TOURISM Historic Diriyah a pillar of new Saudi era
Diriyah Gate, a sweeping 19th century adobe city that is the birthplace of the Saudi nation, will be soon unveiled to world leaders and notable guests as a major educational, cultural, recreational, and hospitality hub on the banks of the Hanifa Valley in the heart of the capital city of Riyadh.
Established in July 2017, Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is tasked with preserving Diriyah’s history, celebrating its community and developing the historic site into one of the world’s greatest gathering places and a hub for Saudi culture and heritage, and tourism. The DGDA signed landmark deals with Aman, a luxury resort developer, and the Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) Company at the Open Hearts, Open Doors event on Sept. 27 that introduced the splendors of Diriyah to the world. The boutique Aman hotel will be built in Al-Bujairi, the lifestyle and culture hub of the Diriyah Gate megaproject. Aman resorts are renowned for their luxury and personalized service. With no lobbies, bellboys, or reception desks, Aman has upended the typical model of the hospitality industry. Its Diriyah Gate property will have spectacular views of the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meanwhile, the 27-hole Wadi Safar Golf Course will be designed by the GNGCD, one of the world’s leading golf course developers, in an exclusive residential district being developed by DGDA in a verdant valley west of Riyadh.
The Diriyah announcement comes as the Kingdom releases details of its new eVisa system, which also came into effect Sept. 27.
“The Diriyah Gate development will serve as a gathering place and pillar of Saudi Arabia’s new era of openness. We are incredibly excited about our partnerships with Greg Norman and the resort developer Aman, unveiled just this week, as they offer a taste of the type of unprecedented collaborations we are seeking in our mission to make Diriyah a global icon and the Arabian Peninsula’s must-visit destination,” said Gerard Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of DGDA.
Under the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 strategic plan, tourism has been identified as a major growth sector, with Saudi Arabia making huge strides in opening up in recent years with the introduction of a wide range of cultural festivals, concerts and sporting events. DGDA’s role in this cultural expansion includes hosting the Formula E auto racing events, the upcoming Diriyah Season’s series of concerts, and the much-anticipated heavyweight title boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. in December. Asked to remark on Diriyah’s positioning among global cultural destination icons, Inzerillo said: “There’s only one Diriyah. All are welcome to experience the jewel of the Kingdom for themselves.”