Ushaiqer & Shaqra
A day in two towns at the heart of Najd
BAN Sabtiya begins in Ushaiqer, the mud-brick town that served pilgrim caravans among its springs and palm groves, then continues to nearby Shaqra and the Al-Subaie Palace, restored to tell the town’s history. One day, from Riyadh and back.
What is confirmed, and what is still being arranged
Confirmed
- The route: Riyadh, then Ushaiqer, then Shaqra, returning to Riyadh the same day
- The experience: a guided walking tour, Najdi meals and the Sabtiya coffee
- Return transport and a BAN host with you all day
Being arranged
- Trip date, departure and return times
- Price and booking method
- Meeting point in Riyadh
- Meal providers and menu
- Site and museum opening times on the day
One route, no doubling back
We start with the farthest stop in the morning and end in Shaqra before the drive home. Exact times for each part are set according to the trip date, sunset and site hours on that day, and you receive them with your booking confirmation.
Departure from Riyadh
We meet at the meeting point, hand you your Sabtiya Passport, and head northwest. On the way: coffee, dates and an introduction to Ushaiqer and its caravans.
Najdi breakfast in Ushaiqer
Breakfast with local dishes in Ushaiqer, before the day gets busy.
Walking the heritage town
A guided walk through the mud-brick lanes, the old market and the restored historic mosques, respecting prayer times, with a climb to a viewpoint over the palm groves.
A town museum
A short visit to one of Ushaiqer’s private museums, subject to availability on the day.
Sabtiya photo and the hill view
A stop at Jebel Dhil’ Al-Junaina overlooking the old town, for the first photo in the Sabtiya album.
Najdi lunch
Lunch from the local kitchen, followed by a rest and midday prayer.
Shaqra and the Al-Subaie Palace
On to nearby Shaqra to visit the Al-Subaie Palace and the old town, and learn about its role in the region’s history.
Sabtiya coffee and passport stamp
Arabic coffee in Shaqra, and the first stop’s stamp in your passport.
The road home
On the bus we open the Next-Stop Envelope, arriving in Riyadh in the evening.
If the weather changes, such as rain, dust or heat, we adjust the order of the day or shorten the walk through the mud-brick lanes to protect both guests and buildings, and spend more time in museums and majlis spaces. If a site cannot be visited on the day, we replace it with a nearby visit and let you know.
What the trip includes
The final list is confirmed when the date and price are announced.
What the trip includes
- Return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver
- A licensed tour guide and a BAN host
- Breakfast, lunch, coffee, snacks and water
- Entry fees for the sites in the program
- The Sabtiya Passport and a keepsake from the town
Not included
- Personal purchases from the market and shops
- Any services not mentioned in the program
Before you come
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ground and mud-brick stairs
- Modest clothing suited to the weather, and a hat for the sun
- Suitable for families, keeping in mind it includes periods of walking
- Tell us in advance about any dietary or mobility needs
Frequently asked questions
When is the trip?
Not set yet. We fix it once site and supplier arrangements are confirmed, and those registered hear first.
How much does it cost?
The price is announced with the date. It will include the listed services and VAT.
Does registering mean booking?
No. Registering means you are interested and want us to contact you first when bookings open. There is no commitment.
What if not enough guests sign up?
Each trip has a minimum number of guests to operate, and the cancellation and refund policy is fully explained before payment.
Is it suitable for children and older guests?
Yes, keeping in mind the tour involves walking on uneven ground. Tell us about any needs in the form and we will arrange what suits you.
Can a private group book the trip?
Yes. We run private editions for teams, organizations and large families on a date that suits you. Choose “Company or organization” or “Private group” in the form.
Be the first to know the date
Leave your details and we will contact you when the date and price are set, before the public announcement. Registering is not a booking and carries no commitment.
