Diriyah aiming to draw 50 million visitors annually
Aiming to draw 50 million visitors
annually, the historic city of Diriyah is on track to become Saudi Arabia’s new
capital of culture. As a cornerstone of Vision 2030, Diriyah is undergoing a
carefully orchestrated transformation that blends preservation with innovation,
offering a multifaceted destination for both residents and tourists.
Located just 15 miles from Riyadh,
Diriyah’s US$63.2 billion megaproject spans 16 million square kilometers and
incorporates the centuries-old At-Turaif fortress—a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The development draws inspiration from traditional Najdi architecture,
reimagining the city as a modern, sustainable community that will eventually
house 100,000 people in a pedestrian-friendly, 15-minute urban model.
Founded in 1446, Diriyah became the
capital of the First Saudi State in 1727, marking its importance in the
country’s history. The city, known as the "City of Earth," is already
home to museums, galleries, luxury hotels, retail spaces, and a range of dining
options. With just 4% of the project completed, however, its full potential is
yet to be realized.
Read
More Diriyah
Square to be the centre of attraction in Diriyah
When complete, Diriyah will boast 40
luxury hotels, 300 branded residences, 1,000 shops, 150 restaurants, and 26
cultural centers. The vision extends further with plans for a university, a 20,000-seat
Royal Diriyah Opera House, an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course, and an equestrian
and polo center. To complement the design, the city will feature four Metro
stations, extensive bike and horse-riding trails, and walkways to create one of
the largest pedestrian-friendly cultural hubs in the world.
Despite the ambitious scale, Diriyah
remains deeply connected to its roots. Every hotel, residence, and retail space
is built with a low-rise profile and follows the city’s distinctive Najdi
aesthetic, ensuring the design stays true to its heritage while introducing
modern conveniences.
This commitment to blending
tradition with innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed. Diriyah Art Futures, with its
landscape-inspired Najdi architecture, has been named one of the world’s most
beautiful museums by Prix Versailles. Moreover, Diriyah has made history as the
first destination in the world to receive its own official Pantone color—‘Diriyah
Tan’.
Diriyah’s
rise as a luxury destination
As Diriyah transforms into a
world-class hub, its hospitality offering plays a central role. Over 40 hotels
will welcome visitors, with the first being Bab Samhan, A Luxury Collection
Hotel. Situated near At-Turaif, the hotel blends authentic Saudi culture with
modern amenities, offering experiences like in-house poetry readings and
traditional cuisine. The 157-key hotel features mud-brick structures, winding
alleys, and lantern-lit courtyards that evoke the charm of old Saudi Arabia,
alongside luxury modern touches.
Read
More Diriyah
Company: Redefining the Saudi birthplace as a global heritage and lifestyle
destination
Other prestigious hotel brands set
to open in Diriyah include Ritz-Carlton, Six Senses, Waldorf Astoria, Taj, Aman,
and Four Seasons. Most will open by 2027, coinciding with Diriyah’s
tricentennial celebrations. Armani Hotel Diriyah will also make its debut,
marking the first Armani-branded property in the Kingdom.
Exploring
Diriyah: History meets modern luxury
Currently, the star attraction is At-Turaif,
the historic center of Diriyah. Guided tours offer deeper insights into the
area’s rich history, while independent visitors can explore the preserved mud
city’s narrow alleys, discovering mini-museums showcasing aspects of life in
the ancient city. After dark, the site transforms with atmospheric lighting and
projections that bring the city’s past to life.
In addition to At-Turaif, Misk
Heritage Museum Asaan—designed by Zaha Hadid Architects—will open soon. The 40,000-square-meter
space will offer workshops on traditional Saudi arts and crafts.
Dining
at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace
No visit to Diriyah is complete
without stopping at Bujairi Terrace, a dining and retail destination located
opposite At-Turaif. The area’s Najdi-inspired design hosts a range of
restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. Curre
ntly, there are 27
outlets, including Joe & The Juice, Takya, and Aseeb. For fine dining,
Michelin-starred Tatel and Long Chim offer unique flavors from Spain and
Thailand, while Sarabeth’s brings a taste of New York City.
Read
More “Diriyah
Tan” to define Saudi City of Earth
A
retail and cultural haven
Diriyah’s retail and cultural
landscape is expanding, with developments like Zallal, a business district that
blends office spaces with artisanal retail outlets. Diriyah Square, set to
become one of the Kingdom’s largest shopping destinations, will feature 450
luxury brands, as well as dining options and cafes.
The addition of the Royal Diriyah
Opera House and the Diriyah Arena (a 20,000-seat venue) will further bolster
the city’s position as a cultural epicenter. Diriyah Art Futures, dedicated to digital
art, is already being recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful museums.
Embracing
sustainability and nature
In line with its Vision 2030 goals,
Diriyah is also committed to sustainability. The city is planting 6.5 million
indigenous trees, transforming it into a green oasis for both residents and
visitors. Nature trails, wellness activities, and cultural experiences will
allow people to connect with the natural surroundings.
Read
More Diriyah:
A futuristic Saudi city with deep roots in tradition
Diriyah:
A cultural and tourism revolution
Once completed, Diriyah will stand
as a rare fusion of ancient design and modern innovation, blending cultural
heritage with sustainability and luxury. Already a must-visit for anyone
traveling to Riyadh, Diriyah’s future as a tourism and cultural landmark looks
brighter than ever.
Source:
https://connectingtravel.com/
0 Comments