Interior Ministry restores first Riyadh headquarters under Place of History initiative

RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior has completed the second edition of its “Place of History” initiative by restoring and preparing one of its historic sites, the ministry’s first headquarters in Riyadh, which was inaugurated in 1957.The ministry said the initiative, launched in conjunction with Founding Day, carries national significance reflecting the security institution’s roots in the First Saudi State and its continued role in supporting national stability and development under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.It said the initiative is implemented in line with directives from Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif and reflects the leadership’s commitment to reviving historic sites linked to the evolution of security work and strengthening their presence in the national memory.The event coincided with Founding Day celebrations and drew wide community participation, including officials and interested attendees.The initiative aims to restore and highlight historic, archaeological and heritage sites associated with the ministry’s work, showcasing milestones in the development of security and administrative organization in the Kingdom.For the second consecutive year, the ministry prepared the first headquarters in Riyadh as a symbol of a key phase in the evolution of institutional government work, following the relocation of the ministry’s headquarters from Makkah to the capital.A cultural event was held in the building’s courtyard, featuring a reenactment of the early administrative environment in Riyadh, reflecting the beginnings of institutional government work in the capital in 1952.The ministry said selecting the former headquarters embodies two parallel beginnings: the founding of the First Saudi State and the establishment of the first government building in Riyadh with the launch of institutional government work.It added that the common thread between the two is the central role of security as a pillar of the state’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property and public welfare.