RIYADH: In the heart of Al-Maabdah, northeast of Makkah, Qasr Al-Saqqaf stands tall as more than a historic building. The palace has witnessed decades of social, administrative and diplomatic change.
Built in about 1880, the building initially served as headquarters for administrative and official activities, hosting numerous meetings with prominent social figures, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It later became a center for managing state affairs and receiving high-ranking guests and official delegations, where key agreements and resolutions were signed during the early years of Third Saudi State.
Between 1980 and 2019, as officials moved to more modern buildings, the palace’s administrative role declined.
Yet it remains a landmark in Makkah’s architectural and cultural landscape. Its proximity to the Grand Mosque makes it a natural gathering place for visitors and delegations.
