Diriyah Square, part of the immense $63 billion Diriyah Giga project, is scheduled to open later this year.
Covering a vast area of 186 square kilometers, Diriyah Square will showcase 400 shops, 100 restaurants, six high-end hotels, and 34 branded residences.
The goal of Diriyah Square is to combine contemporary amenities with traditional 300-year-old Najdi architecture, creating an enchanting global destination.
Diriyah Square: A Lifestyle Cultural Destination
Located near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Diriyah Square is a part of the ambitious Diriyah Gate project. It is set to become a cultural hotspot and a retail destination, combining modern luxuries with traditional Najdi architecture, covering an area of 186 square kilometers.
Just 15 minutes away from downtown Riyadh, this upcoming destination aims to revolutionize urban planning by transforming Diriyah, known as "The City of Earth," into a bustling center of culture, entertainment, education, and arts, showcasing its 300-year-old heritage.
The Unveiling of Diriyah Square
Diriyah Company, the mastermind behind the project, recently unveiled Diriyah Square at the World Retail Congress in Paris.
The announcement was met with great excitement from industry leaders and stakeholders, highlighting the global anticipation for this groundbreaking project.
The Visionary Features of Diriyah Square
Envisioned as the heart of the Diriyah Gate project, Diriyah Square blends modern luxuries with traditional Najdi architectural concepts that date back 300 years.
Key Features of Diriyah Square
- Over 400 Shops
- More than 100 Dining Spots
- Nine Cultural Theatres
- Six Luxury Hotels and Resorts
- Thirty-Four Branded Residences
- Three Integrated Residential Communities
- Five Office Buildings
- Underground Parking
- Kindergarten
The official announcement has also been made for the constructing of six hotels in Diriyah Square, namely Armani, Baccarat, Corinthia, Fauchon le Hotel, Orient Express, and Rosewood.
The Pillars of Diriyah Square
Authenticity
The project aims to faithfully apply timeless Najdi-inspired architecture and design principles, ensuring immediate recognition and a distinct regional proposition. Staying true to the Kingdom's heritage and vision, Diriyah Square promotes an authentic Saudi experience.
Future
Diriyah Square is a bold and ambitious project that creates an exciting future while anchored in the past. Underpinned by state-of-the-art infrastructure, this urban, walkable city is set to be a legacy for generations to come.
Place
Placemaking is central to the success of Diriyah Square. The project brings together beautiful opportunities for all in a uniquely liveable place.
From open-air courtyards and souks to a thriving day and night-time economy, it promises to be home to a diverse range of extraordinary experiences.
Diriyah Square’s Progress and Timeline
Construction on Diriyah Square commenced in 2019 and is on track to completion before its 2024 opening.
The district will be steeped in culture and heritage, and the project's long-term goals aim to celebrate the local community, elevating the social, cultural, and historical context of Saudi Arabia.
The Cultural Hub of Diriyah
The bustling center of Diriyah, known for its authenticity, is on track to transform into a top global destination, Diriyah Square.
It will feature a variety of museums, an arts district complete with galleries, dining options, and shopping experiences, as well as a "period village" showcasing life as it was 300 years ago.
The Commercial Hub
Diriyah Square is more than just a shopping destination. It symbolizes Saudi Arabia's commitment to driving economic growth and fostering creativity and innovation.
The Square will host over 400 global retail brands and 100 artisan souks, offering visitors a wide range of shopping experiences.
The Future of Retail
Diriyah Square is set to redefine the future of retail, breaking the status quo and setting it apart from traditional retail competitors. The project goes the extra mile to ensure the best location for ambitious brands, collaborating to create exceptional customer experiences.
The Lifestyle Destination
Beyond retail, Diriyah Square promises a complete lifestyle offering. From leisure and entertainment to ultra-luxurious hotels and places to work and live - all within an iconic destination steeped in heritage, culture, and promise.
Setting the Context: Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is a strategic framework to reduce the Kingdom's dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.
Diriyah Square is a key element of this vision, promising to be a global attraction that combines the world's finest retail brands with local artisan goods, all within a sustainable and culturally rich environment.
The Promise of Sustainability
As part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Diriyah Square is poised to become a sustainable development hub.
From its pedestrian-centric design and direct access to Wadi Hanifah to its close vicinity to the breathtaking At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, the district has sustainability at its core.
An Immersive Experience Awaits
As we look forward to the opening of Diriyah Square, we can't help but anticipate the global impact of this project.
As a hub of commerce, culture, and entertainment, Diriyah Square promises to be an immersive experience and global attraction that promotes commerce, culture, and sustainability.
Other Attractions at Diriyah
Bujairi Terrace
Significant developments have recently occurred at Al Bujairi Heritage Park and Bujairi Terrace, making them must-see attractions.
Unveiled on December 4th, 2022, Bujairi Terrace is an upscale dining destination spanning an impressive 15,000 square meters and featuring 21 top-tier international and local Bujairi Terrace Restaurants serving a fusion of global and regional cuisines.
From Bujairi Terrace, visitors can also take in the stunning view of the iconic At-Turaif and its surroundings.
Wadi Hanifa
Located in the heart of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Wadi Hanifa invites travelers to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and cultural wealth. With its lush greenery and pristine streams, this picturesque valley offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore and learn about its surroundings.
At-Turaif World Heritage Site
The city of Diriyah, also known as "The City of Earth," is a cultural site just 15 minutes from Riyadh.
It is famous for the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site in the old city of Ad Diriyah. This historic site was the Saudi Arabian royal family's original residence and was their dynasty's capital until 1818.
More Projects in Diriyah
The Arena in Diriyah
Diriyah Company has revealed its plans for the 20,000 seater Diriyah Arena, a significant component of the $63 billion Gigaproject in Diriyah, situated just outside Riyadh.
The innovative designs for the arena, spanning 76,000 square meters, were crafted by London-based HKS architects, with the arena surrounded by an urban park that draws inspiration from the intricate patterns found in Najdi forts and palaces, seamlessly blending Saudi heritage with contemporary aesthetics.
With ambitions to become a leading venue in the Middle East, the completed arena aims to host various prestigious sports and cultural events.
Wadi Safar Project as The 'Bel Air' of Saudi Arabia
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority recently introduced the Wadi Safar project, which aims to transform Riyadh into an oasis. This project is set to house approximately 40 to 50 luxury homes, each priced at a minimum of $25 million, catering to a select clientele of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
The community will have 106 guest rooms, 28 luxury suites, and an exclusive Royal Suite. Furthermore, it will include a relaxing spa, an indoor pool for recreational activities, and a dining facility supervised by the renowned chef, Michael Mina.
The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah Hotel
The construction of the new Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Diriyah has been launched by Marriott International, with a target of opening its doors in 2026.
This high-end five-star hotel will be situated within the expansive Diriyah Giga Project, which has a budget of $63 billion, signifying a significant step in Marriott's growth in Saudi Arabia.
The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah is expected to accommodate 195 guest rooms and 34 lavish suites, each providing a distinct combination of sophistication, extravagance, and regional heritage.
The prestigious construction company Saudico, based in Saudi Arabia, has recently been granted a contract worth $186 million by Diriyah Company to build the opulent Ritz-Carlton Residences in Diriyah.
The award for this contract was announced during the PIF Private Sector Forum, which took place in Riyadh.
The Ritz-Carlton Branded Residences
To offer a peaceful community environment, Diriyah Company and Ritz-Carlton have announced the launch of the first Ritz-Carlton Luxury Branded Residences in the Kingdom, promoting social interaction through cultural venues, plazas, and leisure facilities.
These villas, which will offer three different luxury interior designs from Najdi to contemporary, will be a part of the larger Diriyah Project, which is set to include 20,000 residential units, luxury hotels, and restaurants.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences will offer six different villa layouts, ranging from three to five bedrooms, each with a courtyard that provides a perfect space for residents to relax and unwind.
Additionally, residents can choose from three interior designs, including traditional Najdi and contemporary styles.
Continue Reading: Diriyah Company Reveals Plans For 20,000 Seater Arena in Historic Diriyah
