RIYADH — Stability prevailed in central Arabia when the Banu Hanifa tribe migrated from Hijaz and settled along Wadi Hanifa under the leadership of Ubayd bin Tha’labah, who chose Hajr Al-Yamamah as a settlement around 430 AD. Hajr later grew to become the most prominent city of Al-Yamamah, led in its era by Thumamah bin Uthal Al-Hanafi.Over time, central Arabia experienced periods of neglect and division until the establishment of Diriyah by Prince Mani’ bin Rabiah Al-Muraidi in 850 AH / 1446 AD. Diriyah later became a political turning point in the region.In 1139 AH / 1727 AD, Imam Mohammed bin Saud founded the First Saudi State, with Diriyah as its capital. The state continued until 1233 AH / 1818 AD.Following its end, Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud established the Second Saudi State in 1240 AH / 1824 AD, with Riyadh as its capital. The state continued until 1309 AH / 1891 AD.After a period of political instability that lasted nearly a decade, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Faisal Al Saud restored Riyadh on 5 Shawwal 1319 AH / Jan. 15, 1902, beginning the process of unifying the country.On 17 Jumada Al-Awwal 1351 AH / Sept. 23, 1932, King Abdulaziz announced the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after three decades of events and consolidation.Diriyah became a cultural and economic center due to its geographic location as a crossroads linking northern and southern Arabia.During the First Saudi State, it served as the capital of a vast territory and a hub of economic, social and cultural activity.Historic landmarks in Diriyah include Ghasiba district, Samhan, At-Turaif district — one of the largest mudbrick neighborhoods in the world and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Al-Bujairi district and Wadi Hanifa.The Saudi state continued under successive kings, maintaining stability and development.Today, under King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom is witnessing continued development under Saudi Vision 2030.