With its lush landscapes and gardens, stunning architectural wonders, safe and secure neighborhood, vital embassies and organizations, and fun leisure and recreational establishments, the Diplomatic Quarter shows us why it’s the most sought after address in Riyadh, then and now.
RIYADH, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is one of the fastest rising cities in the world. From an isolated town into a glittering, spacious metropolis of grid-like squares and sky-high buildings, Riyadh has seen major changes since King Abdul Aziz Bin Saud came to power in 1902. This “garden” in the middle of the desert is home to over 8 million Saudis and expats and has been the Kingdom’s political, financial and administrative capital. Riyadh is divided into 15 branch municipalities with one important addition: the Diplomatic Quarter.
The Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter, simply known as DQ, is a small city within a city. One of the many bold urban projects in the early 1980s by the then Governor of Riyadh and now Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, H.R.H. Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the DQ serves as the home base for various foreign embassies and diplomatic groups in the Kingdom. It brings over 80 meticulously built embassies, several well-conserved parks, beautifully designed residential areas and award-winning public spaces together to form one unique community.
The Beginning of an Oasis City
In 1976, then Governor of Riyadh H.R.H. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz initiated the visionary idea to create an area beyond the northwest edge of the city, that diplomatic missions could call home. The project had to be integrated within the existing urban structure and flow of Riyadh and it should be accessible and inclusive to foster true cultural exchange. Over five years of planning, construction, development and landscaping saw eight square kilometers of rocky, barren desert plateau on the escarpment of Wadi Hanifa turn into one of the most-sought after neighborhoods in Riyadh. The dynamic, essential Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter was born.
The City Within A City
The Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) is the organizational, planning, executive and coordinating body responsible for the development of Riyadh and it oversees the DQ. According to a senior ADA official, the DQ integrates natural elements and modern components with facilities and services that are integral to the lives of diplomats and residents. It observes the surroundings’ environmental sustainability by using the natural curves and slopes of the area and adopting proper aesthetics to serve as insulation from noise coming from the traffic around the neighborhood. The DQ has achieved a degree of harmony between its natural location and the additional man-made architecture and facilities.
A lot of people see the Diplomatic Quarter as an exclusive subdivision for diplomats, embassy personnel, and their families. But they are just a part of the entire DQ equation; only 14% of the DQ is dedicated to diplomatic missions and residences. The DQ has been built to be a neighborhood of Riyadh where Saudi schools, government offices, business and religious institutions, and recreational facilities were opened. Nearly 50% of its residents are Saudis.
“The DQ is part of a series of urban plans to make Riyadh a more integrated city. It is an ambitious plan to merge nature, tradition, and modernity into one neighborhood. It was a vision that turned to reality.”
From afar, the DQ is seen as an intimidating fort surrounded by fences and manned with the highest level of security. Up close, the DQ best defines what Riyadh is in the first place: a garden city, an oasis of harmonious natural beauty and great urban design. The embassies are their own architectural and design wonders but it’s the plush, welcoming pockets of green gardens, parks, and hike trails that make the DQ a one-of-a-kind gem in the city.
Strolling through DQ is like going through an “It’s a Small World” ride or a walk through the pavilions of Global Village; only this time, each country is boasting of its great architectural history and design. Also, it’s definitely a bigger spectacle of various cultures and heritage. The entire DQ is like an open air, outdoor museum of world architecture. It’s a learning process going through each building. Thankfully, building regulations did not allow high walls so that embassies can easily be seen and gawked at (although we don’t suggest lingering outside embassies for too long).
Some notable embassies include the US embassy, the largest in the DQ, with its tight security, the Indian Embassy with its soft pink marble walls reminiscent of the Rajput fort, the Greek Embassy with its restful façade of classic proportions, the modernist French embassy with its all blue steel, glass, and concrete, and the Philippine Embassy always filled to the brim with people during weekdays.
The DQ has eleven roundabouts. For visitors, they just serve as markers where embassies are located and help regulate traffic but they also provide architectural interest along with the tree-lined boulevards that serve as the lifeline of the area. Five residential areas with its own parks and amenities are distributed around the DQ. It may come as a surprise to most of us but the DQ has 16 public parks and more than 10,000 palm trees! Its landscape is unbelievably well-planned and well-maintained.
“Major companies, institutions, and organizations choose the DQ as their headquarters for their operations in Riyadh.”
The DQ Today
The DQ is not only home to embassies; it’s also a home to a lot of local and international organizations and businesses. The private sector’s participation has leveled up over the years and this has brought up a number of residential and office and hotel complexes. Businesses from all sectors of life: education, health, sports, telecommunications, nutrition, transportation, and others are based in the DQ.
DQ’s unique building complex houses regional organizations like the Gulf Cooperating Council, Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization, and the Arab Satellite Communication Organization. International organizations like the United Nations and the International Energy Forum have their addresses in the DQ. Offices of Saudi Arabia Airlines, Saudi Council for Health Specialties, and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage can also be found here.
While the embassies and organizations are DQ’s main fixture, there are also public facilities that are open for residents and the more than 30,000 people visiting DQ every day. Al Kindi Plaza and Al Fazari Plaza are two of the most-visited places with its interesting array of restaurants, cafés and shops for groceries, laundry, and personal necessities.
Al Kindi Plaza is the largest plaza in the DQ sprawling over 60,000 square meters. Called the “heart of the DQ” because of its strategic location, Al Kindi is home to a square where families can spend their time (especially nice during the cusp of winter). The shops and stores that border the plaza and strung along shaded arcades provide necessities and wants. The ADA headquarters can also be found here.
The Tuwaiq Palace is also one of the notable places in the DQ. It serves as a venue for cultural and academic events. For the curious guest, a visit to the “heart” tent comprised entirely of hand-painted glass in the middle of the palace’s garden is a must. Its jewel-like panels mesmerize with bright flora and fauna scenes. The Cultural Palace is home to an auditorium, conference center, library, meeting rooms and offices. Both palaces serve as incubator of cultural and social activities in the city because they bring together people for celebrations, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions.
“The DQ is one of the favorite destinations in Riyadh because of its unique urban design combined with our contemporary heritage. People can enjoy the diverse yet integrated social and recreational facilities and services in the DQ.”
The Recreational Facilities Center has a sports club open to residents and non-residents alike. The Al Aghar Equestrian Center has a stable of over 30 Arabian horses while the King Salman Science Oasis is an interactive science center that aims to improve public awareness of science and promote scientific knowledge.
The development and modernization of the DQ is non-stop. Hardly a year goes by without witnessing a new establishment like restaurant, coffee shop, and store or a new headquarter of an embassy, diplomatic mission or local and international organization being opened in the DQ. It’s always bustling with activities!
Living the DQ Life
Over the years, the original intent for the DQ to become a part of the greater Riyadh metropolis has diminished. Because of geopolitical and security reasons, a more stringent safety precaution was set in place. These created a barrier for people living outside and making them come to the DQ only when they have errands in their respective embassies or other embassies for applying visas. Nevertheless, the DQ is one of the most important elements in the city and its influence and impact are not taken for granted.
The great thing about living in the DQ is the proximity of embassies and residential places to each other. There is a great sense of camaraderie and friendship found among the people in the diplomatic missions. Stories and lives are shared. However, even though most diplomatic housings are interwoven with homes of residents, social life can be easy yet daunting in this side of the Kingdom. Sometimes, it’s just among the same small circles. But the good news is, the embassies serve as both government buildings where consular services are done and community centers where people can gather to celebrate and mingle. Most embassies nowadays open their buildings to events that cater to their nationalities and guests. There are various affairs that cater to holiday and social gatherings, family activities, and outreaches. Cultural events like musicals, art exhibits, and fashion shows are also well-attended.
Residents of Riyadh who are not part of diplomatic missions find the DQ the most ideal place to raise their children. It’s one of the most convenient places where activities like biking, running around, and visiting neighbors and friends are normal. The security of the place makes parents breathe easier.
The Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration to the people of Riyadh. Over the years, it has seen growth and development like no other place in Riyadh and it continues to uphold the integrity of the local and international communities. In its interior are the embassies that serve their people. In its depths, the gardens, parks, and establishments that cater to leisure and recreational needs. In its edges are the residential complexes that serve as homes to both Saudis and expats. In its heart is the vision of peace and unity that is always the ultimate goal, not only of the DQ, but of Saudi Arabia.
DQ At A Glance
Area: 8 km2
Embassies: 80+
Residential Areas: 5
Schools: 6
Gardens: 16
Gates: 2 Access Gates
Residents: 10,000+
“I love living in the DQ because our house is close to embassies. It also has beautiful areas of the wadi; it’s green and empty on a Friday. We can walk our dog and we can also bike and run. I used the DQ as my training ground for the marathons that I joined.” Evelyne, resident for 4 years
“The DQ is safe and secure. The greenery, plantation, parks, and tracks are the most unique features of the DQ.” Mrs. Malik, resident for more than a year
“There is a sense of belonging in the DQ where we recognize people, not necessarily by name, but by sight. People acknowledge each other, but not in an intrusive way. As a woman, I can totally be independent here. I feel that it is possibly the safest place in Riyadh.” Amanda, resident for 11 1/2 years
“I enjoy living in the DQ. The greenery is extremely calming. I also love the “wadi walk” which is just on my doorstep. The added bonus is that most embassies are just a quick stroll from home.” Ian James, resident for 2 years
Sources:
Arriyadh Development Authority
High Commission for the Development of Riyadh
Franklin B, Attieh AT. Desert, Design & Diplomacy: Life & Architecture in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. ADA 2014
