The birthplace of the house of Al Saud and a historic landmark in the heart of Riyadh, Diriyah district is set to become a heritage city which will serve to celebrate community, preserve the identity and showcase the culture and hospitality of Saudi Arabia.
Ad Diriyah is the jewel of the district considered as the native homestead of the Saudi Royal family and has been inscribed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2010. The majority of the Diriyah area was mostly deserted until the Diriyah Development Gate Authority (DGDA) was commissioned by the Royal family to carry out an impressive restoration project aimed at transforming the settlement into an international tourist destination and a heritage memorial. The planned mixed-use development is inspired by the new Saudi urbanism and the historical Najdi architecture and it will be divided into districts which will cover history, hospitality and lifestyle as well as cultural and educational institutions.
Al Turaif was built in the distinctive Najdi style typical of Saudi architecture- using sun dried bricks and mud, the buildings show a representative linearity in their design and rectilinear forms with details like “mashrabiya” and the geometric patterns traditionally used in Islamic décor and design. This traditional settlement and the archaeological ruins will be created into Al Turaif Living museum, an open-air site where visitors will be able to learn more about the area, its architecture and history. Other historical sites in the area include the Salwa Palace, Saad bin Saud Palace, Al Turaif bath and guest house and the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Mosque.
The cultural aspect of Diriyah will be of utmost importance with over 30 cultural attractions, museums and academies. The institutes will offer multitude of courses, activities and seminars which will let the visitors dive deeper into the subjects of Najdi architecture and mud brick building, calligraphy and Arabic poetry, the teachings of Islam, Ardah dance and cultural manifestations. The thematic period village recreating life as it was 300 years ago will offer unique heritage experiences and will have a bazaar and a traditional Arabic souq as well as an array of traditional and contemporary galleries, restaurants, and high-end shops. The Diriyah Square will become a luxury shopping destination with over 400 hundred brands and over 100 traditional artisans.
Overlooking the Wadi Hanifa and Al Turaif, the Bujairi Terrace is set to become Riyadh’s premier dining destination. With an array of fine dining restaurants and coffee shops, the likes of Takya, Hakksan, Angelina’s and Tatel will bring guests together and help them create incredible dining experiences.
Diriyah will be a home to more than 20 luxury hotels and resorts the likes of Baccarat, Campbell Grey, Address, and Fauchon hospitality with over 30 million visitors projected by 2030. The 5-star Samhan Heritage Hotel by Marriott is the first hospitality-based renovation project centered around 40 historic mud buildings and under the supervision of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage. The 141 guest rooms and suites were designed to blend the locally crafted elements such as the Sadu weave pattern material with the more contemporary finishes to create a high-end space with a heritage feel. This luxury hotel will have a museum and a souk as part of its unique experiences.
Diriyah Square Offices, designed to be a hub of economic and political vision, will create an enriching environment for corporate work. Diriyah Residences created to be the landmark of sustainability with their key initiatives across water conservation and energy efficiency will create an inspiring and cosmopolitan community with over 3000 exclusive apartments, townhouses and villas and top-notch amenities on offer.
As a part of the Saudi Vision 2030, Diriyah will be established as not solely a paramount historical site but a place that will create a community of the future, preserve the culture, educate the minds and showcase the best of Saudi history and hospitality and their bright path into the future.
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