MURABBA HISTORICAL PALACE

Murabba Palace is the former residence of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. It was the first monument to be built outside the walls of the old city. It takes its name from its square shape, 400 meters by 400 meters. Construction of Murabba Palace began in 1936, four years after the unification of the kingdoms of Hejaz and Najd, which laid the foundation for the country. King Abdulaziz wanted a more modern residence than the old Masmak Palace to house his family and entertain his court. He personally invested in the project and ensured that all modern conveniences would be added, such as electricity and toilets connected to the sewage system. A paved road was also built to connect the palace to the city, the first in Saudi Arabia. The residence was the first in the country to have an elevator, which was installed in the late 1940s because the king suffered from arthritis. It took nine years to complete the work and the Saud royal family moved into Murabba in 1945. The palace served as the royal residence until the death of King Abdulaziz in 1953. Thereafter, his successor, King Saud, used the palace for official receptions and to hold his Council of Ministers. The first Council of Ministers in Saudi history was held here on March 7, 1954.

The palace was converted into a museum in 1999 after extensive renovations. Some foreign dignitaries continue to be received at the Murabba for official ceremonies or gala dinners. It was here that Crown Prince Mohammed Ben Salmane received US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania in 2017.

The 32-room palace is built on two floors and follows the traditional codes of architecture in the Najd region. This includes massive buildings, few openings, covered passages and courtyards around which the rooms are arranged. The reception rooms, the diwan, were arranged around a large central courtyard planted with palm trees. The first floor was reserved for offices and security, while the reception rooms were located upstairs. The private quarters form a succession of cubic buildings, also arranged around courtyards and courtyards.

Most of the rooms are closed to visitors, but it is possible to wander through the courtyards and passages and imagine what life was like at the Saudi royal court in the early 20th century.