Sprawling north of Old Riyadh, As Sulaymaniyah is a residential suburb in the Saudi Arabian capital. It’s a convenient base for exploring the city’s museums and historic attractions and offers a wide choice of bakeries, cafes and restaurants where you can dine.
Things to do in As Sulaymaniyah
Begin your visit at the National Museum, which forms part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre. It brings Saudi Arabia’s culture and history to life using the latest technology. Step into one of the mini theatres to watch re-enactments of the Prophet Mohammed’s battle at Medina or experience a virtual tour of Madain Saleh, a Nabataean archaeological site that’s hewn into rock.
Adjacent to the National Museum is Murabba Palace, a mud-brick structure that was built by King Abdulaziz after conquering the Masmak Fortress. Comprising more than 30 rooms, it’s open to visitors as a “living museum”, featuring salons, living areas and a kitchen decorated with everyday artefacts and traditional Saudi Arabian crafts.
Also transformed into a museum is the Masmak Fortress, which stands at the heart of Old Riyadh. It played an integral role in the 1902 Battle of Riyadh when it was stormed by King Abdulaziz and his men, with the story of this raid recounted in the museum’s exhibits. You can learn about Saudi achievements in everything from agriculture to education, then see how the capital once looked while browsing the old black and white photos on display.
Getting around As Sulaymaniyah
As Sulaymaniyah is located in the centre of Riyadh, around 30 minutes’ drive from King Khalid International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Minibuses travel throughout the city and taxis are readily available, with parts of As Sulaymaniyah also pedestrian-friendly.