Located about 200 kilometers northwest of Riyadh, Ushaiger is one of the oldest settlements in the region. It used to be a necessary stop for pilgrims coming from Kuwait, Iraq and Iran and traveling further west to the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. Ushaiqer first appears in the writings of Al-Hutay'a, an Arab poet who lived in the 7th century, but its origins are probably much older.
Hidden in the heart of the Najd, a region dotted with oases 200 km northwest of Riyadh, the village of Ushaiger offers a glimpse of a Saudi society of yesteryear. Bedouins first settled here 1,500 years ago, and Ushaiger soon became a popular stopover for pilgrims on their way to Mecca, thanks to its springs and low-lying olive and palm groves. But far from being a dusty, abandoned museum piece, Ushaiger - meaning "little blonde" to reflect the nearby red mountain that towers above the yellow mud houses - still has a small community of residents who use its schools, stores and mosques. Walking its narrow alleys, you enter a living museum, dotted with traces of an ancient lifestyle.
Embedded in thick walls, Ushaiger is a labyrinth of winding alleys, shaded paths and wooden walkways, passing between hundreds of mud houses. Divided into neighborhoods and rich in palm groves, the village includes a cluster of beautifully renovated houses. These are a fine example of Najdi architecture, with its distinctive triangular windows and roofs, and richly carved wooden doors. Some still bear the names of the families who lived there.
Shaqra and the Hlewa market is also worth visiting. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and admire the mud-brick houses, mosques and stores. Connect with friendly locals and learn about their lifestyle.
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