Hidden in the heart of the Najd, an oasis-dotted region 200km northwest of Riyadh, Ushaiger Heritage Village provides a glimpse of a slow-paced Saudi society of old. Encased in thick walls, Ushaiger is a labyrinth of winding alleyways, shaded pathways, and timber-framed walkways, crossing between hundreds of mud houses. The village is divided into districts, bisected by groves of palm trees, and includes a cluster of beautifully renovated houses. These offer a stunning example of Najdi architecture, with its distinctive triangular windows and roofs and ornately carved wooden doors. Some still bear the names of the families who lived there.