RIYADH – Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has been awarded a prestigious global accolade for its stunning ‘Jewel of the Kingdom’ Royal Inauguration event held in partnership with events company Executive Visions Inc (EVI).

Beating out competition from major events produced by leading global brands such as Global Citizen, GmbH and BPI France, DGDA and EVI scooped the coveted Exceptional Event Award at the industry leading Heavent Awards. Representatives from both DGDA and EVI collected the accolade at a glittering ceremony in Paris on Thursday night (21 April).

Attended by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the winning DGDA event was held to mark the first brick being laid on the $50.6 billion project to develop Diriyah, the birthplace of the modern Saudi Arabia and UNESCO-inscribed heritage site, into a world-class cultural tourist destination. The historic evening, which took place in November 2019, also positioned Diriyah as a flagship destination in the Kingdom’s new tourist offering, following Saudi Arabia’s landmark opening to global tourists just months before.

Using first of its kind technologies and custom aerial props, EVI produced an epic world-class event featuring live performances, complex 3D projections on a 350m mud brick wall, fireworks and a 100-piece symphony orchestra. The centrepiece was a 38-minute film with an original score, produced using the techniques found in major feature filmmaking.

Jerry Inzerillo, DGDA Group CEO, said: “To lead a project like Diriyah is both a wonderful privilege and a huge responsibility. I knew that, as we lay the first foundation stone at Diriyah soon after Saudi Arabia had opened its doors to the world, we had the expectation of a Kingdom on our shoulders. We had to create an event that was befitting of such an historic moment and did justice to the high ambition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose wisdom and foresight guide us every day.

“Witnessing our vision being brought to life creatively by EVI and then seeing it being delivered through hours of work by everyone involved – from construction, design, and logistics to communications and guest services – was immensely rewarding for me personally. To receive this global award among such a prestigious field makes me incredibly proud. I dedicate this honour to the staff at DGDA and EVI who were integral in making it happen.”

Michael Marto, Executive Vision Inc Chairman and CEO, said: “We at EVI and all of our extended teams around the world from over 50 nationalities were privileged to serve DGDA under the leadership of His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo. To tell a story of this magnitude through the lens of broadcast in a UNESCO World Heritage site where the history of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula were born was a true honour. We couldn’t be more thrilled at the global recognition of this event.”

The Heavent Awards is a globally recognised ceremony celebrating achievements by leading international experiential and event agencies from around the world. This is the first time since the pandemic began that the awards have been held, with entrants from 2020 and 2021 included in the 2022 competition.

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About Diriyah

Diriyah is set to become Saudi Arabia’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination. As part of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, 14 square kilometres of Diriyah will be transformed into one of the world’s foremost historic tourism destinations. Diriyah is located within Riyadh province, just 15 minutes north-west of Riyadh’s city centre. It is recognised as a symbolic centre of inspiration for the generations of leaders that have led the Kingdom since the foundation of the first Saudi Arabian state in 1727.  As the renewed cultural and historic capital of the nation, Diriyah will be designed and built with Saudi traditions and heritage in mind. The mixed-use traditional urban community will be created in an authentic Najdi architectural style, typical of Saudi villages of centuries past. Sitting at the cultural heart of Diriyah lies the historic city of At-Turaif. Built in 1766, At-Turaif is recognised as one of the world’s foremost mud-brick cities. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, it is today set to become one of the nation’s must-see historic destinations. With cultural and lifestyle experiences at its heart, Diriyah will be enriched by entertainment, learning, shopping, dining, hospitality, residential and workplace offerings. On completion, it will be home to a population of 100,000 residents, workers, students and visitors and will celebrate the rich cultural history of Saudi Arabia. The development will feature an array of world-class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, office and residential areas, including 38 hotels, a diverse collection of museums, a bustling retail heart and over 100 places to dine. The existing Bujairi Terrace will soon be home to Riyadh’s new premium dining hub, enjoying uninterrupted views of At-Turaif; and the 141-key Samhan Heritage Hotel. Wadi Hanifah, a two square kilometre space accessible from the escarpment walk, will provide passive and active recreational spaces and boutique hospitality venues; places to unwind and spend the afternoon with family and friends in the beautiful wadi surroundings.

About Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA)

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) was established in July 2017 to preserve Diriyah’s history, celebrate its community and develop the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif into one of the world’s greatest gathering places at the heart of Saudi Arabian culture and heritage. We are focused on the protection and preservation of the Kingdom’s history including the stories of our forefathers as well as our physical heritage. In line with design, development and preservation standards, DGDA will create an environment that enhances Diriyah’s historic, national and international relevance including the preservation of At-Turaif.  DGDA is transforming Diriyah into one of the region’s foremost destinations for cultural knowledge-sharing activities and international events. We aspire to develop Diriyah into a global gathering place by creating rich experiences that narrate the stories of our history, instilling a sense of Saudi Arabian pride and creating globally renowned destinations and landmarks. The Authority is ensuring Diriyah’s cultural landmarks are complemented by leading hospitality brands, fine dining experiences and world-class retail offerings. We are devoted to enabling the people of Diriyah to achieve their goals. DGDA will celebrate the local community, showing social, cultural and historical achievements, connecting with Saudi Arabia’s roots and creating solid foundations on which to build the best possible future for the community. DGDA works alongside Diriyah’s executive bodies, as the primary regulator for the supervisory area (190sqkm) and will exercise best practice in Land Management and Building Permit and License issuance and oversight.

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