For a sense of what the towns of the Najd looked like before oil, drive north-west from Riyadh into the Al-Washm region. Ushaiqer (also spelled Ushaiger), about 200 kilometres from the capital, is among the oldest settlements in the area and was long a stopping point for pilgrims crossing Arabia. Its old quarter is a labyrinth of mud-brick houses, covered passages, small mosques and walled palm gardens. Local families have restored much of it themselves.
The district town of Shaqra, a little closer to Riyadh, has a restored historic core of its own, with a traditional souq square, gates and merchants’ houses. Together they make a long but rewarding day, on good roads through open desert.
Top things to do at Ushaiqer & Shaqra Heritage Villages
Lose yourself in Ushaiqer’s lanes
Narrow alleys run between high mud walls, under beams of tamarisk and palm. Look for the triangular windows, the painted and carved wooden doors, and the old mosques. Signs mark the names of the families who owned each house.
Visit the village museum
A small, privately run museum in a traditional house — the Al Salem Museum — is crowded with household objects, weapons, tools, clothing and photographs. Opening is informal; it is more reliably open at weekends.
Stop in old Shaqra
Walk through the restored souq, the old gate and the heritage houses, some of which open as small museums or cafés. It makes a natural break on the way to or from Ushaiqer.
How to get to Ushaiqer & Shaqra Heritage Villages
- On a tour: the easy option — a full day with a driver-guide from Riyadh. See the tours page.
- By car: roughly 2 to 2.5 hours each way on tarmac roads. An ordinary car is fine. Fill up before leaving the main highway.
- By public transport: not practical for a day trip.
Insider tips
- These are living villages, not theme parks. Dress modestly, ask before photographing people and keep to the public lanes.
- Facilities are limited: carry water and snacks, although there are simple restaurants in both towns.
- Go between October and April. Midday in the lanes is hot for much of the rest of the year.
- Weekends bring more visitors and more open doors; weekdays are very quiet and some buildings will be locked.
Best tours & tickets for Ushaiqer & Shaqra Heritage Villages
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Ushaiqer & Shaqra Heritage Villages:
Day trip from €208 From Riyadh: Ushaiqer Heritage Village Tour with Transfer
A full-day trip north-west into the Najd to one of the best-preserved mud-brick villages in the region. It is a long drive each way, so going with a driver makes sense; the reward is a quiet maze of lanes, carved doors and palm gardens that feels a world away from the capital.
- Restored mud-brick lanes of Ushaiqer
- Palm groves and village museum
- Door-to-door transport from Riyadh
Desert trip from €40 Riyadh: Edge of the World Sunset Tour by 4x4 with Camels & Gazelles
Our pick of the many Edge of the World tours: close to a thousand reviews with a near-perfect score. The drive is the same rough track everyone uses, but the pacing is good, the guides know where to stand for the light, and there is time to explore the rim on foot before the sun drops into the plain.
- Small-group 4x4 trip timed for sunset on the cliffs
- Stops for camels and gazelles along the route
- Guided walk to the best viewpoints on the rim
