Hal al-qusoor: Visitors to Hal Al-Qusoor, a prominent program of Diriyah Season 25/26, stand in the open courtyard within the Palace of Prince Saad bin Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Saud in the historic At-Turaif District, reflecting on the details of traditional Najdi architecture and the innovative design of the palace, which balances residential and social functions.
According to Saudi Press Agency, visitors experience, during their tour inside the palace, an interactive sensory journey that takes them on an audio-visual voyage in which the story of the prince is told. It reveals his vision for construction and the protection of the homeland, and his loyalty to Diriyah. The palace walls come alive once more, in a dialogue between stone and memory, as the prince's words resound: 'Allah has commanded us to build the earth and perfect our work.' Then light converges with sound at the heart of the palace, where his final words echo with the confidence of a believer and a lover of his homeland: 'This is my home. and I am Saad.'
Prince Saad bin Saud Palace, which covers an area of approximately 1,000 square meters, was built in the 19th century AD as the residence of the prince, who was born toward the end of the reign of his grandfather, Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammad. He commanded one of the military units stationed in northern Diriyah and fought valiantly against the invading Ottoman forces during the Siege of Diriyah.
The refined architectural taste of Prince Saad bin Saud is embodied throughout his palace, which stands on elevated ground in At-Turaif District, adjacent to the Palace of Prince Nasser bin Saud bin Abdulaziz to the north. Meticulous attention to detail is evident, along with a departure from prevailing architectural patterns and a careful consideration of key residential elements, such as ventilation systems and light openings designed in a unique style that clearly evolved and spread widely in Diriyah, known as 'Al-Luhooj'. One of the most distinctive features of the palace is the mosque built beside it.
The palace, which was built using mudbricks, mud, stone, and tamarisk wood, consists of two floors designed around a main courtyard, narrating the story of Prince Saad's daily life with his family through living quarters, majlis spaces for receiving guests, and the rooftop. These architectural elements reflect the skill of Diriyah's inhabitants in adapting design to meet their needs while considering sustainability in construction.
Diriyah Season 25/26 serves as a permanent platform for cultural engagement and contributes to strengthening Diriyah's status as the cradle of the Saudi State. Its programs reflect authentic Najdi values and offer visitors an up-close experience of Saudi hospitality and the originality of its social traditions, within a global event that brings together culture, heritage, and tourism.