Opening Saudi Arabia to The World
Diriyah, The City of Earth, is one of Saudi Arabia’s crucial developments that is driving progress in the region, in line with Vision 2030
Visionary Progress
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has seen vast and impressive change, powered by its revolutionary Vision 2030. Core to this Vision is the diversification of the Kingdom’s economy, improving quality of life, creating opportunities and crucially opening Saudi Arabia to the world. Progress towards these goals is being spurred onwards by the various developments taking place across Saudi Arabia and foremost among these is Diriyah.
Diriyah is a vital part of Saudi Arabia’s history, it is the location where the First Saudi State was established in 1727, making the areas the foundation of the Kingdom itself. At its center is At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important examples of traditional Najdi design.
Opening Saudi to The World
Diriyah’s support of Vision 2030’s aim to open Saudi Arabia to the world extends beyond its heritage and culture. The Kingdom’s ultimate goal is to attract 150 million visitors by 2030 to progress Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification away from oil. To support these bold goals the development is constructing more than 35 iconic hotels, and more than 26 cultural academies and institutions across the masterplan.
Another key part of the development’s strategy to open Saudi Arabia to the world is Wadi Safar district. The scenic Wadi Safar Valley contains ultra luxury experiences from high-end hospitality to branded residences and other exclusive lifestyle offerings. Wadi Safar is also home to an 18-hole championship golf course and another 9-hole course – both designed by Greg Norman – and an equestrian and polo club. This focus on ultra-luxury experiences complements Diriyah’s heritage districts, broadening the city’s appeal by pairing cultural discovery with world-class hospitality and lifestyle offerings.
Developing Sustainably
In line with Vision 2030, two crucial parts of Diriyah’s development are to create opportunities and to improve quality of life. During the development 100,000 new homes will be built and 178,000 new jobs will be created, making a considerable contribution towards these goals. Additionally, locally sourced materials are being used which has stimulated local business.
Sustainability has also been a key focus of Diriyah’s development. Using local sourced materials has cut CO2 emissions considerably, while 6.5 million native trees and shrubs are planted throughout the development. Most recently, Diriyah Company has been awarded the prestigious British Safety Council Sword of Honor for achieving Five-Star Occupation Health and Safety Audit rating. Other notable sustainable achievements the development has made include receiving seven international sustainability awards including a USGBC LEED certification platinum award, Mostadam and Ajwad awards. Impressively, Diriyah is the first development in Saudi to receive this type of LEED certification. Diriyah Company also achieved the LEED Platinum award for a city, the first company in the Middle East to receive such a certification.
Beyond Vision 2030
Diriyah has already achieved success towards its goals and the aims of Vision 2030, contributing an impressive 18.6 billion dollars to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and generating about 50 million visits a year, but it aims to achieve far more. The development strives to implement over a thousand retail outlets, forty world class hotels, nine museums and educational institutions. All of these will support Saudi’s development towards Vision 2030 and beyond.
Find out more about Innovation & Disruption Campaign
