Today Jan 1st is a regular working day in Saudia so my host went to his work and I took a uber taxi to Dirayah – historic place located some 25 kms from Riyadh. No public transport, taxis only – I paid for the ride 50 SAR each way. The fortress on Dirayah is the birthplace of Saudi – Wahhabi dynasty. In the morning the entrance is free. If you go in the afternoon you should buy online the ticket for 100 SAR. But it gives you automatically credit in the restaurants and shops.
Well-restored Dirayah was placed in 2010 on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Turn left after the gate. Just after the bridge the will gove you the map and there is info center where you can try saudi coffee and dates. The master of calligraphy will write your name in Arabic – that’s free and valuable souvenir. Then you will climb the labyrinth of narrow streets, walls and tiny alleys. Exhibitions are hidden between them. The place is well worth to visit. I met many friendly people. What an interesting, sunny day!
