Tourism & Hospitality | Tuesday 30 April, 2019 4:43 pm |

Saudi Arabia was at the center of activities that took place at this year’s Arabian Travel Market. Announcements surrounding Saudi tourism touched on upcoming tourist visas and the massive contribution the tourism industry is expected to have on the Kingdom’s GDP.

Diriyah Gate Development Authority attended this year’s Arabian Travel Market alongside the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH). One of the mega-projects featured at the Saudi pavilion is the Diriyah Gate project. Led by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), it is expected to become a globally renowned landmark and one of the world’s greatest gathering places celebrating Saudi history, culture and traditions through art, music, fashion and entertainment for guests of all ages.

As the first capital of Saudi Arabia, Diriyah is the birthplace of the Kingdom and a symbol of the beauty, generosity and resilience of the Saudi nation and its people. Diriyah is the home of hundreds of stories, a vibrant destination filled with wonder and discovery for explorers traveling domestically and internationally. 

Commenting on Saudi Arabia’s presence at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, said, “This year’s conference reinforced the Kingdom’s readiness to enter a new phase of diversified tourism offerings. Featured at ATM as one of the main tourism mega-projects, Diriyah Gate will be a key tourism driver in Riyadh as a range of hospitality assets are developed around the UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif. 

 

At-Turaif is one of Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the capital of the first Saudi state. The site in Diriyah has been carefully restored to offer visitors a chance to explore Saudi history and culture in an authentic environment.

 

“DGDA will be hosting a range of family friendly activities in Diriyah during the holy month of Ramadan and we look forward to marking the official launch of the Diriyah Gate project in December 2019 as part of the Saudi Seasons initiative launched by the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH). In line with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Vision 2030, we are readying ourselves to enter a broad hospitality investment and growth phase for Diriyah, the jewel of the Kingdom.”

 

Diriyah, located on the north west edge of Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, less than 30 minutes from King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), is recognized as a symbolic center of knowledge and influence and source of inspiration for the generations of leaders that have led the Kingdom since the foundation of the first Saudi state in 1744.

 

Diriyah is already home to international scale events such as the FIA Formula E race and cultural activities such as the Saudi Seasons initiative launched by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH). This offering will continue to expand over years to come as the Diriyah Gate Development Authority leads development of new properties and offerings in the area, with the first assets scheduled to open in 2020.