An Ancient City Full of Life: Discovering Diriyah, the Birthplace of Saudi Arabia

Wanderlust: Off the page

"It's a living archeological site...it's like bringing up buried treasure."
The ancient mud-brick city of Diriyah rises majestically out of Saudi Arabia's desert, beckoning visitors to explore a city rich with history and abundant with life. As the original home of Saudi Arabia's royal family, this is a place that has shaped its country's history and culture for hundreds of years. And now, it's being injected with new life as part of the Kingdom's 2030 Vision to make Diriyah the largest cultural and heritage site in the world.
In the episode, join writer Juliet Rix and Wanderlust's Founding Editor Lyn Hughes as they discover Diriyah. From admiring gleaming-coated Arabian horses to sipping fragrantly spiced coffee, chatting with local residents, and even hand-crafting their own mud bricks, there's plenty to do for the curious traveler.
RESOURCES
Find Juliet and Lyn's article, "Heart of a Nation," in the December 2022 issue of Wanderlust or online. You can read more of Juliet's articles at her website, julietrix.com .
Plan your Saudi Arabia visit and learn more about Diriyah's continued development at diriyah.sa .
ABOUT WANDERLUST
Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993.
Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.
This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry.