The wider region also offers a wealth of attractions: Ad Diriyah, northwest of the city and the original capital of the first Saudi state is a must-see. Its Al Turaif quarter, a carefully restored mud-brick district that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, offers a glimpse into the country’s extraordinary heritage, while the Al Bujairy district is perfect for families, with its twisting lanes, restaurants and cafes.

Those in search of tranquillity can head north of the city to the Edge of the World, where the sprawling Tuwaiq escarpment offers heart-stopping views over the arid plains below.