A journey of unity and identity awaits at the National Emblem Exhibition, Riyadh, now gracing the historic halls of Al Masmak Palace Museum from August 23 to November 21.

This superbly curated exhibition, titled Two Swords and a Palm: The Saudi Emblem Archive, takes viewers on an immersive journey through our emblem's visual heritage and transcendent generational story. It's a living, beating tribute to the Kingdom's diaspora, and it's more vibrant than ever. Al Masmak Palace, a stronghold of origins constructed in the late 19th century and crucial to the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1902, is situated in the centre of old Riyadh. Could the National Emblem Exhibition in Riyadh have a better setting? As soon as you enter, the atmosphere reflects the majesty of Najdi architecture and the roar of history beneath its walls. The exhibition, which traces the growth of the emblem since the 1930s, is the result of decades of research and digitisation and is curated by Mohammed Alruways and Abdullah Kenani.  Storytelling takes place in three thoughtfully designed spaces: one shows found artefacts, another diplomatic-scale paintings, and a third uses animations and video to show the digital archiving process. The National Emblem Exhibition Riyadh is more than just a visual record; it is a cultural and emotional experience. From royal dining dishes owned by King Abdulaziz and King Fahd to a 1949 passport, every item throbs with tales of national memory, unity, and sovereignty. You will sense the might of the two-sword-guarded palm, a symbol of justice, prosperity, and faith. Read more: Annabel's at AlUla, 2025