Saudi Arabia’s cultural future can be traced back to Diriyah’s vibrant past

 

Saudi Arabia firmly committed to preservation of heritage and culture

As Diriyah continues to evolve, the birthplace of the Kingdom is emerging as a powerful symbol of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to heritage and identity. Its revival highlights how history can actively inform the present, a perspective echoed in the reflections of Lebanese actress Maguy Bou Ghosn.

“Reviving Diriyah is important because you can’t have a future without the past,” said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. As the cradle of the Saudi state, Diriyah was where early systems of governance and social life took shape. At-Turaif, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once served as a hub of leadership and community, where political decisions unfolded alongside everyday life. Its significance today lies not only in its history, but in the way that history continues to shape contemporary Saudi identity.

 

Read More        Diriyah: The birthplace of Saudi Arabia to be a Centre of Cultural Excellence

 

Diriyah’s transformation reflects a national approach to heritage that treats the past as a living reference point rather than a static relic. Its architecture and urban planning demonstrate that progress does not require separation from history. This balance between continuity and renewal mirrors how Bou Ghosn understands identity. “Our origins are far more than just a starting point,” she says. “They are an internal sanctuary we return to when life accelerates or when we lose our way. Our roots act as a compass, realigning us with who we truly are.”

In this sense, Diriyah functions as a cultural anchor as Saudi Arabia imagines its future. Bou Ghosn sees a similar balance reflected in her own career. “My journey is rooted in identity,” she explains. “I have dedicated my work to portraying our society and the soul of Arab culture, telling our stories, exploring our complexities and supporting the causes that matter to our people.” For her, evolution does not mean abandoning one’s roots, but modernising methods while preserving essence.

Under the stewardship of the Diriyah Company, efforts have focused on safeguarding the area’s historical value while adapting it for contemporary life. Alongside the preservation of At-Turaif and the landscapes of Wadi Safar and Wadi Hanifah, Diriyah is being developed to include cultural institutions, public spaces, and dining and lifestyle destinations. The goal is for Diriyah to become part of everyday life, not merely a site frozen in time.

Within this context, Bou Ghosn’s views on place gain added resonance. She sees locations as active participants in storytelling rather than passive backdrops. “Places carry the souls and stories of those who pass through them,” she says. “Walls and alleyways are keepers of memory.”

 

Read More        Diriyah Company: Redefining the Saudi birthplace as a global heritage and lifestyle destination

 

She recalls the series A Amal, which portrayed a village shaped by strict traditions and customs. The story resonated deeply with audiences, sparking fascination with the characters’ values and way of life. Similarly, the success of B Dam was so significant that its filming locations became tourist destinations for fans.

Bou Ghosn’s connection with Saudi Arabia is now entering a new phase. “We are preparing for a project in the Kingdom and hope to film in Diriyah,” she says. “It is a place so rich in heritage and visual depth that it feels like a living studio.” Visiting such sites, she adds, encourages reflection. “They hold up a mirror to time, showing us who we were, how we have changed and what we must protect.”

As Saudi Arabia continues to define its cultural path, Diriyah stands as proof that progress gains meaning when it remains rooted in legacy. Bou Ghosn sums it up simply: any journey disconnected from its origins, no matter how dazzling, remains fragile.

Source: Vogue Arabia