Al-Saqqaf Palace: Makkah’s Timeless Architectural and Historical Gem

   Makkah, September 22, 2025, SPA -- Nestled in the northeast of Makkah, Al-Saqqaf Palace stands as a prominent landmark that narrates key chapters in the history of both the Holy City and the Saudi state. Constructed around 1880, this palace is among Makkah’s most treasured historic buildings.
   Originally serving as a hub for administrative affairs, the palace hosted numerous important meetings that brought together influential social figures of the time. It became a center for state management and a distinguished venue for receiving official delegations and honored guests.
   The palace also witnessed the signing of several pivotal agreements and decisions during the early years of the Third Saudi State, underscoring its significance in the nation’s political history.
   Although its use declined between 1980 and 2019 due to the relocation of the official headquarters to modern facilities, the palace has remained an enduring symbol of Makkah’s rich heritage.
   Strategically located near the Grand Mosque, the palace has long been a welcoming meeting point for visitors and delegations arriving in the city. Dr. Omar Adnan, head of the Department of Architecture at Umm Al-Qura University, highlights that the palace’s architectural style instantly reflects the traditional Makkah aesthetic—a graceful blend of simplicity and grandeur. Local stone was used for its sturdy foundations, while wood for windows and doors was imported from India and East Africa, testifying to Makkah’s historic trade and cultural ties across the Islamic world.
   In a dedicated effort to preserve this architectural treasure, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has initiated multiple restoration and rehabilitation projects aimed at safeguarding the palace’s historical significance, keeping its legacy alive for residents and visitors alike, and transforming it into a vibrant venue for cultural events that celebrate Makkah’s rich architectural, social, and cultural heritage.
   -- SPA