eventual transportation and battle. On display are replicas of different types of saddles and clothing, based on the individual’s social status or occasion, such as weddings.

Copies of detailed travel documents for the horses are on display, including horses visas and passports in French and English.

The museum reflects how connected Saudi rulers were to their horses, treating them as loyal companions rather than just animals.

3 - Museum of Traditional Architecture:

The museum focuses on the first Saudi state’s architectural development and the present-day role of preserving the local UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The museum displays replicas of the buildings and techniques used to build structures, from foundations, plastering to decoration.

Visitors can read about the construction process of the walls of Saad Palace. The interior walls were usually 40 centimeters to 60 centimeters thick and the exterior walls were 120 centimeters thick. Once the walls reached the ceiling height, then doorways, stairways and ceilings began to be built.




The Museum of Traditional Architecture  takes visitors step by step into the construction process of the walls of Saad Palace.  (Abdullah AlJabr)  

This is where visitors can notice the building detailing, such as entryways that were equipped with small sight holes for surveillance, or crenelations to provide aim and shelter during battle.

On display are audio-visuals displays and images that show the original process of creating each of the mud bricks and mud layers to form the foundation of the structures.

The museum also has many interactive features and games that allow visitors to test their knowledge in creating a traditional Najdi door. Once the doors are created, they are projected on a large screen to be displayed.

4 - Military Museum:

Diriyah was home to one of the largest firearms markets in the region. The military museum displays authentic replicas of all the weapons used during the second and the first Saudi state, including arrows, guns, cannons and ships.

It also shows foreign armors and shields, and the different types of ships that carried weapons cargoes at the time, including British and Saudi war ships.

Some of the rifle models on display include muzzle-loading muskets, breech-loading single-shot rifles, chassepots, Mausers and Martini-Henry rifles.




The military museum is home to replicas of all the weapons used during the second and the first Saudi state. (Supplied)

The museum also details the Battle of Diriyah, in which Ibrahim Pasha and the Ottoman army reached the city in 1818.

It also displays the Diriyah fortifications which were overseen by Imam Abdullah ibn Saud.

5 - Lifestyle Museum:

Village homes were simple and linked to the local environment. The Lifestyle Museum is a walk-through gallery that displays courtyards, bedrooms, kitchens, majlis and guest rooms in At-Turaif.

The Lifestyle Museum begins with the majlis, which feature motion sensors that cue audio of men socializing, tea being poured and items being cooked over a traditional fire oven.

Then visitors will see a traditional kitchen with a digital gallery of recipes used at the time.

The bedrooms in the homes were austere, but the detailing on fixtures indicated a resident’s status or wealth.

To avoid the heat, families would often sleep on the cool open roof and retreat to their bedrooms after sunrise, depending on the season.

The museum ends in the children’s room, where simple toys made of wood and straw are spread across the ground, while audio of children laughing and singing plays over the speakers.

The Lifestyle Museum perfectly captures the living style at the time in At-Turaif. It allows visitors to place themselves in the shoes of those before them, gaining a better understanding of how the Kingdom was born.

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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Islamic coalition concludes imam training in Comoros

Updated 7 sec ago
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Islamic coalition concludes imam training in Comoros

RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition recently concluded its “Building Capacity for Imams and Preachers” training program in Moroni, Comoros, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The five-day program gave imams and preachers intensive training on topics including deconstructing extremist rhetoric, social influence techniques, public speaking, and promoting moderacy.

Comoran Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs Anfani Hamada Baca thanked the Saudi-backed coalition for its "significant efforts to counter extremist ideas and promote moderacy through various strategic initiatives aimed at combating extremism and terrorism.”

Participants praised the program’s organization and scientific content, stressing the importance of expanding such initiatives to strengthen educational and religious institutions in protecting communities from extremist ideology, the SPA reported.

Earlier, Comoros Defense Minister Youssoufa Mohamed Ali reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the coalition’s fight against extremism and terrorism, adding that the program’s launch was a “significant step forward” in that fight.

Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, the coalition’s secretary-general from Saudi Arabia, said the initiative was part of a broader effort involving 15 strategic programs in four areas: intellectual development, media, counter-terrorism financing, and military operations.


How Saudi Arabia’s quails became both a delicacy and a conservation priority

Updated 28 June 2025
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How Saudi Arabia’s quails became both a delicacy and a conservation priority

  • Quails migrate through Saudi Arabia each year, linking continents, ecosystems, and traditions
  • Long tied to Saudi heritage, quails are now under threat, prompting renewed focus on conservation

JEDDAH: At dawn over the Arabian Peninsula, the sky comes alive with birds tracing ancient migratory paths through Saudi Arabia — a natural crossroads linking East Asia, Europe and Africa.

They are more than mere travelers. They serve as sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, playing vital roles in seed dispersal, plant pollination and insect control — all essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Among the many species passing through is the small but mighty quail. Though modest in size, quails carry outsized environmental and cultural significance, deeply woven into the region’s heritage.

“Quail” is a general term referring to various genera of small, ground-dwelling birds in the order Galliformes — the same group that includes chickens, leading Saudi ornithologist and biodiversity expert Hany Tatwany told Arab News.

Globally, quails are classified into two groups: Old World quails and New World quails, with around 130 species found across Europe, Asia and Africa.

“Quails are similar in size to doves, and their rounded shape resembles that of a partridge,” said Tatwany. “They typically live in social groups called coveys, especially outside the breeding season.”

These coveys often include a breeding pair and their young, sometimes merging with other families during key times of the year.

“This behavior reflects their gregarious nature and cooperative instincts,” Tatwany added.

Quails are omnivores, feeding on grains, plant buds and insects. They breed in Europe and Central Asia before migrating south to Africa for the winter. Saudi Arabia serves as a critical stopover on both legs: “They cross the Kingdom on both journeys,” said Tatwany.

Upon arrival, quails settle in fields and wild areas with dense grass cover, where they hide during the day and continue migrating by night.

Saudi Arabia’s geography places it on one of the world’s most critical bird migration routes. The Kingdom acts as a seasonal refuge for hundreds of species, with 550 recorded to date — including 219 breeding birds, 280 migratory species, and 51 vagrants.

A covey of common quails camouflaged among dense grass during their migratory stop in central Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Of these, 27 are listed as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Thirteen bird species — including various quails — are found nowhere else other than in or near the Arabian Peninsula, further underlining the region’s biodiversity.

Tatwany, widely recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first wildlife veterinarian, with over 36 years of experience, highlighted how quails call and crow nonstop while hiding, “indicating their presence in the area” to other birds.

“They do not flush except when approached very closely,” he said. “If alerted, the rapid flapping of their wings produces a distinctive sound. They usually flee a short distance and stay in the area, especially if the grass is dense and thick.”

Unfortunately, these traits have made quails vulnerable to hunters. Along migration routes, they are often targeted using firearms, nets and devices that mimic quail calls to lure them into traps.

A covey of common quails camouflaged among dense grass during their migratory stop in central Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Rising threats have prompted Saudi Arabia to introduce laws to protect both quail species.

“In the Kingdom, hunting quail is illegal,” said Tatwany.

The fine for failing to comply is SR1,500 ($400) per bird, while the estimated compensation value is SR3,000 for the common quail and SR7,000 for the harlequin quail.

“In Saudi Arabia, two species of quails have been recognized: the common quail, known scientifically as Coturnix coturnix, and the harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei,” said Tatwany, who co-founded the Kingdom’s ungulate breeding program and has led major wildlife reintroduction efforts.

The common quail measures 16-18 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 32-35 centimeters and a weight of 70-155 grams. It is both a migrant and partial breeder in Saudi Arabia.

“This species occurs throughout the Kingdom during migration seasons in March-April and September-October,” said Tatwany. “It also overwinters in some areas and breeds in patches, particularly in the central regions. The best place to see the common quail is in Haradh.”

The harlequin quail, slightly larger at 16-19 cm and weighing 49-95 grams, is a resident breeder. “It is best observed in the southern Tihamah grasslands and in Sabya in the Jizan Area,” said Tatwany.

Quails nest on the ground in shallow scrapes lined with grass and leaves. The male defends the territory while the female builds the nest and cares for the eggs and chicks.

A female typically lays between eight and 13 eggs, which hatch after 17 to 20 days. The chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching and begin flying about 19 days later.

Known for being extremely cautious, quails are more often heard than seen. The male frequently produces a rhythmic series of calls that repeat every few seconds.

Quails have a long history of interaction with humans, especially as a food source. Today, they are farmed domestically.

DID YOU KNOW?

Quails live in “coveys,” social groups of adult pairs and their young that flock together in dense grasslands.

They respond to each other’s calls, a behavior exploited by illegal hunters using calling devices.

Commercial quail farming began in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s, initially to feed falcons and later as a culinary delicacy.

While several species have been domesticated worldwide, the common quail remains the primary type used in farming. Due to their size and high egg yield, Coturnix quails are highly valued in poultry production.

“This breed has more meat and lays more eggs than the others,” said Tatwany. “The poultry industry in the Kingdom started around the late 1970s to early 1980s, mainly as feed for falcons used in falconry, serving as a preferred substitute for pigeons.

“This also marked the beginning of quail meat and eggs becoming available in commercial outlets within the Kingdom for human consumption. Additionally, quail recipes have become increasingly popular in Saudi cuisine.”

Quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table. (AFP photo)

Quail eggs, in particular, have gained favor in Saudi kitchens. Their small size, delicate flavor and high nutritional value make them a staple ingredient in both traditional and modern dishes. They appear in appetizers and salads, adding both taste and nourishment.

In main courses like kabsa and mandi, quail eggs often top rice and meat dishes, lending color and flavor. They are also featured in dishes such as masabeeb and qursan and are popular as boiled or fried snacks.

Nutritionally, quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table.

Efforts to protect quails are part of a broader initiative led by the Saudi National Center for Wildlife. Its Bird Management Division surveys bird species and their distribution across the Kingdom, focusing on protected and proposed conservation areas, biodiversity hotspots, and wetlands.

By studying migration routes, species abundance, and spatial distribution, the division aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s avian biodiversity.
 

 


Roll the dice: Monopoly Riyadh set to hit shelves this September

Updated 27 June 2025
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Roll the dice: Monopoly Riyadh set to hit shelves this September

  • New version of the game to feature Riyadh and famous institutions and landmarks, new and old
  • Monopoly is the best-selling international board game in history, Guinness World Records says

RIYADH: The launch of a Riyadh edition of the iconic Monopoly board game was announced on Thursday at a preview event that even feature an appearance by the game’s mascot, Mr. Monopoly.

The new version of the game, which will be on sale in September, was created, according to a statement, to celebrate “the rich heritage and modern transformation” of the Kingdom’s capital and features locations including the King Abdullah Financial District, Saudia Airlines, Souk Al-Zal, the Saudi Cup, the Diplomatic Quarter, Tamimi Markets, Jazean coffeeshop, Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, Olaya Street, and King Fahd Road. 

“We strive to include both the traditional and the modern in terms of landmarks and to create a story. So as you’re going through the Monopoly board, you are learning about, and getting insight into, the city of Riyadh, and you’re passing roads that most real residents would pass by on a day-to-day or weekly basis,” Hamad Alowaishiq, founder and chairman of official partner the Saudi Youth Society (SYS), which acted as a cultural advisor for the game’s makers, told Arab News. 

Hamad Alowaishiq, Founder and Chairman of the Saudi Youth Society (SYS), recieving a certificate of appreciation at the launch event on Thursday. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)

“It’s a responsibility and a pleasure to be representing Riyadh on such a platform. And with that responsibility, we have been dedicated to delivering the identity and culture of Riyadh,” he added. 

According to Guinness World Records, Monopoly is the best-selling board game in history, with more than 275 million units sold worldwide over the past 90 years. 

“There’s something really interesting about seeing our city culturally represented within an international brand,” Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, vice-chairman of SYS, told Arab News. “It says a lot about how far we’ve come and how important our market and our community has become on the international scale that Monopoly would come and do this—and quite right too.” 

“I remember playing this game when I was young with my grandfather and family,” Liam Johnson, the racecourse director of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Cup, told Arab News, adding that he believed the Saudi Cup’s profile would be raised globally by being featured in an edition of a game that “cuts through the different audiences.”

Liam Johnson, the Racecourse Director of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/The Saudi Cup. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)

Diriyah has three places on the board: Wadi Hanifah, Zallal, and Al-Bujairi Terrace — all of which have become staples in Riyadh’s events and hospitality sectors. 

“As the birthplace of the Kingdom and its significance to the country, to be able to bring that legacy and that heritage onto the board is a true honor,” Nicola Cope, executive director of brand marketing at Diriyah, told Arab News. 

The Ritz-Carlton’s Mazen Allam said: “Over the years, we’ve been privileged to host moments that actually matter, from royal visits, world summits, weddings, quiet weekends, all woven under the fabric of this city. Now, with Monopoly, we get to join families and communities across generations. And the fact that we can create joyful memories that extend beyond our walls is something very special.”

KAFD, home to 95 interconnected buildings, where more than 20,000 people work — not including the thousands of daily visitors and residents, is a pivotal inclusion on the board. Mazroua Al-Mazroua, KAFD’s chief marketing and experience officer, told Arab News: “We all grew up playing Monopoly. We understand the game — it’s strategic, competitive, and centered around real estate. Today, KAFD reflects those same qualities. It’s not just an iconic business district; it’s Saudi Arabia’s first vertical urban city and a dynamic lifestyle destination.

“It only makes sense for KAFD to be featured in the Monopoly Riyadh Edition — a perfect match between a game of strategy and a district that lives and breathes it every day.”


 


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in occupied West Bank

Updated 27 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in occupied West Bank

  • Attacks this week on village of Kafr Malik led to 3 Palestinians killed
  • Kingdom says attacks took place under protection of Israel’s security forces

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday condemned violent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in villages in the occupied West Bank.

Dozens of settlers attacked the village of Kafr Malik near Ramallah on Wednesday. Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces and seven wounded in the violence, Palestinian health officials said.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom condemned and denunciated “the continued violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers, under the protection of the occupation forces, against Palestinian civilians, including the attacks in the village of Kafr Malik.”

Since the war started in Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 55,000 people there, violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has also increased.

At least 900 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the territory in the same period and attacks by Israeli settlers have ramped up.

The ministry statement reiterated Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of Israeli violence against unarmed civilians in Gaza, “including the targeting of civilian sites housing displaced persons.”

The Kingdom called for Palestinian civilians to be protected and for the international community to put an end to “Israeli violations of international laws and norms.”


Saudi passports department’s expired visa extension initiative

Saudi General Directorate of Passports is extending expired visas for final exits. (SPA)
Updated 27 June 2025
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Saudi passports department’s expired visa extension initiative

  • The initiative provides a 30-day window for extension, contingent upon the payment of prescribed fees and penalties in accordance with regulations

RIYADH: The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has launched an initiative to extend expired visit visas for a final exit.

The initiative provides a 30-day window for extension, contingent upon the payment of prescribed fees and penalties in accordance with regulations.

The directorate said that applicants may submit requests through the Tawasul Service on the Ministry of Interior’s Absher portal during the specified period.

It urged all eligible individuals to benefit from the initiative before the deadline.