History & Heritage
6.16.2020
Saudi Arabia launches its biggest cultural project to date
In the Middle East, as mostly everywhere, many projects are at a standstill because of the coronavirus. However, this is not the case for the Diriyah Gate “super-project”, located a few kilometres from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is betting big on it, literally and figuratively.
Diriyah is considered the land of the founding fathers of the kingdom. The main objective of the “Diriyah Gate” project, to which the Saudi government has just committed more than $17 billion, is to transform the “Old City” of Diriyah into the main historical and cultural destination of Saudi Arabia, only 15 minutes from downtown Riyadh. That the “spot”, which was much prized by the Saudis but is now too little promoted, and with its somewhat aging infrastructure, should not only be refreshed, but become an ode to the current vision of the kingdom: between tradition and modernity.
Tourism stronghold
With a view to the diversification of the economy currently in force in the kingdom, the place is destined to become a stronghold of tourism, with a special emphasis on hotels and restaurants, offering visitors a historical setting and access to a timeless heritage. As an example, the venue is already the scene of events such as the Saudi Arabian Formula E Championship.
Heritage tour
In addition, Diriyah is also located not far from At-Turaif, which was the first capital of the Saudi dynasty. Founded in the 15th century, it bears witness to the Nadji architectural style, typical of the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A region in full development, building on a rich past to look forward to a bright future.
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