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As part of the $50.6 billion USD (190 billion SAR) transformation of the historic city of Diriyah, located 15-minutes north-west of Riyadh city centre, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), today announces the first 14 of its planned 38 hotel brands that will come to call Diriyah home over the coming years.
DGDA has received overwhelming interest from the world’s most revered luxury five-star brands to have a presence within the development’s carefully curated collection of 38 hospitality brands. Currently the concept design is nearing completion for the first 14 brands and DGDA looks forward to unveiling additional hotel operators as their designs advance further.
The development – which remains on time, on budget and on track – will be the first giga project in the world to simultaneously open, ground-break and announce world class assets every year from 2022 until completion in 2026. It will also be the first of Saudi Arabia’s giga projects to open assets, with its first 18 restaurant brands launching in Bujairi Terrace in early 2022.
The hotel brands are strategically located across two of DGDA’s four master plans – Diriyah Gate and Wadi Safar. Hotel brands coming to Diriyah Gate phase one, a five square kilometre mixed-use heritage, tourism and lifestyle destination, set to become the world’s largest cultural and heritage city – in alphabetical order - include Address Hotels & Resorts, part of the Emaar Hospitality Group, which stays true to its tagline ‘Where Life Happens’ offering guests opportunities to celebrate life and its most cherished moments; whilst Baccarat Hotels & Resorts will offer guests an artistic atmosphere catering to opulent social moments.
Located in the Bujairi district will be a Campbell Gray Hotels and Resorts property, combining sustainability and Najdi design with modern glamour to Diriyah Gate; the development will also offer a 100-key hotel by Capella Hotels and Resorts which will embody excellence in the craft of hospitality and curate unique experiences for guests to truly immerse in the local community; Fauchon, the purveyor of French contemporary gastronomy since 1886, will launch its first Fauchon Hotel in the Middle-East, showcasing the perfect Parisian “art de vivre” experience; and an 80-key retreat from LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s exclusive collection of legendary, independent properties, representing the brand’s debut in Saudi Arabia.
In addition, Orient Express will make its debut into the Middle East, bringing the refined nomadic spirit and state-of-art detailing that characterise the artisan of travel; while Raffles will reinterpret artistic and cultural tradition through an inspiring contemporary lens, with breath-taking views of Wadi Hanifah from its rooftop; there will be a luxury Park Hyatt property boasting meaningful interiors by world renowned designers; or guests can relax in the surrounds of The Ritz-Carlton which will fuse the past and present through elegant design and intuitive service. Finally, international grand and gracious Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will add a new urban sanctuary to its collection of global properties and The Luxury Collection will also be arriving in Diriyah, offering a unique and cherished expression of its location.
To the west of Diriyah sits Wadi Safar - a place of outstanding cultural history; and a destination steeped in heritage and rich cultural tradition nestled within 60 square kilometres of unspoilt natural landscape. Much as this special location was once the gathering place for traders and travellers from Asia, Africa and Europe, Wadi Safar is being developed to become today’s modern embodiment: a cultural hub where the world’s finest experiences and visionary minds will combine. This unique and ever-evolving story is being shaped by a chorus of exceptional brands and voices. These include the world class Oberoi brand who will bring their unremitting dedication to warm hospitality and perfection in a serene setting; and the purposeful sustainability and wellness commitment of Six Senses, inviting guests to reconnect to the region through crafted experiences. These hotel partners and more will come together to create a new global landmark and construct a new legacy for the Kingdom.
The hotel openings will commence in a strategically articulated manner with the first property which will be a part of The Luxury Collection, operated by Marriott International, due to open in 2022 with 141 keys.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of DGDA, said: “This prestigious hotel collection will set the stage for a new level of global hospitality. These hotels and resorts will not only complement the Kingdom’s rich culture and heritage but also its ambitious future plans in line with His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Vision 2030. We are honoured to have attracted such iconic brands to the destination, and look forward to unveiling the hotels’ next-level offerings for Saudi Arabia’s visitors and locals over the forthcoming months. This news marks a very special time for the development, and it is a superb example of Vision 2030 being implemented.”
Jonathan Timms, President of Diriyah Development Company, added: “The announcement of our forthcoming hotel collection is a major milestone in our development’s progress. Each hotel partner has been carefully selected and curated to ensure our guests receive the highest standard of hospitality, whilst enticing them to explore Diriyah and the Kingdom through much-loved brands. The team has worked tirelessly to bring onboard these respected operators, who share our vision and desire to develop with deep authenticity and integrity. We look forward to announcing further hotel partners in the coming months.”
As the historic and cultural heart of Saudi Arabia, Diriyah will soon proudly showcase to the world Saudi Arabia’s 300 plus years of history through an engaging and inspiring set of heritage, cultural, hospitality, education, retail and dining experiences for residents and tourists. The new global landmark, which is located in the thriving & historically rich north-western district of Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, will be created in a traditional Najdi architectural style and will showcase authentic Saudi environments of the past.
The destination will soon offer a diverse collection of museums and cultural attractions, an ultra-luxury retail offering, and a line-up of revered international and local dining brands within the recently revealed Bujairi Terrace district. At the heart of Diriyah is the ‘Jewel of the Kingdom,’ UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif, which is regarded as one of the most important historical and political sites in Saudi Arabia, being the original home of the Saudi Arabian royal family and the country’s first Saudi State.
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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, eleven 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 1744.
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 the roots of the Saudi state 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.
About Diriyah Development Company
Diriyah Development Company (DevCo) is a subsidiary entity within DGDA which is responsible for the design, development and delivery aspects of the project. It was set up in 2021 as part of the authority’s growth acceleration plans, with the new structure helping DGDA to prepare for imminent and expedited expansion.
© Press Release 2021
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