Preserving Heritage and Igniting Progress by Understanding the Role of Diriyah in Saudi Arabia's Evolution

Saudi Arabia’s massive investment in the Saudi tourism sector is spearheaded by its giga-projects. These colossal undertakings are seeing the Kingdom invest hundreds of billions of dollars in various ground-breaking initiatives.

The Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, has recently announced a commitment to allocate an additional trillion dollars over the next decade to support the development of this critical sector. This is in addition to the already substantial sum of $550 billion dollars dedicated to the projects outlined in this report.

I am particularly pleased to introduce this special report on the rise of tourism-focused giga-projects in Saudi Arabia. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Kingdom’s efforts to become a leading destination for tourism, innovation, and investment by providing a series of brand-new assets, destinations and cities; not just to demonstrate Saudi ingenuity, but also to promote sustainable development and, importantly, celebrate its rich cultural heritage and history.

One of the cornerstone projects highlighted in this report is the transformation of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom and the capital of the First Saudi State. This incredible project, of which I am honoured to be Group CEO, is a foundational aspect of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. Through it, we are re-establishing Diriyah as one of the world’s greatest gathering places and a top destination for all Saudi’s, tourists and investors, with the restoration of historic buildings and monuments, the creation of new cultural and tourism attractions, and the development of modern infrastructure and facilities. The result will be a city that combines the best of the past and the present, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.

Not Just a Tourism Project

Diriyah is more than just a cultural and tourism project. It is also an economic one, driving job creation in support of our local community and economic growth in the region. The project is expected to attract millions of tourists annually, generating significant revenue, creating at least 55,000 new jobs and helping to promote sustainable development.

The impact of this project is not limited to Diriyah or even Saudi Arabia. The revival of Diriyah is helping to promote the country’s cultural heritage and history to the world, showing visitors from across the globe why the Kingdom
is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations. This, in turn, is helping to solidify the country’s position as a leader in the region and beyond.

This special report provides a comprehensive look at the Diriyah giga-project, its goals, plans, and significance. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of Saudi Arabia, the revival of historic cities, and the future of the world’s tourism and hospitality industry.

I am confident that Diriyah will play a critical role in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia preserving its cultural heritage for generations to come. With its potential for job creation, economic growth, cultural preservation, and sustainable development, this project is helping to build a brighter and more prosperous future for the city, the Kingdom and the region.

Let's turn the page and embark on a journey to discover more about Saudi Arabia's giga-projects. To see how the Kingdom's future is looking bright with endless possibilities, read the full report here.