Historic Addir’iyah Development Program

The historic importance of Addiriyah is unquestionable as it was the capital of the First Saudi State. By the late 1780s, Addir’iyah had consolidated its political and religious position in Najd region, and later its influence spanned from Al-Jouf in the north to Jizan in the South, and from the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf.

Development Program

Addir’iyah is the home of many historic sites and antiquities, as it hosts unique buildings, old quarters, oasis, palm gardens, farms and agricultural areas.

The development program, drawn up by the RCRC, was carried out in cooperation with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and Addir’iyah Governorate. The program invested the historic, political and cultural value of the city as well as its architectural heritage and unique location by the banks of Wadi Hanifah valley. Therefore, the program achieved integration between Addir’iyah and Riyadh by transforming Addir’iyah into a world-class cultural and tourist metropolitan suburb.

Executive Committee

On 17/6/1419H (October, 1998), a royal decree approved Addir’iyah Development Program and established an executive committee for the project involving members from all concerned bodies. The Executive Committee, according to the decree, would work under supervision of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

Development Strategy

The RCRC planned a strategy for the development of Historical Addir’iyah involving the following:

• Transform the historic locations of Addir’iyah into national cultural centers given the pioneering role of the city as the capital of the First Saudi State, and birthplace of Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdulwahhab call.
• Develop the ancient and historic districts of the city to serve as nucleus for urban and cultural development.
• Achieve sustainable development by preserving the natural resources.
• Encourage private investments and contributions to the development program.

The Executive Plan

The executive plan consisted of the following phases:

Phase 1:

Phase 1 was completed by the end of 1430H (2009) and included:

• Completion of road network.
• Establishment of Addir’iyah Museum.
• Renovation of Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Mosque.
• Establishment of Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdulwahhab Foundation.
• Restoration of mud houses and establishment of the Museum of Social Life in Addir’iyah.
• Establishment of the Documentation Center, traditional commercial center, government offices, tourist information center, recreational compounds, and public parks.
• Establishment of private projects including Al-Turaif Cultural Hotel, al-Bujairi Hotel, Al-Turaif railway track, fast food restaurants, traditional Saudi restaurants, health club, residential furnished apartments, traditional trade center, commercial and tourist offices, and a market for agricultural products.

Phases 2 and 3:

Phase 2 and Phase 3 commenced following completion of Phase 1 and included establishment of a number of museums and traditional markets, as well as restoration of some mosques and ancient houses. They also witnessed establishment of a conference center, as well as hotels, residential units, gardens, parking lots, tourist information centers, etc.

Al-Turaif District Development Program

Al-Turaif District Development Program revitalized the district as a historic landmark and an exhibition of integration and harmony among architectural patterns and natural forms. Al-Turaif District is Addir’iyah’s most important suburb as it hosts ancient buildings and historical palaces that date back to the First Saudi State.

Al-Turaif District Development Program includes the following:

1- Museums

Addir’iyah Museum in Qasr Salwa:

The museum sheds light on the history of First Saudi State and Qasr Salwa itself. The ruins of Qasr Salwa were used to highlight and narrate the history of the palace to the visitors. Using the passageways across the ruins, the visitors can see history of the First Saudi State being narrated and displayed in films, posters, and other exhibits located between the 5^thand 6^thsections of the palace. Of course, this is supported by the museum objects, replicas, drawings and sketches.

Social Life Museum

Everyday life patterns, habits, traditions, professions and objects used during the rise of First Saudi State are showcased in this museum, which is lodged in Qasr Omar bin Saud, and the neighboring buildings.

Horse Museum

Given the exceptional importance of the horse in the history of Addir’iyah and the First Saudi State, a special horse museum was established to showcase horse-relevant items in the mud buildings north of Qasr Thuniyan Bin Saud. Another section of the museum is located inside the historic stables of Imam Abdullah Bin Saud south of his palace. The latter section showcases a limited selection of living horses to shed light on their breeds and taming techniques.

Military Museum

Various aspects of the battles that took place during the First Saudi State are highlighted in this museum, which also showcases weapons and military equipment of that time. Qasr Thuniyan Bin Saud Palace was renovated and supported to be a stage where the story of the last days of Addir’iyah battle are presented. This museum hosts the headquarter of the Ardah Dance Band, where dancers can train and make shows at the neighboring plaza north of Qasr Thuniyan Bin Saud Palace.

Museum of Treasury (Beit al-Maal)

To highlight the economy and financial system of Addir’iyah, its numismatics, trade and taxation system are exhibited in this museum lodged in the buildings of Beit al-Ma’al and Sabalat Moudhi.

2- Administrative Buildings

Reception Center

A new building was built at the entrance of Al-Turaif Quarter to guide the visitors and provide them with information about entertainment activities, tourist utilities, cultural programs, sound and light show, etc.

Addir’iyah Documentation Center

Qasr Ibrahim Bin Saud was restored to host the central offices of King Abdulaziz Foundation in addition to the documentation and research center.

Al-Turaif Administration Headquarters

Based on the renovated Qasr Fahd Bin Saud, the headquarters host offices of the staff responsible for running and organizing all the cultural, entertainment, and service activities at Al-Turaif Quarter.

3- Traditional Shopping Center and Restaurant Complex

Traditional Shopping Center

A group of traditional mud houses overlooking the main streets of Al-Turaif Quarter were restored to host a market that showcases traditional products and handcrafts.

Restaurant Complex

A section of mud buildings within the Traditional Shopping Center forms a restaurant compound, where the visitors can find food and drinks in a traditional environment. This compound includes internal and external locations that overlook the plaza near Abdullah Bin Saud Palace.

4- Information Networks and Multimedia

Information Networks

The information networks connect the different systems of the district buildings and activities. Such networks are all connected in a central control room that enables live monitoring and organization of all programs and systems.

Sound and Light Show

The exterior areas of the ruins of Qasr Salwa are used to narrate and highlight the story of the First Saudi State displayed by a 15-minute sound and light show on the walls of the palace.

In addition, five short 5-minute multimedia shows are displayed in a number of locations across the district to narrate the different aspects of the social life during the First Saudi State.

5- Mosques

Imam Muhammad Bin Saud mosque

Imam Muhammad Bin Saud mosque represents one of the main landmarks in Al-Turaif District, as it played a key role in the era of the First Saudi State.

This mosque was renovated in a way that reflects its historical importance. It was also restored to host prayer and its monuments are displayed to show the different phases of mosque construction.

6- External Works and Archaeological Documentation

External Works

The external works included landscaping, lightening, rest areas, bathrooms, tourist tours internal parking areas, and the road network. In addition, the district was provided with an integrated network of public utilities including water outlets, drainage and sewerage systems, rainwater outlets, electricity, lighting, signboards, maps, and informative signs.

The works also included Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdulwahhab Bridge, which connects Al-Bujairi District and Al-Turaif District. The design of the bridge considered both the functional and esthetical aspects.

Archaeological Documentation (Restoration of Mud Houses)

The buildings chosen for archaeological documentation were divided into two types:

The first: Fully-renovated and restored buildings that are open for visitors like Imam Saud Mosque and Qasr Salwa.

The second: Partially-renovated buildings, whose façades were restored to maintain the architectural theme of the district. The architectural elements after restoration were either used for cultural activities or preserved as monuments in their original shape to be displayed at museums. The restoration process has four levels determined based on the building overall condition, historic importance and intended use.

Al-Bujairi Quarter Development Project

Al-Bujairi Quarter overlooks the eastern edge of Wadi Hanifah opposite Al-Turaif Quarter. It has a unique cultural value, as it was the home of Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdulwahhab, his family and students.

Its urban and functional rehabilitation represents the core of‎ Al-Bujairi Quarter Development Project that restored the Quarter’s historical value, achieved integration with Al-Turaif Quarter, and contributed to meet recreational and cultural needs of Addiriyah visitors.

Components of Al-Bujairi Quarter include:

Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdulwahhab Cultural Foundation

The foundation is the Al-Bujairi’s key cultural landmark. Its distinguished design offers unobstructed view and movement. The building has a westward sloping roof providing a charming view of Al-Turaif Quarter.

The foundation seeks to become an international hub for researchers in Islamic studies worldwide. The foundation has a fully-equipped hall utilized to tell the story of the Sheikh’s reformist call, and shed light on its foundations and influence.

Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdulwahhab Mosque

Located in the heart of Al-Bujairi Quarter, the mosque of Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdulwahhab has been reconstructed to blend with the design of headquarters of Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdulwahhab Cultural Foundation that encircles it.

Al-Zuwaihra Mosque

Al-Zuwaihra Mosque was restored and rehabilitated at the expense of HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz in a scientific way that qualifies it as an example of the restoration of ancient mud buildings.

Addiriyah Park

Addiriyah park serves as the main recreational attraction of Historical Addiriyah and the key link between Al-Turaif Quarter and Al-Bujairi Quarter. The park also provides a perfect recreational venue thanks to its steep rock formations, green cover, aquatic elements, and passageways.

Integration between the park and Al-Bujairi Plaza allows picnickers and visitors to enjoy better services and watch the audiovisual evening shows on Al-Turaif Quarter buildings.

Al-Bujairi Plaza and the Shops

Al-Bujairi Plaza is the center of Al-Bujairi Quarter. It links the Quarter’s components and facilitates the movement of visitors. It has well-organized walkways.

The Plaza hosts a group of shops and serves as a venue for the folkloric seasonal shows. It also has seating areas overlooking Wadi Hanifah and Al-Turaif Quarter, in addition to being linked to the underground public parking lots.

Administrative Services Office

Some ancient buildings were restored to host the departments offering the necessary administrative services, such as the Historical Addiriyah Development Program.

Inauguration of Al-Bujairi Development Project

On April 09, 2015 (20/06/1436 H), Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, patronized the inaugural ceremony of Al-Bujairi Development Project, and toured the Quarter’s urban, cultural and tourist facilities.

During the ceremony, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques watched an audio-visual dramatic show on the walls of Salwa Palace at Al-Turaif Quarter that told the story of the First Saudi State.

Road Projects and Public Utilities

1- Roads and Entrances

• Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Road
• Imam Abdulaziz Bin Muhammad Bin Saud Road
• Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz Road
• Qariwah Road
• Wadi Hanifah Road (within the project sphere).
• King Salman Square

2- Public Utilities and Services

They include water network, sewerage system, flood drainage network, power grid, lighting network, passageways, and open areas.

Al-Turaif Quarter Registration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In an international recognition of Addir’iyah historical and heritage value, the World Heritage Committee registered Al-Turaif Quarter as a UNESCO World Heritage site during its 34^thMeeting held in Sha’ban 1431H (July 2010), Brasilia, Brazil.

Al-Turaif Quarter Registration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In an international recognition of Addir’iyah historical and heritage value, the World Heritage Committee registered Al-Turaif Quarter as a UNESCO World Heritage site during its 34^thMeeting held in Sha’ban 1431H (July 2010), Brasilia, Brazil.