Launched in the Heart of Diriyah.. Princess Sora bint Saud’s “Riyadh” Brings the Capital’s History and Cultural Heritage to Life

Zallal Square in Diriyah hosted on Saturday, 19 September 2026 the launch of “Riyadh” by Her Highness Princess Sora bint Saud bin Saad; the first book in a planned series introducing Saudi Arabia’s regions and celebrating their cultural diversity, heritage and traditions.

The launch featured visual experiences that brought the book’s content to life, alongside a variety of interactive, cultural and artistic activities, blending learning with art and engagement with the book’s themes.

Combining illustrations and storytelling, the book offers a cultural experience that explores Riyadh’s historic and modern landmarks, folk arts and traditions, as well as the activities and experiences the city offers, from historic sites such as Diriyah and Al-Masmak Fortress to modern landmarks including Kingdom Centre and Al-Faisaliah Tower, portraying a capital where a rich heritage meets an evolving present.

Princess Sora bint Saud bin Saad said: “The idea for the book grew from our belief that the Kingdom is home to cultural treasures that deserve to be highlighted and shared with the world in accessible and innovative ways. Riyadh was the natural starting point for this journey. It is the heart of the Kingdom and a symbol of its future, where tradition meets innovation, and its landmarks tell the story of our past and our ambitions for tomorrow.”

Her Highness added: “We hope the book will give readers from outside the Kingdom a closer understanding of our culture and introduce them to our traditional cuisine and authentic hospitality. We want them to feel Riyadh’s warmth, creativity and rich heritage, and to find in the book a gateway to exploring the Kingdom’s cities.”

The launch invitation carried the phrase, “Every journey has a beginning, and ours begins in Riyadh,” reflecting the book’s place as the first step in a series that invites readers to discover the Kingdom’s regions and their distinctive landscapes, cultures and heritage.

The breadth of the book’s themes reflects the richness of life in Riyadh, bringing together history, culture and activities, as it explores heritage sites, desert experiences and traditional cuisine, alongside the city’s role as a destination for financial and technology conferences.

The book forms part of the Sora Collection project, which aims to release a series covering the Kingdom’s various regions, with each volume focusing on a particular region, highlighting its landscapes, traditions and distinctive stories, from the Red Sea coast to the heritage of Najd and the mountains of Aseer.