Deera Square, Riyadh

The Deera Square, also known as Justice Square, or more somberly, “Chop‑Chop Square”, is located in the historic ad‑Dirah neighborhood, adjacent to key landmarks such as Al‑Hukm Palace and the imposing Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque. Deera Square carries a heavy history as the former site of public executions, specifically beheadings that were held at unannounced times in view of the public-events that earned it the nickname “Chop‑Chop Square” among Western residents and visitors.

In recent years, public executions have ceased at the site: Saudi Arabia has shifted to carrying out such sentences privately, and there have been no recorded public beheadings since 2022. Today, the square serves a new role as a gathering place, where locals and visitors move between markets, shops, and eateries.

The square is often lively, particularly in late afternoons and early evenings when nearby shops, cafés begin to buzz with activity and shoppers. Visitors can admire the architectural elegance of the sandstone and marble Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, which holds up to 17,000 worshippers and is illuminated beautifully at night.

For tourists, Deera Square offers a space where Riyadh’s dramatic past meets its dynamic present. Modest dress and respectful conduct are advised, especially given the square's proximity to religious and judicial institutions.