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Najdi mud-brick walls with triangular vents under a sunlit sky, the building tradition of Diriyah

Home›Tomorrow›Vision 2030: The New Saudi Arabia›Diriyah Project

Saudi Arabia · Vision 2030

Diriyah Gate: Restoring the Birthplace of the Saudi State

Diriyah Gate is the project turning the historic home of the first Saudi state, on the edge of Riyadh, into a district of heritage, culture, dining and luxury hotels. At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace are open now, and the wider Diriyah project is growing around them.

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At a glance

Diriyah Project at a glance

Where
Wadi Hanifah, northwest edge of Riyadh, about 20 minutes from downtown
Developer
Diriyah Company (Public Investment Fund)
UNESCO
At-Turaif District, inscribed 2010
Open now
At-Turaif, Bujairi Terrace, Bab Samhan hotel
Coming
Hotels, residences, Royal Opera House, retail and offices
Best months
October to April

What the Diriyah project is

Diriyah was founded in the 15th century and became the capital of the first Saudi state in 1727. Its mud-brick palaces in At-Turaif, above the palm groves of Wadi Hanifah, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most meaningful places in the Kingdom.

Diriyah Company is restoring the old town and building a new district around it in the traditional Najdi style: low buildings of earth tones, shaded walkways and courtyards. The plan includes museums, luxury hotels, homes, offices, shops and restaurants, making it one of the leading projects of Saudi Vision 2030.

Palm-shaded terraced gardens looking across to the mud-brick walls of At-Turaif, Diriyah.
Photo: Radosław Botev · CC BY 3.0 PL · Wikimedia Commons

Open now and coming next

For hotels and visitor tips, see our Diriyah travel guide.

At-Turaif District

Diriyah

The restored citadel of the first Saudi state, with Salwa Palace, museums and evening light shows across the mud-brick walls.

Bujairi Terrace

Diriyah

A dining terrace facing At-Turaif with more than 20 restaurants and cafes, from Najdi kitchens to international names. It opened in 2022 and is now one of Riyadh's favorite evenings out.

Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel

★★★★★ Diriyah

Diriyah's first luxury hotel, built in Najdi style beside At-Turaif.

Official site ↗
To be confirmed

Luxury hotels

Diriyah

Further hotels from leading international brands are planned across the district. Opening dates: To be confirmed.

Under construction

Royal Diriyah Opera House

Diriyah

A major opera house and performing arts venue inspired by Najdi architecture. Opening: To be confirmed.

To be confirmed

Diriyah Square and residences

Diriyah

A shopping and dining quarter with homes and branded residences around it. Dates: To be confirmed.

Culture and events

Diriyah hosts an active calendar through the cooler months, including the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in the JAX district and Diriyah Season events. See Formula 1 and motorsport and our page on UNESCO World Heritage in the Middle East.

For investors

Diriyah offers some of the most distinctive homes in Riyadh: residences and villas in a heritage setting, several linked to luxury hotel brands. Eligibility for foreign buyers depends on zone and project. See our guides to Saudi Arabia Luxury Real Estate investment and Premium Residency and branded residences.

Questions about Diriyah

Is Diriyah open to visitors?

Yes. At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace are open, with tickets for the heritage site and free access to the dining terrace.

How far is Diriyah from central Riyadh?

About 20 minutes by car.

When is the best time to visit?

October to April, when evenings are cool enough to walk the old town.

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Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.