'Tourism jewel' Diriyah will offer something for everyone, Pakistani executive says 

RIYADH: As works are underway to turn Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah into a world-class tourism jewel, a Pakistani executive involved in the project seeks the revival of the past glory of the town that was the original home of Saudi Arabia’s royal family.
Located in Najd region, the heart of the Arabian Penisula, Diriyah served as the capital of the Emirate of Diriyah under the first Saudi dynasty in 1744-1818. Its Turaif district was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
The historic region on the outskirts of Riyadh is now being developed into a modern international tourism destination and a hub of Saudi culture. The $50 billion project, carried out by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), is set to be completed by 2026.
DGDA’s Pakistan-born hospitality director, Imran Changezi, has told Arab News the key aim of the project is to preserve the heritage value of the “jewel of the kingdom” and at the same time give it international exposure.
“We have been mandated to recreate and pay tribute to the past glory of Diriyah and how it used to be so popular and so important to the entire Arabian Peninsula,” he said. “We have a very pivotal role to play in offering an additional, unique tourism angle worldwide as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
The DGDA masterplan, he said, includes more than 400 retail shops and 100 food outlets and restaurants. Tourists will be welcomed to stay at 20 hotels in Diriyah itself and another 38 in the adjacent Wadi Safar area.
All new structures have been designed in the region’s traditional Najdi style — the architectural form specific to the center of the Arabian Peninsula, in which sun-dried mud brick houses are usually two stories high and built around an open central courtyard.
“Diriyah is always going to be a heritage and cultural destination first,” Changezi said.
He expects the new infrastructure to attract local and international visitors to explore Diriyah’s history and at the same time enjoy it leisure opportunities. Picnic sites, walking trails, cycling tracks, and car-free streets will make it a comfortable place for family tourism as well.
“There is something for everyone — families, couples, business travelers and event attendees,” Changezi said. “Mixed lifestyle and leisure entertainment facilities will give a reason for the population of Riyadh, whether Saudi or expat or any other nationality, to explore and educate themselves about its heritage, history, and culture.”
He believes Diriyah will draw Pakistani visitors as well, including the two million strong Pakistani community living and working in Saudi Arabia.
“I believe the Pakistani residents will be able to appreciate a sense of history and heritage that they are very proud of themselves as well,” he said. “Pakistani people are very interested in coming to know more about the history and culture and the art aspect of the nation.”