Diriyah is a settlement of central significance in the political and cultural history of Saudi Arabia, located approximately 15 minutes from the capital, Riyadh. Founded in the 15th century around the Wadi Hanifah Valley, the settlement became the center of the First Saudi State in the 18th century before losing its political prominence in 1818 due to the intervention of Ottoman forces. Despite this, it has continued to hold symbolic value for the Al Saud dynasty. The At-Turaif district, which forms the historical core of Diriyah, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. In the process of modern state-building in Saudi Arabia, this area has been considered a marker of foundational identity.

Today, Diriyah is undergoing redevelopment within the scope of a large-scale development initiative carried out through a public-private partnership. Ownership and investment responsibilities for the project have been transferred to the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, while implementation and preservation are being overseen by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA).

^{Diriyah. (Vision 2030)}

Cultural Preservation, Tourism, and Communication Policies

The reconstruction of Diriyah is not only a physical restoration but also an attempt to reconfigure a historical narrative. As part of the project, the construction of five museums and a research center is planned, aiming to introduce visitors to various aspects of both historical architecture and social life. The research center will focus on the intellectual legacy of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, one of the prominent religious figures of the 18th century. While this institution enables the reinterpretation of traditional values for the local population, it also serves as a platform for conveying the country’s historical and religious background to foreign visitors within the framework of public diplomacy.

The Diriyah project is also considered a component of Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision. Under the framework of Vision 2030, the focus on historical and natural sites aims to enhance the country’s soft power capacity and contribute to an image transformation on the international stage. In this regard, the museums and walking paths in Diriyah are planned to be designed as an open-air museum, offering visitors a blend of historical ambiance and modern comfort.

^{Diriyah. (Vision 2030)}

Socioeconomic Transformation and Urbanization Strategy

The Diriyah project is intended to establish a structure that balances the preservation of cultural heritage with economic development. The total cost of the project is reported to be $62.2 billion; within this scope, residential units, hotels, restaurants, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas are being developed through integrated planning. Diriyah is envisioned not only as a historical site but also as an urban and lifestyle hub. Upon completion, the newly developed urban center is expected to accommodate approximately 400,000 residents.

Creating employment opportunities for the local population, improving living standards, and adhering to principles of sustainable urbanism are among the main objectives of the project. A fully pedestrian-oriented design, infrastructure focused on energy and water efficiency, and a planning approach in harmony with the cultural landscape are intended to ensure the project meets sustainability criteria.