Dir'aiyah or Al-Diriyah is on the north-west of Riyadh, on the west bank of Wadi Hanifa. It is an ancient town dating back to the middle of the 19th century Hijiri when Gusaibah Manie Bin Rabiah Al-Meridi quarter was established (the oldest quarter of Dir'aiyah) – named after a relative of the son of Darie who is the owner of the Yammama Stone.

Ever since, the town has been expanding due to the importance of its geographical centrality in the Arabian Peninsula. By the middle of 12th century Hejiri (18th century G) Imam Mohammed Bin Abdulwahab – who was born in the family of Al Saud, arrived into Dir'aiyah.



The character of Imam Mohammed Bin Saud is the best one supporting advocating the Sunnah, (the way of life of Prophet Mohammed (pbu)), Muhammadiyah, hence reverting to the way of Islam. Thus as if Allah wanted to make Dir'aiyah the Center for guidance and a starting point for the proud nation building.

The most famous parts of old Dir'aiyah is the Turaif Quarter, which is remarkably preserved.  This was the headquarters of the Saudi royal family. The walls of the Shura, with some defensive forts were built during the era of Imam Abdul-Aziz bin Mohammed bin Saud to avert the threat of enemy to the Shura. The total length of these walls is about seven kilometers, where the main wall is built to its full height with the use of small washing stones balancing the larger stones and plastered with layers of mud.