It is the first palace built by the founding King Abdulaziz outside the walls of old Riyadh in 1939 to serve as his residence and the seat of government. Its construction, in the authentic Najdi style, reflects the growth and development of the modern Saudi capital. The palace, which houses the king's personal belongings such as his swords and watches, was the site of important royal decrees, such as the establishment of the Ministry of Defense and the Saudi Central Bank.