Tag Archives: Diriyah

Diriyah Company unveiled the unique and innovative concept design for The Arena in Diriyah, located on the outskirts of Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh. The iconic 20,000-seat multipurpose sports, entertainment, and cultural venue marks a crucial milestone in Diriyah’s transformation as a key driver in Saudi Arabia’s vision for cultural and economic growth. This announcement is part of the USD 63.2 billion masterplan that underpins Diriyah’s development, redefining cultural and lifestyle offerings within Riyadh. It has been crafted by London-based HKS Architects to create a technologically advanced, globally significant arena that embodies the essence of its surroundings, geology, and culture. The announcement was made by the Diriyah Company at MIPIM in Cannes in the presence of the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade, Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston. Located in the heart of The City of Earth, the 76,000 square meter Arena aims to establish itself as the premier venue in the Middle East, serving as a tourism hallmark, drawing visitors from across the globe and completely transforming the region’s events landscape. Commenting on the announcement, Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company said: “The Arena in Diriyah is a cornerstone element of our mission to blend tradition with innovation. It exemplifies Diriyah’s unique lifestyle offering that harmonizes community, culture, and natural connection, setting a new standard for world-class destinations rooted in Saudi heritage.” Inspired by the natural geology surrounding Diriyah and capturing the traditional Najdi architecture motif spanning centuries of heritage, the venue will possess the ability to seamlessly transition between different configurations within hours, offering the flexibility to host various events in quick succession. Its state-of-the-art design will ensure exceptional acoustics and optimal viewing angles from every …

NEOM McLaren Formula E are relishing the opportunity of racing at this weekend’s ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Diriyah E-Prix races and are eager to produce strong performances in their ‘home races’. Saudi Arabia hosts Rounds Two and Three on Friday and Saturday night and for NEOM McLaren Formula E, the races present an opportunity for them to raise the national flag high following the strategic partnership between McLaren and NEOM in 2022. McLaren driver Jake Hughes is looking forward to racing again in Diriyah and says the team, which includes two-time Diriyah winner Sam Bird, is progressing on and off-the track. Speaking in a press conference in Diriyah, the British driver said: “I think every driver on the grid enjoys coming to the circuit and none more so than me. It’s a driver’s circuit as it’s very fast and flowing with a lot of tracks and it’s something I am looking forward to especially in Saudi Arabia and work towards getting a good result.” Team Principal, Ian James, says the partnership with NEOM is crucial for McLaren’s development. He said: “It’s a privilege to have NEOM on board as a partner from the start of our venture and into our transition. Not only is McLaren a racing company but also an engineering and technology organisation. I think for that reason it bodes very well as NEOM are very future-focused and works well as a two-way relationship. “The stability that we are given through the partnership with NEOM is absolutely crucial. It shows that we have a foundation within the team that is stable. One of the things I find fascinating between NEOM and McLaren is that they have …

Marriott International has celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah together with the Diriyah Company. Expected to open in 2026, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah is anticipated to bring the brand’s legendary service and exquisite design to the cultural destination.  Plans for the hotel include 195 guestrooms including 34 suites along with a specialty restaurant, all-day dining venue, meeting rooms, outdoor pool, and fitness center. A kids club with the brand’s signature Ritz Kids offering, a signature spa and other immersive guest programmes are also expected to be offered. The event was attended by Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International and Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company along with senior members from both organisations. During the official visit, representatives visited the site of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, which is expected to be the first hotel to open within Diriyah in 2024.  Bab Samhan will reflect the Najdi culture through its design and hospitality and will feature transformational experiences and destination-rooted authenticity. Design plans for the property include 135 guestrooms, including 27 suites, two signature restaurants, an all-day-dining restaurant, coffee and juice bar, fitness center, pool, and spa. “We continue to witness great progress across our portfolio within Diriyah and look forward to bringing our cherished and celebrated brands to one of the world’s most anticipated cultural and heritage cities,” commented Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International. Along with The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah and Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, Marriott International and Diriyah have previously announced the signings of an EDITION Hotel and a Moxy Hotel. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company added “Diriyah is so much …

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced today the Diriyah Project as PIF’s fifth giga-project, reflecting Diriyah’s status as a unique destination with distinctive cultural, historical, and tourism landmarks. The announcement reflects HRH the Crown Prince’s efforts in enabling the Saudi cultural  identity, which includes the Diriyah Project due to its historic, cultural, and political value proudly showcasing to the world Saudi Arabia’s 300 years of history. Diriyah Project is a globally significant destination that includes the Turaif District UNESCO World Heritage Site. These cultural and historical aspects position Diriyah as an unrivaled destination of global significance where the authenticity of Saudi heritage can be celebrated, revealing the historic origins of modern Saudi Arabia. Tourists will have the opportunity to explore and get to know Saudi’s history, and its culture at the city’s museums and purpose-built pavilions. The Diriyah giga-project is expected to enable many strategic domestic sectors, create partnerships with the local private sector, and unlock many new investment opportunities throughout its development and production phases in sectors such as construction, operation and management of hotels, retail, entertainment, and cultural facilities, creating thousands of new job opportunities and providing a series of initiatives designed to contribute to enriching the quality of life for residents and visitors. Giga-projects form a key part of PIF’s strategy due to their ability to create new economic ecosystems that drive economic growth and diversification in Saudi Arabia. Diriyah becomes the fifth PIF giga-project after NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya, and Roshn projects. The Diriyah Project aligns with PIF’s strategy to focus on unlocking the capabilities of promising sectors, including tourism and …

Diriyah. The City of Earth. begins a new chapter in its history as At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the original home of the Al Saud family, and the seat of governance of the First Saudi State, opens its doors to the public for the first time on the 4th of December 2022. The opening season will include a vibrant public program of events, performances, and activities for all visitors to experience which will celebrate and bring the heritage site and birthplace of the Kingdom to life. Located in the heart of Diriyah, north-west of the capital Riyadh, At-Turaif is the birthplace of the modern Saudi state founded in 1727 and is regarded as one of the country’s most important heritage sites and a symbol of Saudi identity. For over fifty years, this area served as the principal residence of House Al Saud and the administrative district of Diriyah, the center of a state that spanned the Arabian Peninsula. Visitors will be able to walk through a vast heritage site of restored mudbrick palaces, mosques, former defensive towers, and curated galleries that tell the definitive story of Saudi Arabia’s formation and the rise of the Saudi dynasty. A beautiful example of the distinct Nadji-style architecture, At-Turaif is one of the most historically significant and architecturally impressive mudbrick settlements in the world. Open all year round and with no ticket required on weekdays until 4 pm, visitors will be able to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site across a variety of mediums to suit their own interests. From guided tours, offered every 30 minutes in Arabic and English; to Nuzul, an immersive theatre across an entire street of the district bringing …