The massive Diriyah Gate project in Saudi Arabia is set to transform the birthplace of the Kingdom into a world-class destination.

1. Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a major real estate expansion, from driving growth in
Riyadh to undertaking several mega projects, including Diriyah Gate. Construction
began in 2021 on the project, which promises to become the largest culture and
heritage city in the world.
Diriyah is recognized as the birthplace of the Kingdom, and officials hope the project
will transform the area into a major tourist destination. Saudi Arabia is investing $50
billion in Diriyah Gate, which will feature luxurious restaurants and hotels that reflect
the traditional Najdi architectural style. The first phase of this project includes Wadi
Hanifa and Bujairi Terrace, along with a landscaped park and several restaurants
serving Saudi delicacies.
The History and Importance of Diriyah
The new project celebrates the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah was established in
1446 along the banks of the Wadi Hanifa by Mani’ Al-Muraydi. It eventually grew into
the capital of the First Saudi State in 1727. The creation of this state is widely viewed as
a turning point in the history of the Arabian Peninsula that started an era of stability
and prosperity. The state united much of the Arabian Peninsula under a single body that
ended fragmentation. Diriyah became a major destination for trade, as well as cultural
exchange, as it was the destination of many pilgrimage routes. In many ways, Diriyah
proved that a unified state was possible and, moreover, that people were stronger when
they worked together.
Today, Diriyah, specifically At-Turaif, is honored as the birthplace of the Kingdom. At-
Turaif, the actual site of the First Saudi State, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The
Diriyah Gate project recognizes and upholds this rich history by creating several
reasons for people to visit and learn more about the history of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah is
located close to the modern city center of Riyadh and the project will include several
opportunities for education and historical exploration for Saudis and visitors alike
while also immersing individuals in traditional architecture. Altogether, Diriyah Gate
will be home to more than five museums, including the Al-Saud Museum.
The Heart of the Diriyah Gate Development Project
The heart of the Diriyah Gate Development Project will be Diriyah Square, a commercial
area that introduces visitors to the unique heritage of Saudi Arabia with a large
predominantly open-air market inspired by what the area would have looked like
historically. The master plan includes more than 450 global retail brands and about 100
authentic souks featuring local Saudi artisans selling their wares. In addition, the square

2. will offer various opportunities for leisure and entertainment, including luxury hotels.
The final square will also house various residential and commercial spaces to help make
Diriyah a thriving community as well as a world-class destination for tourism.
Construction on Diriyah Square has already begun with the plan to open completely in
2024. This project has become a major priority for the Kingdom as a key part of Vision
2030, the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan for expanding the economy of
Saudi Arabia while celebrating the vibrant society that exists within the country.
Diriyah Square will offer some of the finest culture, retail, and hospitality experiences in
the world. Already, the development team has begun attracting global brands that are
interested in opening storefronts in the square. The team is especially interested in
growing ambitious brands from the Kingdom, as well as other places around the world.
With construction ahead of schedule, Diriyah Square may be completed before the 2024
projection.
A Growing Project Despite the Pandemic
Since its inception, the Diriyah Gate project has grown considerably despite the
challenges presented by the pandemic. In fact, the project has had a ninefold increase in
both budget and project area, which highlights the importance of Diriyah to the
Kingdom. The original team behind the project consisted of only five people with the
plan to expand to 70. However, the team now consists of several hundred and will grow
to be just over 900. The whole structure of the team changed with four new C-level
members to help manage such a large project. During this time, the initial budget grew
from about $5 billion to more than $50 billion with four different master plans now part
of Diriyah Gate. The original area for Diriyah was 1.5 million square meters, but the four
master plans now encompass 9.5 million.
Despite these major expansions in the project, Diriyah Gate remains on its timeline with
only minor extensions. These extensions have helped the teams honor the traditional
approaches to construction to reflect historic appearances. Moreover, the project is also
focused heavily on sustainability. The vast majority of contracts associated with Diriyah
Gate have been awarded to local contractors and developers to boost the Saudi
economy and honor the spirit of the project and its goal of uplifting the Kingdom’s
culture.