The old Saudi city will be transformed into a lifestyle destination for culture and heritage, hospitality, retail and education.
$20bn Diriyah Gate breaks ground
01 August 2020
Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has broken ground on the first phase of the mega SR75-billion ($20 billion) Diriyah Gate, one of its most ambitious developments, starting with its Bujairi District.
Inspired by At Turaif, the Unesco World Heritage site that is the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, the mixed-use cultural and heritage development will showcase 300-plus years of authentic history by delivering heritage experiences, empowering education, world-class entertainment, outstanding lifestyle and vibrant shopping and dining.
According to DGDA, the 7-sq-km old city, located just 15 minutes northwest of Riyadh city centre, will be transformed into one of the world’s foremost lifestyle destinations for culture and heritage, hospitality, retail and education.
One of the first areas to benefit from the transformation is the existing Bujairi district, which will see a major upgrade. The new streetscape will honour the history of Diriyah with major beautification projects including spectacular landscaping as well as bike tracks, horse bridle paths and natural shading for pedestrian walkways.
On completion, Bujairi will be home to Riyadh’s new premium dining hub, enjoying uninterrupted views of At Turaif; Diriyah Art Oasis – one of Saudi Arabia’s first arts centre dedicated to contemporary art; and a 142-key Samhan Heritage Hotel.
These enhancements include the restoration of the historic palm groves and farms, combined with new walking trails and picnic areas.
According to DGDA, the destination will attract local and international visitors alike through its historically sensitive reimagining of the area and world-class entertainment and events.
In addition to Bujairi and Wadi Hanifah, the initial activity on the ground also includes the commencement of one of the world’s most complex below-ground infrastructure projects.
Requiring an immense movement of 9 million cu m of soil, equivalent to 3,600 50-m Olympic swimming pools, the development will comprise one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated sub-surface infrastructures globally.
Excavating 15 m below ground level, the project will result in 3 km of tunnels and 10,500 car parking spaces, using 1.2 million cu m of concrete. The first stages in the pipeline of development work will cover 1.32 million sq m, approximately the size of 185 soccer pitches.
In line with design, development and preservation standards, DGDA will create an environment that enhances Diriyah’s national and international relevance, including the preservation of the At-Turaif Unesco World Heritage Site, which sits at the heart of the development.
On completion, the Diriyah Gate project will feature an array of world-class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, office and residential areas, including more than 20 hotels, a diverse collection of museums, a bustling retail heart and over 100 places to dine.
The project includes a series of outdoor plazas as well as a 3-km escarpment walk offering views across the historic Wadi Hanifah.
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