Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, is the largest city on the Arabian Peninsula, with one of the fastest growing populations on the planet. However, few outside the kingdom are aware that it is actually the second historic capital of the state. Far from the glass, concrete and steel of today, the country’s first seat of power – Diriyah – was built from mud bricks along the banks of Wadi Hanifah, north-west of Riyadh.
After a lengthy and painstaking assessment phase that concluded last year, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is now in the midst of the implementation phase of its restoration plan, beginning with the historic Al Turaif District and then extending to multiple other sites, set to conclude in 2025. This will then be followed by a period of observations and refinements as part of the third and final optimisation phase, ensuring the methods used are performing as intended.
“Our main objective is to study the historical landscape, to better understand the foundation of [the Saudi Arabia’s] social and economic development,” heritage management senior director for DGDA, Paola Pesaresi, tells The National. “It’s a very large and complex system of settlements, not just one.”
By the 1970s, the Saudi government had begun to make plans to restore Diriyah. In 2010, Al Turaif district was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, initiating a concerted effort to restore the area and make it ready for tourists. These efforts brought with them a desire for more modern amenities for visitors, resulting in new structures – such as Al-Turaif’s contemporary series of galleries – that sit among the historical buildings, illuminating the story of the First, Second and Third Saudi States.
With the establishment of DGDA in 2017, the Saudi government has implemented an continuing series of conservation efforts as part of the country’s Vision 2030 programme to transition from an oil-centric economic model to a more diversified portfolio focused on arts, culture and tourism. The DGDA officially opened the Al Turaif district to the public in December 2022 and began welcoming local and international visitors to the historic district.
The ongoing restoration of Diriyah, the historic capital of Saudi Arabia, presents promising opportunities for the hospitality and tourism industry. The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is leading the restoration efforts, aiming to transform the area into a cultural and tourist destination. With the implementation phase underway and set to conclude in 2025, the restoration will attract visitors eager to explore the rich heritage and historical sites. As the demand for hospitality services increases, agencies like BM Events Casual on Demand Hospitality Staffing can play a vital role in providing skilled and flexible staffing solutions to meet the evolving needs of tourists and ensure exceptional guest experiences. By supporting the growth of the hospitality sector in Diriyah, agencies like BM Events contribute to the successful development of the region’s tourism industry aligned with the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 program.
