Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb recently visited headquarters of Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) that is developing the $17.1bn (SR64bn) Diriyah Gate project.

Accompanied by secretary general and member of the DGDA’s board of directors, Al-Khateeb, reviewed the progress being made on the megaproject, construction work on which began in June 2020.

Set to be the world’s largest cultural and heritage development incorporating Najdi-inspired architecture that overlooks the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, the Diriyah Gate gigaproject's foundation stone was laid last November.

Upon completion, Diriyah Gate will comprise a mixed use area of dining, Diriyah Art Oasis — an arts center designed to support and inspire the production of contemporary Saudi art and international emerging artists, as well as At-Turaif — the original home of the Al-Saud family.

The giga development, referred to as the “Jewel of the Kingdom”, will also feature an array of cultural, leisure, hospitality and residential areas, including more than 20 hotels, several museums and more than 100 places to dine.

Earlier this year, Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s chief design & development officer, Jonathan Timms, has said the master plan aims to recreate how Saudis lived hundreds of years ago, while incorporating some of the modern amenities of today.