Named after the eponymous al-Hukm Palace, it is widely considered to be the antecedent to modern Riyadh since the metropolis outgrew as an offshoot of the walled town in the 1950s.

It hosts some of the most important cultural heritage landmarks in the city, such as Masmak Fortress, Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque, Deera Square and the eponymous al-Hukm Palace besides several traditional marketplaces.

During the reign of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi authorities began focusing on the resuscitation and rejuvenation of the area and the preservation of its historical and architectural significance.

Headquarters of some institutions were constructed like the High Court, Civil Defense, Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Alsheikh Mosque, Dekhna Plaza, al-Zal Souq, and modern seven commercial complexes.

The al-Hukm Palace was shown as the building of a fictitious Saudi immigration court in the 2023 Indian Hindi-language comedy drama film Dunki.