Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 11 November 2019: The restoration and reimagining of Diriyah, a sweeping 18th century adobe city that once served as the capital and
stronghold of the first Saudi State, will be officially inaugurated at a special November 19th gathering. This
cornerstone-laying event comes as the country continues its pioneering plans to welcome visitors from near and far, and
underlines Saudi Arabia’s mission to showcase the cultural icon to the world as one of its great gathering places.
The celebration will formally inaugurate the new giga project known as ‘Diriyah Gate’, a cultural and lifestyle tourism
destination for Saudi Arabia with a UNESCO World Heritage Site at its heart.
Located on the North Western edge of the Saudi capital of Riyadh, Diriyah is first and foremost, a place that is deeply
important to the Saudi national identity and the Saudi royal family. It was at Diriyah that “Arabia” first became
“Saudi” with the settlement of Imam Muhammed in 1744, and the heroic military defense of the city against successive
invaders. This intimate inaugural event is meant to pay homage to the history, perseverance, and ultimate triumph of the
Saudi state as it continues to grow into a major regional and global power.
The inauguration of the Diriyah Gate project will reflect the bold and forward-thinking mission of the country’s
leaders. This one-of-a-kind celebration will include a world-class gala dinner, with food sourced entirely from Saudi
farms, supporting the hard-working communities that sustain the nation. Attendees of this evening can also expect a
magnificent performance by Saudi musicians and pyrotechnics. Guests will be given the opportunity to experience
first-hand the historical stories of the Saudi people through At-Turaif’s costumed historical interpreters. The team is
made up entirely of young, proud Saudi nationals that are passionate about their heritage, representing a bridge between
the past and future.
Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, said: “There is only one Diriyah. Only this place can tell
the story of the Saudi people and inspire new generations to commit to the dynamic vision of the future. This is truly a
momentous time in this extraordinary country, and I am proud to lead a world-class team in the development of this
historic site that is destined to become a global cultural icon and one of the world’s greatest gathering places.”
Inzerillo added: “As the first home of the Saudi nation, it is important that Saudis are the backbone behind the success
of Diriyah Gate, contributing to its unique identity. It is important therefore that the inauguration be designed & created by Saudis in honour of the heritage of their forefathers. Interest in Diriyah, the land of kings and heroes, is
echoing around the globe. We plan to break ground in January 2020 for Diriyah Gate, a mixed-use traditional urban
community which celebrates the rich cultural history of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah Gate, Riyadh’s new global cultural and
lifestyle destination, will be home to leading luxury and lifestyle retail brands as well as over 100 cafes and
restaurants.”
The seven square kilometer giga project will become one of Saudi Arabia’s cultural and lifestyle destinations with
places to gather, explore, shop, dine, live and work. Appealing to international tourists and local citizens seeking
authentic and cultural experiences, the destination will celebrate the rich cultural history of Saudi Arabia. Amongst
its many offerings, Diriyah Gate will be home to a diverse collection of museums and galleries in addition to a range of
cultural and educational experiences. More than 20 world leading luxury hospitality brands, including Aman Resorts, will
be carefully located in historic and breathtaking surrounds. With five iconic squares, a Formula-E racetrack and even a
15,000-seat arena, Diriyah Gate will be alive day and night.
In the weeks ahead, locals and tourists alike can continue to enjoy Diriyah’s already established reputation for hosting
events with renowned Saudi hospitality in the land of Kings and Heroes. Included within the epic events calendar is the
hotly anticipated return of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship on November 22-23rd and the iconic sensation ‘Clash On
The Dunes’ heavyweight world title boxing match on December 7th.