“Ushaiqer is located about 200 kilometers northwest of Riyadh, and it is one of the oldest settlements in the region. In the old times, it used to be a necessary stop for pilgrims coming from Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran and heading further west toward the holy sites of Islam.” (And to my delight, herds of camels can still be found along the route.)
“With modern transport, Ushaiqer lost its importance. What was once a thriving center of learning and trade is now a quaint cluster of mud houses and deserted narrow alleys. The idea of a “heritage village” brings to mind a place where one can observe a traditional lifestyle. Ushaiqer fits the bill in the sense that one can observe traditional architecture and visit a museum displaying ancient weapons, everyday utensils, embroidered clothing, and artisanal jewelry. The old section of Ushaiqer, however, is abandoned.” (Atlas Obscura)
With the new tourism arriving in Saudi Arabia, the village is being restored and property owners are turning their old houses into short term rentals for overnights. I bet that in 5 years it will be a lot more commercial.
If you haven’t ever thought about it, tourist routes need stops every two hours to use a bathroom and break up long drives. It’s always interesting to see which places get discovered. This was a sweet little place to stretch our minds and legs.
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