Riyadh

Begin in Old Riyadh, by Masmak Fortress. Its rammed earth walls still bear the trace of the spear thrown by the young conqueror when the fort was captured in 1902, a founding event for the monarchy. Nearby, the alleys of Souq Al-Zal fan out, brimming with carpets, spices and jewellery, the legacy of a caravan trading past. Continue to Diriyah, birthplace of the Saudi state, The At-Turaif district, built in distinctive Najdi style and overlooking Wadi Hanifa, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inviting you to wander restored lanes and palm-lined viewpoints. For a window into the nation’s story, explore the National Museum of Saudi t the King Abdulaziz Historic Center in Al-Murabba, where thoughtfully curated galleries trace the cultures of the Arabian Peninsula. Nearby, Murabba Palace showcases 1930s architecture that blends traditional form with modern methods. And yet, for all its history, Riyadh is also a city with an eye firmly on the future. In King Abdullah Financial District, the skyscrapers have defined a new skyline, dominated by the svelte silhouette of the Kingdom Center and its dizzying walkway.

Not forgetting getaways outside the city. Just a few hours away, Al-Ahsa Oasis boasts the largest palm grove in the world. To the west, the Edge of the World cliffs offer you sweeping panoramic views of the desert as far as the eye can see. Riyadh is unquestionably much more than an administrative capital: it's a crossroads of memories, architectures and landscapes that tell the story of a country's birth.