Built in 1937 by King Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud), Murabba Palace served as both royal residence and seat of government during the formative years of modern Saudi Arabia. The name comes from its square layout — "murabba" means square in Arabic.
The complex sprawls across a large compound north of the old city center, with thick mud-brick walls, traditional Najdi architecture, and a series of courtyards. It was here that many of the early diplomatic meetings that shaped the kingdom took place.
Today the palace operates as part of the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre. The interiors have been restored and display personal effects, photographs, and documents from the founding era. The surrounding grounds include the National Museum, making it easy to combine both in a single visit.