The Best 9 Architectural Wonders of Saudi Arabia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Saudi Arabia not only offers cultural diversity but also a plethora of majestic modern and ancient architectural feats.  Starting from stone houses with beautiful wood carvings in the Aseer region to the typical Najdi architecture in Diriyah, the design is adapted from the climate, geographical, and local wisdom of Saudi Arabia.

Both historical and modern buildings in Saudi Arabia are a blend of the grandeur of the past and a vision of the future. Below is the list of the 9 most unique architecture in Saudi Arabia, as quoted from Visit Saudi.

1. Kingdom Center Tower

Kingdom Center Tower is a skyscraper located in the heart of Riyadh. With a sleek and majestic design, this tower rises 300 meters high with special glass walls to withstand heat. This tower has been named one of the tallest buildings in the world. On the east wing of the tower, there is the Al-Mamlaka shopping center which has won various awards. It features over 150 shops across three floors, featuring luxury brands and international department stores.

2. Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture)

Ithra was named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Best Places to Visit in the World” in 2018. Located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, this stunning building was designed by renowned Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta. Spanning 80,000 square meters, Ithra offers a museum with five galleries, a theater, a library, a cinema, a grand hall, and the Ithra Tower, all connected by a spacious plaza. 

3. Nassif House

Located in Al Balad, Nasif House is a historic residence listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This house was built between 1872 and 1881 for the then-governor of Jeddah, Sheikh Umar Effendi al-Nassif. The house is known for its unique design and overlooks a plaza with rare neem trees, hence the nickname “The House with the Tree”.

4. At-Turaif

Located In Diriyah,  At-Turaif was built in the 15th century and is a stunning example of traditional Najdi architectural style. This 300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site has been developed into a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and history.

5. King Abdullah Petroleum and Energy Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC)

Rising tall and majestic against the desert landscape, KAPSARC is a stunning example of architectural creativity and sustainable design.

Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the building features a honeycomb-like structure that lowers indoor temperatures. 

6. The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh

Originally designed as a royal palace, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Riyadh, is located in the heart of the Saudi capital. This hotel is a symbol of luxury and grandeur, surrounded by lush gardens, centuries-old olive trees, and calming rows of palm trees.

7. Ancient Nabataean City of Hegra

Hegra is an ancient tomb of the Nabataean civilization and the  first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. Here, you can witness architectural wonders that have survived for thousands of years with more than 110 well-preserved tombs carved from desert rock. In addition to the stunning tombs, Hegra also displays ancient engineering feats such as wells and water channels lined with stones.

8. Maraya Concert Hall

Maraya translates to ‘mirror’ in Arabic. Located amid the Saudi desert, Maraya is the world’s largest mirrored building that serves as a concert hall located in the Ashar Valley, AlUla, Medina. Maraya stands 26 meters high, with thousands of reflective glass panels creating the magnificent illusion of disappearing into the desert. Maraya Concert Hall is not only a visual delight but is also a vibrant and dynamic cultural hub.

9. Matbouli House Museum

The Matbouli House Museum is located in the historic Al-Balad district of Jeddah. The museum was a traditional Hijazi merchant's home and has been standing for almost 400 years. Mostly unchanged from the original architecture, this museum has two entrances and four floors and features some stunning wooden-latticed balconies at the front. The museum offers visitors a unique experience to experience daily life in Al-Balad in the past.

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