Gulf Construction Online - Mega redevelopment plan on cards for Diriyah

Saudi Focus

Diriyah ... set for a major redevelopment programme.

Mega redevelopment plan on cards for Diriyah

01 August 2019

Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) will start work on its 7.1 million-sq-m mega development, from November following the approval of three detailed plans for the development of Diriyah by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The DGDA will oversee the restoration of Diriyah and develop a number of major new historical and tourism assets including museums, academic institutions and “edutainment” facilities, as well as resorts, restaurants, wellness facilities and high-end retail in a mega development on the west side of Riyadh.

The initiative is a key deliverable in Crown Prince’s Saudi 2030 Vision to modernise the kingdom, engage Saudi citizens, and attract visitors from all over the world, DGDA CEO Gerard Inzerillo told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“Three preliminary plans for the Diriyah project were presented to the Crown Prince, who also serves as head of the DGDA board,” he stated.

“Al-Turaif in Diriyah is a historic neighborhood and has been listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Dubbed as “the jewel”, Turaif is included in the plan along with the Hanifa historic valley and Es-Saffar,” revealed Inzerillo.

The mega project will also be the home of the world’s largest Islamic museum.

“We have launched a global design competition for the Diriyah project – an open challenge to all professionals in both the kingdom and across the globe to create stunning designs for the region,” Inzerillo stated.

A key highlight of the project will be an exclusive 3.5-sq-km area for pedestrian access only.

“We will also be hosting hundreds of events throughout the year with dozens of restaurants, cafes, and about 13 international hotels,” he added.