Tag Archives: Diriyah Gate

Diriyah projected to attract 50 million annual visits by the turn of the century, will gain increased visibility through a series of new travel trade agreements signed by Diriyah Company at WTM 2024 in London with leading Saudi tourism partners. The collaborations, with Tetrapylon DMC, 88 Destinations, and Athaar Arabia DMC, are designed to further elevate Diriyah as a premier global cultural and tourism destination. Under the agreements, Diriyah Company and its travel partners will collaborate to promote Diriyah, The City of Earth, as a leading premium cultural destination for discerning global travelers. Working together with these partners Diriyah Company will produce tourism reports and develop a comprehensive marketing toolkit to highlight the various offerings for inbound cultural travelers visiting the Kingdom in groups. The agreements follow two travel trade agreements signed on the first day of WTM with global luxury firm Abercrombie and Kent and local Saudi travel platform, Almosafer. All five of the travel partner agreements are aimed at positioning Diriyah, The City of Earth, as an emerging must-visit destination on the global tourism map. Diriyah Company recognizes the impact of leveraging the expertise of world class specialized partners to further enhance its marketing efforts and ensure access to top-tier market data, ultimately delivering world-class visitor experiences. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “We are delighted to have signed three additional travel trade agreements with leading international and Saudi based travel companies. These strategic collaborations will enhance our appeal to both domestic and global tourists as we continue our journey in transforming Diriyah, “The City of Earth”, into a world-class destination for discerning travelers and international explorers.” Diriyah Company is participating in WTM 2024 to provide …

Diriyah Season is set to open in December, with a captivating array of events and experiences designed to bring to life the living heritage of Diriyah – ’The City of Earth’, and the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Spread across several areas of Diriyah including the parks, wadis, iconic sites of UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace, the fine dining destination, the 2023/24 Season will offer visitors an unrivalled authentic experience that combines arts and culture, live performance, and experiential experiences to showcase nearly six hundred years of history and heritage in a compelling and entertaining way. The Season aims to entertain visitors’ cultural curiosity by curating a unique three-month calendar of events offering something for everyone. These include live musical and theatrical performances, the highly anticipated Diriyah E-Prix championship organized by the Ministry of Sport, an expanded and engaging return of ‘Layali Diriyah’, immersive art installations and exhibitions, stellar culinary experiences, and outdoor activities such as horseback riding, camping, and stargazing. This year’s theme honors Diriyah’s origin story and celebrates Al Awja, indicative of the people of the bend (Wadi Hanifah) and a rallying call for all Saudis to come together and celebrate their shared culture and identity. While Diriyah is a vital source of Saudi cultural identity and national pride, it also stands at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s plans for its future as a unique cultural capital. Centered around the birthplace of The First Saudi State, it is a city built with people at its heart; a place where people from all walks of life come together and experience the unique Saudi way of life. As such, this Season will offer a unique …

MAIZ, a unique fine-dining concept that brings authentic Saudi cuisine in a thematic Saudi Arabian cultural setting, opens its doors at Bujairi Terrace, a new fine-dining destination developed as part of Diriyah Gate Development. Concept of Al Khozama – one of the most prominent players in the Gulf region’s hospitality sector, MAIZ is the world’s genuine Saudi restaurant and aims to create a new food genre which in the future will be referred to as The Saudi Food, globally. CEO of Al Khozama, Mr. Khaled Saud Abu Haimed said, “Al Khozama brings decades of rich expertise in the hospitality sector and MAIZ will not only represent a new hospitality concept but also a unique journey of the Kingdom’s heritage and culture.” “We are proud of launching this original concept, and look forward to welcome tourists and residents to experience authentic Saudi food in a thematic setting”, he added. MAIZ features an exclusive menu that represents a standalone project including distinctive Saudi dishes with a huge array of savoury flavours and authentic flair that is a feast to all senses. The ambiance at MAIZ is fashionable, sophisticated, welcoming, and provides a unique experience to all guests.

Diriyah Square is more than just retail, with an offering that makes it the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s most anticipated retail and lifestyle mixed-use development. Diriyah Square will offer the very finest in culture, hospitality, retail, leisure and entertainment, bringing together over 400 of the world’s finest luxury and lifestyle brands complemented by an additional 100 Saudi concepts in a new 180,000 sqm (GLA) scheme. It is a crucial pillar in the $63.2 billion transformation of Diriyah, the Kingdom’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination. DGDA’s development journey for Diriyah Square has recently achieved a number of major milestones, including the signing of Time Out Market Riyadh, a new 9,000 sqm food and cultural market forecast to open in 2027. DGDA has also announced the signing of 16 new hotel brands within its hospitality portfolio, with hotels from Armani, Baccarat, Corinthia, Fauchon le Hotel, Orient Express and Rosewood set to be major additions to Diriyah Square. Mohamed Saad, Vice President – Diriyah Development Company, said: “Diriyah Square is about bringing together all elements of a modern scheme – from retail and leisure options to a cultural and lifestyle offer – to create a destination that caters holistically to residents’ needs, and welcomes visitors and tourists from all walks of life. Truly, it represents the future of retail in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.” Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, DGDA, stated: “Diriyah Square is an important part of  the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, and the mix of retail, leisure, cultural and lifestyle options it will offer is an illustration of the ambitious national transformation which we are all excited and honoured to contribute to. The mix of local Saudi and internationally renowned …

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), responsible for the transformation of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, into one of the greatest gathering places in the world, today announces adding 16 new global hotel brands to its already impressive hospitality portfolio which includes 16 additional global brands. Bringing the total to 32 hotel management agreements with the world’s most prestigious hotel brands, with our first hotel planned to open in 2023. The signing of these new hotel brands is testament to the pace of development being witnessed in Diriyah, which will be the first giga project in the world to simultaneously open, ground-break and announce world class assets every year from 2022 until completion. To this end, Diriyah has just announced the opening of two of its most significant locations: At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most important historical sites and a symbol of Saudi identity, as well as Bujairi Terrace, the Kingdom’s most anticipated premium dining destination overlooking the majestic At-Turaif. The 16 hotel brands slated to open will be situated across two of DGDA’s masterplan areas – Diriyah and Wadi Safar. The infrastructure of Diriyah’s first phase of hotel construction will feature an interpretation of the local landscape and traditional Najdi design themes, whereas the next phase will offer visitors a more evolved Najdi design experience. Both phases of Diriyah’s hospitality development plans will see a variety of luxury hotels open, characterized by their cutting-edge design, top-class amenities, and superb customer service. Thai-rooted brand Anantara, part of Minor Hotels, will provide a window into the destination through its authentic experience-led hospitality. Corinthia Hotels seeks to build upon its hospitality legacy by …

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Falcons Club (SFC). The MoU, signed by Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer of DGDA, and Hosam Al-Huzaimi, CEO of the SFC, aims to preserve and promote the proud tradition of falconry, highlighting its significance to national culture and heritage through a series of joint projects and initiatives. According to Mr. Inzerillo, the joint cooperation will prove integral to DGDA’s drive for greater educational and cultural activity, while also paving the way to develop and operate a falconry center within Diriyah that would offer inspiring insights and information on falcons, falconry, and the rich culture that has developed around them. Mr. Huzaimi said that the agreement would facilitate falconry culture conservation efforts through educational, cultural, and heritage programs and events across both Diriyah and the Kingdom. Both sides will also work to further popularize the hobby amongst the youth through programs that promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) for the handling and processing of all waste within the Authority’s jurisdiction. The agreement also covers future cooperation between DGDA and SIRC on research, investment opportunities, deployment of solutions, operations, and management. The MoU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of DGDA, Jerry Inzerillo, and his SIRC counterpart Eng. Ziyad bin Mohammed Al-Shiha. Under the scope of the MoU, DGDA, and SIRC will collaborate on citywide waste management solutions that adhere to world-class Practices for handling, recycling, and disposing of all kinds of waste. This will be done using cutting-edge, efficient technologies, cooperating on technical and investigative studies, and knowledge and skill-sharing workshops. Inzerillo stated that the partnership with SIRC reflects DGDA’s commitment to achieving environmental sustainability, maximizing returns on investment in waste management, and taking all the necessary measures to ensure the quality-of-life standards set in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 meet the satisfaction of Diriyah’s community. He highlighted that this was especially important given the city’s importance as the cradle of the First Saudi State and the Arab Capital of Culture for 2030. Eng. Shiha expressed his pleasure with the signing of the MoU, which sets a framework for collaboration and sharing administrative functions, investment opportunities, and technical expertise between both parties, saying that the agreement would help explore ways to diversify sources of revenue in the recycling sector.

The first phase of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s (DGDA) master plan has been awarded platinum-level precertification for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC’s LEED certification is a globally recognised, prestigious symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership, providing a framework for healthy, efficient and cost-saving green buildings and is the world’s most widely known sustainability certification scheme. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, DGDA, commented: “I am thrilled that our efforts have been recognised by the LEED precertification as climate and nature-related considerations are at the heart of our development. With regenerative tourism and a people first development at the epicenter of our philosophy, we want to ensure that Diriyah is a shining example when it comes to sustainability standards internationally, and will result in a highly liveable, pedestrian city. Diriyah is the ultimate wellspring and source of a civilization, and our sustainable approach, rooted in a reverence of the city’s past and origins, has now been authenticated by this major accolade and proof point.” Mohamed Saad, Acting DevCo President DGDA, stated: “The significance of Diriyah’s preliminary LEED accreditation cannot be overstated and has involved input from every portion of DGDA. Thanks to this large collaborative effort, we are well on our way to demonstrating to the world that our development is comprehensively sustainable at every level.” LEED certification can be achieved at different levels: the building, neighbourhood, community and city levels. The first phase of the Diriyah development has targeted the certification at both the building and city levels. The precertification of LEED for buildings and cities at a platinum level shows that the development has sustainability at …

Minor Hotels announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Diriyah Gate Development Authority to develop a hotel under its luxury Anantara brand.  Diriyah is set to become the historic hub of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will showcase 300+ years of the country’s history through an engaging and inspiring set of cultural, heritage, hospitality, education, shopping and dining experiences for residents, tourists, and frequent visitors. Located just outside the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is transforming more than 11 square kilometres of Diriyah into what will become the world’s largest cultural and lifestyle development, which will be home to 38 hotel brands, more than 100 restaurants and 400 plus luxury retail brands and souk offerings. Anantara will be bringing its experience-led indigenous luxury to DGDA with a new hotel. Currently in the final stages of planning, further details of the upcoming new property will be announced soon. Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is well known in the Middle East region through its portfolio of striking properties, including Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in the Liwa Desert in the UAE, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in Oman and Anantara Banana Island Resort Doha in Qatar. William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels, commented, “We are excited to announce our intention to be part of what will be one of the world’s most exciting and impressive collections of hotels at Diriyah Gate. This project is second to none globally in terms of scale and luxury and will bring a completely unique experience to the people of Saudi Arabia, residents and tourists alike. I …

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) officially unveiled its vision for Diriyah Square, the commercial heart of its 190 Billion SAR [50 Billion USD] Diriyah giga-project on the edge of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – scheduled to be open by 2024. Bringing together wonderful experiences for young and old, Diriyah Square is the gathering place  of the Diriyah masterplan hosting 450+ of the world’s finest global retail brands, complemented by an additional 100 authentic local Saudi artisan souks. The district will deliver a complete lifestyle offering; from leisure and entertainment, ultra-luxurious hotels, and places to work and live – all within an iconic destination steeped in heritage, culture, and promise.  Diriyah is the Birthplace of the Kingdom, centered around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, and is the site of the First Saudi State. Diriyah Square provides an uncompromisingly bold destination, breaking the status quo and setting it apart from the traditional retail competitors. Looking beyond the vision of Diriyah Square,  DGDA will partner with leading international brands to ensure their expectations are exceeded. Diriyah Square’s vision rests on three key values: Authenticity, Future and Place. AUTHENTICITY – The Diriyah Square project will faithfully apply timeless Najdi-inspired architecture and design principles, which no other project of this scale has ever done before. This will ensure the project is immediately recognizable and provides a distinct proposition for the region while remaining true to the Kingdom’s heritage and vision. FUTURE – Diriyah Square is a bold and ambitious project – creating an exciting future whilst being anchored by the past. Underpinned by state of the art infrastructure, above and below ground, a thriving Najd village will deliver an urban, walkable city …