Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to be a global destination that will feature distinctive cultural, historical and tourism landmarks. The project is a SAR65 billion cultural and lifestyle development.
The destination will give visitors a flashback of 300 years of the kingdom’s history, Diriyah will include Turaif District UNESCO World Heritage Site. Last week, it was announced as PIF’s fifth giga-project by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister.
The destination aims to provide tourists with an opportunity to explore Saudi’s history, it’s culture and learn from the city’s museums and purpose built pavilions.
The kingdom’s four other giga-projects are NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya and Roshn.
Established by Royal Decree in 2017, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) will continue its regulatory and supervisory role in maintaining the heritage and history of the site.
Saudi is positing itself as a global destination with multiple international hospitality brands signed to the various giga-projects in the kingdom. Diriyah itself has brought 32 management agreements with hotel brands, with the first one planned to open this year.
Sustainability
The destination aims to become a landmark of sustainability with initiatives in water conservation, energy efficiency, wellness, Saudi culture, heritage preservation and climate change resilience.
The city is designed to be 100 percent walkable and is set to achieve its USGBC’s scheme LEED Cities and Communities certification.
Hotels and resorts brands in Diriyah:
- Park Hyatt
- Raffles
- Rosewood
- Six Senses
- The Luxury Collection
- The Ritz-Carlton
- Orient Express
- The Oberoi
- LXR Hotels and Resorts
- Fauchon Hospitality
- Capella Hotels and Resorts
- Campbell Gray Hoyels and Resorts
- Baccarat Hotels and Resorts
- Address Hotels and Resorts
Hotels include Anantara, The Chedi, Hyatt Place, Taj, Waldorf Astoria and more.
“We are excited to further Diriyah’s position as Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural epicenter by bringing international hoteliers to operate within Diriyah. Each and every hotel brand offers a special, distinctive experience for visitors, all united by a shared promise to provide a unique set of high-quality services measured to global standards for all of Diriyah’s guests. The opening of these hotels signifies our ongoing promise to transform Diriyah into one of the greatest gathering places in the world, welcoming visitors from around the world into the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030’s aims and objectives,” said Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of DGDA.
Sites at Diriyah
Bujairi Terrace
The terrace is a dining experience with views of the cultural icon At-Turaif. The culinary destination will offer over 20 world class dining experiences with restaurants including Alpiano, Angelina, Brunch & Cake, Hakkasan, Flamingo Room, Sarabeth’s and more.
Diriyah Square
At the heart of the project, Diriyah Square brings together over 400 global retail brands, and an additional 100 authentic local Saudi artisan souks. The district will deliver entertainment, luxury hotels as well as places to work and live.
Key facts:
- 180000 square metre of lifestyle retail space
- More than 400of the world’s finest luxury and lifestyle brands
- Over 30 million visitors annually by 2030
- 1 Metro station connecting into Riyadh city
- More than 100 local souk and bazaars
- Over 20 open-air event spaces
- 10500 car parking spaces
- 6 ultra-luxury hotels and resorts
Cultural attractions
More than 30 cultural attractions including museums and academies will detail the history of Saudi Arabia. The cultural attractions will be the symbolic center for the generations of Kingdom leaders since the foundation of the first Saudi state in 1727.
Key facts:
- At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 6 museums focused on Saudi heritage & culture
- 24 institutes to learn about Saudi culture & traditions
- 1 period village to explore Saudi heritage, arts and crafts
At-Turaif is a destination experience narrating the history through multi-sensory experiences from performances to immersive exhibitions, wayfinding trails and digital interventions.
The Art District is a space with creative businesses and entrepreneurs, art galleries artisan lifestyle retail offerings, co-working spaces and apartments. The district features specialized institutes baes on Saudi heritage and culture including creative writing, poetry, theatre, music, traditional cuisine, Najdi architecture, traditional dance, art and cinema.
Period Village
The period village will recreate life 300 years ago and host activities including markets and craft stores as well as experiential workshops and traditional food offerings.
Diriyah Square Offices
Located within Diriyah Square at the heart of the destination, the space is set to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Key facts:
- Over 110000 square metres
- 23 grade A office buildings
- 11000 workers anticipated at Diriyah
- Range of tenancy sizes from 75 sqm – 13,000 sqm
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