During a visit to the historical Diriyah and its At-Turaif district, a delegation of Ritz-Carlton employees learned about the region’s most important historical and heritage features, as well as the depth of civilization they hold that tells the Kingdom’s ancient history.
The two-day visit featured an overview of Diriyah’s history and an introductory explanation of the collections of the Salwa Palace, the Museum of Social Life, and the Diriyah Museum. The visit also included a review of the Visitor Center, the Military Museum, the Arabian Horse Museum, Prince Thunayan bin Saud Palace, and several other palaces and houses in the district. The delegation, accompanied by officials from the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, watched many artistic and folkloric shows displaying the Kingdom’s heritage, such as the Saudi Ardeh dance.
The Ritz-Carlton employees encountered the most prominent historical monuments in the At-Turaif district, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The At-Turaif neighborhood is home to one of the most important national heritage sites that witnessed the birth of the first Saudi state and architecture reflecting traditional ways of life. The delegation also listened to a detailed explanation from the authority’s guides and employees about the infrastructure of the upcoming construction projects in Diriyah that will open to the public soon. Their visit concluded with a visual presentation explaining the stages of the history of the Saudi state.
Noura Al-Otaibi, assistant director of public relations and marketing at the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh and Jeddah, explained the importance of the visit for the hotel’s employees. She said the trip aimed to educate them about the history of the country so that they take pride in its roots, the stages of the Saudi state’s establishment, and the history of the most prominent civilizational landmarks. “This will allow them to convey this luminous history of our dear homeland, in addition to what we have achieved today in terms of success, progress, and prosperity, to the guests and visitors of the Kingdom, both tourists and foreigners, who stay in the hotel,” she said.
Al-Otaibi said that the hotel is eager to enhance its staff’s participation in all national events, activities, and occasions, as well as develop their experience and skills in dealing professionally with tourists to the Kingdom. The hotel is also keen to support and develop national cadres in the hotel and tourism industries by educating them about the history and heritage of the Kingdom and its civilizational dimension. She said that the Diriyah visit is an affirmation of the place’s importance as a global cultural tourism destination, especially with its giant projects related to the country’s civilizational and cultural heritage. Al-Otaibi expressed gratitude to all members of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, who assisted in planning the visit.
