Ushaiger Heritage Village

Ushaiger sits at the foot of a small reddish hill that gives it its name, one of the older settlements of Najd, occupied for centuries as a stop on pilgrim routes and known as the home town of several prominent families. The old village is mud brick: houses of two storeys with wooden doors painted in geometric patterns, narrow lanes some of them roofed against the sun, a mosque, watchtowers and a falaj-fed date garden. Much of it was abandoned as families moved to modern housing, and a restoration programme has rebuilt a substantial part, with several houses opened as small museums by their owners. It is the most complete Najdi village accessible from Riyadh.

What you actually see

• The mud-brick lanes - the covered and open streets of the old village.
• Painted doors - the geometric patterns on the wooden doors.
• The date gardens - the palms and water channels beside the village.
• House museums - the private collections opened by owners.

When to go

November to March; Najd summers are severe and the village has little shade in the open sections. Mornings and late afternoon give the best light on the mud walls. Weekends bring visitors from Riyadh.

Honest expectations

A good deal of what is seen is recent rebuilding rather than original fabric. House museums open irregularly and depend on the owner being present. Facilities are minimal. The drive from Riyadh takes over two hours each way.

Nearby

Shaqra lies close by; Riyadh is southeast.