Diriyah’s Grand Vision: $63 Billion Cultural and Educational Hub
Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company unveiled plans for two new districts in its $63 billion Diriyah project near Riyadh. These districts, the Qurain Cultural District and the Northern District, will position Diriyah as a global hub for culture, education, and innovation. The project spans 14 square kilometers, featuring spaces for arts, retail, offices, and residences.
Qurain Cultural District: A Fusion of Heritage and Modernity
The Qurain Cultural District will combine rich cultural experiences with contemporary urban living to create a vibrant community. The district will feature museums, a cinema, and academies dedicated to writing, Najdi architecture, Arab music, culinary arts, and performing arts.
Two luxury hotels, the Ritz-Carlton Diriyah with 195 rooms and Address Diriyah with 204 rooms, will elevate the region’s hospitality. Additionally, 19 mixed-use buildings will house boutique offices, retail outlets, and restaurants emphasizing local brands.
Diriyah Company awarded a $1.55 billion contract to Nesma & Partners and MAN Enterprise Al-Saudia to facilitate this district’s development. This initiative will attract residents, investors, and tourists to Diriyah, blending tradition with modern innovation.
Northern District: A Center for Knowledge and Innovation
The Northern District will establish Diriyah as a global knowledge hub, housing the King Salman Foundation, a library, museums, and a university. A public square will serve as a platform for cultural exchange and intellectual growth, embodying Diriyah’s transformative vision.
Capella Diriyah, marking Capella Hotels’ Middle East debut, will offer 100 luxury rooms in this vibrant district. A $2 billion construction contract was awarded to China State Construction and El Seif Engineering for the project.
Diriyah’s Heritage-Driven Vision
Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, is central to Vision 2030’s goal of cultural preservation and sustainable development. The At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, anchors the project, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich history.
Upon completion, Diriyah will create 178,000 jobs, house 100,000 residents, and host 50 million annual visitors. The project will also contribute $18.6 billion annually to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, strengthening its global cultural influence.
Bashayer Event Highlights Progress
At the Bashayer ’24 event, Diriyah Company showcased progress on this mega-project and introduced new investment opportunities. The event featured key stakeholders from various sectors, emphasizing Diriyah’s growing role as a global economic and cultural hub.
Diriyah’s ambitious transformation reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to innovation, culture, and sustainability. This project will redefine the Kingdom’s global image, cementing its position as a premier cultural destination.
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