Cities are never static. They evolve through changes in architecture, culture, politics and everyday life, gradually reshaping both their physical form and the way they are experienced.

I first lived and worked in Riyadh between 1988 and 1991 and have returned regularly since. Over this period, I have witnessed a profound transformation in the city’s urban landscape and in Saudi Arabia’s social and cultural life.

This project brings together photographs of two significant locations in Riyadh, made in 1988 and revisited in 2025. The first is Qasr Al-Hukm, the historic centre of the city and home to Al Masmak Fort; the second is Diriyah, closely connected to the origins of the Saudi state. Once encountered within a very different social and urban context, both locations have become prominent cultural destinations, incorporating museums, interpretation centres and recreational spaces.

Visa stamps from the respective years provide an additional record of change. In 1988, visiting and photographing required sponsorship and permission. By 2025, tourist visas were readily available, reflecting a country increasingly open to international visitors.