Diriyah Saudi Arabia's Historic Giga Project and Cultural Heritage Hub

The Diriyah giga project, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aims to transform the historic city of Diriyah, located just northwest of Riyadh, into a global cultural and heritage destination. Spanning 7 square kilometers, it focuses on preserving the area's rich history and architecture. Key features include world-class museums, luxury hotels, cultural institutions, fine dining, traditional markets, and extensive public spaces. For foreign businesses, this project presents significant opportunities in tourism, hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors. By reviving Diriyah’s heritage and integrating modern amenities, the development is set to become a premier global cultural hub, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Key Facts and Numbers

• Total Development Budget: SAR 236 billion+
• Expected Number of Residents: 100,000
• Projected Visits by 2030: 50 million
• Number of Hotels: 38+
• Residential Units: 18,000+
• Retail Gross Floor Area (GFA): 566,000 square meters
• Iconic Landmarks: 10+
• Museums: 9+
• Retail Brands: Over 400+

Subprojects

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) project encompasses several key subprojects, each contributing to the overall vision:

Diriyah Square

The commercial heart of Diriyah, set to open in 2024, will feature over 450 global retail brands and local artisan souks, offering a comprehensive lifestyle experience with leisure, entertainment, luxury hotels, and residential spaces.

Wadi Hanifah

This initiative focuses on preserving and enhancing Diriyah's natural environment, ensuring sustainability while providing recreational opportunities for visitors and locals.

Bujairi District

The Bujairi District is a welcoming area near At-Turaif, offering rides for children, food stalls, and a lively market where travelers can purchase traditional Saudi clothing, jewelry, and other souvenirs.

King Salman Square

A green oasis outside Riyadh, King Salman Square will be a gathering place for celebrating Saudi history and culture, offering a venue for social gatherings.

House of AlSaud Museum

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority will include the world's largest Islamic museum, the House of AlSaud Museum, showcasing Saudi Arabia's rich history and cultural heritage.

Foreign Companies Capitalizing on Diriyah

Numerous companies are already involved in the Diriyah project, contributing to its success in various sectors:

• City Cool Cooling Company
• Aman Group
• China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd
• Dorsch Global
• Urbacon Trading & Contracting.
• HanmiGlobal
• Ritz Carlton
• Egis

Sector Impact for Foreign Business Opportunities

As part of Vision 2030’s transformative journey, developing non-oil contribution, Diriyah aims to further impact the growth of sectors that are vital to the success of the Kingdom’s vision

Hospitality

The hospitality sector is a key focus of the Diriyah project. It features 38 global hotel brands, including the Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, and Anantara, offering luxurious accommodations and modern amenities. The project also includes the Four Seasons hotel, which will provide 150 rooms and suites, expansive meeting spaces, a wellness spa, and a fitness center. This extensive hospitality offering aims to cater to the projected 27 million annual visitors

Retail

Diriyah Square, one of the Kingdom’s largest shopping destinations, will feature over 400 iconic lifestyle retail, luxury brand, and dining offerings. The square will be designed in the traditional Najdi style, blending modernity with heritage. This retail hub will provide a unique shopping experience, complemented by authentic local artisan souks, ensuring a diverse range of products and experiences

Sustainability

Saudi Arabia's Diriyah project is a pioneer in proptech, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like BIM, IoT, and AR to enhance user experience and optimize operations. This forward-thinking approach attracts foreign companies looking to capitalize on the Kingdom's digital transformation and expand their presence in the region.

Entertainment

Diriyah is designed to be a hub of entertainment, featuring a variety of leisure and entertainment options. The project includes recreational facilities, performance spaces, and cultural events, such as the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale and the Formula E race. These offerings will provide a lively and engaging environment for visitors, making Diriyah a premier destination for entertainment and cultural experiences.

PropTech

Saudi Arabia's Diriyah project is at the forefront of proptech, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experience and optimize operations. The project integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), and Augmented Reality (AR) to streamline processes and improve efficiency. This forward-thinking approach attracts foreign companies looking to capitalize on the Kingdom's digital transformation and expand their presence in the region.

Recent Announcements

Compensation for Landowners

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has announced the start of compensation for landowners in certain areas within the districts of Alkhuzama, Alnakheel, and Irqa. This initiative aims to ensure that residents' rights are maintained and that they are kept aware of the latest updates through direct communications.

Diriyah Square Vision

Diriyah Square's vision rests on three key values: Authenticity, Future, and Place. The project will faithfully apply timeless Najdi-inspired architecture and design principles, ensuring it is immediately recognizable and provides a distinct proposition for the region while remaining true to the Kingdom's heritage and vision. The square will also feature state-of-the-art infrastructure and a thriving Najd village, creating an urban, walkable city set to be a legacy for generations to come.

Vision 2030

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) project is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to attract 27 million visitors to the Kingdom by 2030. This ambitious goal is expected to boost economic activity, enhance infrastructure, and contribute to the kingdom's sustainable growth and diversification through its strategic location and rich history.