Diriyah, 13 January 2026: Prince Thunayyan bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Miqrin Palace, located in the southwestern part of the historic At-Turaif District, hosts a range of cultural and historical activities that enrich the experience of visitors to Hal Al-Qusoor, one of the flagship programs of Diriyah Season 25/26. The palace reflects the status of knowledge and its importance in the First Saudi State.

Prince Thunayyan bin Saud was renowned for his sound judgment and profound wisdom. The loss of his eyesight did not prevent him from continuing his pursuit of learning and knowledge. He owned a vast library, supported scholars and students, and was deeply engaged in various fields of learning.

Within this palace, visitors are offered a unique visual and auditory experience that provides insight into the stages of Prince Thunayyan bin Saud’s life, from his childhood, through his passion for knowledge, to his role in counsel and the loss of his sight, and finally to the endurance of his palace after his passing.

The experience harnesses the interaction of light, sound, and shadow to highlight his true legacy, immortalized through his knowledge and library that continued to illuminate paths of learning after him, embodying his human and intellectual transformations.

Through projection mapping technology, the first, second, and third rooms are presented with still images in a shadow style depicting the prince’s upbringing grounded in knowledge, his wisdom, and his counsel. In the fourth room, an installation artwork addresses the loss of his sight, while the fifth room features an installation reflecting the resilience of his palace. This is enhanced by an immersive soundscape that transports visitors into an atmosphere of calm and serenity, beginning with the recitation of Quranic verses, the sound of turning book pages, and fading voices of men in gatherings, concluding with the sounds of cannons and the steadfastness of the palace.

Historically, the palace served as the residence of Prince Thunayyan bin Saud, who was born in Diriyah at the end of the 17th century AD. He witnessed the founding of the Saudi State by his brother, Imam Mohammad bin Saud, in 1727, and supported him with advice and counsel during that pivotal period.

Prince Thunayyan bin Saud Palace was built in the mid-18th century AD, overlooking Shuaib Hubaiker from a strategic location. It is distinguished by its traditional Najdi architectural style and stands as a majestic structure that combines defense and comfort. It is considered one of the largest and most significant palaces in At-Turaif District, showcasing the strength and scale of its construction, with a large portion built of stone, particularly on the southern side overlooking the valley.

The palace consists of two floors and includes a spacious internal courtyard that provides an open living area. It features two main entrances and a secondary entrance overlooking the valley, facilitating access from multiple directions. Its construction utilized mudbricks, mud, stone, and Tamarisk wood, with a structural system based on load-bearing walls.

Diriyah Season 25/26 comes as a reinforcement of Diriyah’s status as the cradle of the Saudi State, serving as a permanent platform for cultural engagement and fulfilling the vision of Diriyah Gate Development Authority. The season includes programs that reflect authentic Saudi values through a contemporary approach, in line with the cultural and tourism objectives that are pillars of sustainable development under Saudi Vision 2030.

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About Diriyah Season 25/26:

Diriyah Season is one of the most prominent tourist and cultural seasons in the Kingdom. This year, it returns with its new edition 25/26, offering a unique blend of innovative programs inspired by the authenticity and ancient history of Diriyah, including numerous live experiences accompanying visitors throughout the Season.

The Season extends for over 120 days across Diriyah's historical areas, which host more than 10 programs designed according to international standards that respect Saudi authenticity and respond to the aspirations of local and international audiences.

By focusing on hospitality generosity, environmental sustainability, and enabling artisans and creatives, Diriyah Season 25/26 stands as a landmark in the Saudi cultural movement and an annual destination for lovers of history, culture, arts, and renewed events from within the Kingdom and abroad.

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