The extraordinary giga project
Diriyah, celebrated for its unique historical and tourism landmarks, is envisioned as the Middle East’s foremost cultural, lifestyle, and hospitality destination. Spanning 14 km2 and situated only 15 minutes from Riyadh, at its heart is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the former residence of the royal family governing the First Saudi State.
Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, was appointed by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in June 2018 as the inaugural CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority. He expressed a promising vision for KSA as a hub for nurturing talent and prosperity at the Arabian Business Leadership Summit on 23 June 2023 in Dubai, and said, “We aspire to be a leading incubator of talent within the Kingdom, ensuring prosperity reaches a broader spectrum.”
An asset to the kingdom
The Public Investment Fund (PIF), responsible for managing assets exceeding hundreds of billions of US dollars, plays a central role in Saudi Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and reducing its dependency on hydrocarbons.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also chairs the PIF, has designated Diriyah as the fifth giga-project following Neom, Red Sea, Qiddiya, and Roshn developments. Diriyah’s investment pipeline is set to create a world-class cultural destination, narrating the nation’s birth story, and is projected to contribute $7.2 billion annually to KSA’s GDP by 2030.
Upon completion, the $63.2 billion development will provide 55,000 job opportunities, the home to 100,000 people, and will aim to attract 27 million visitors annually. Supporting the goals of Vision 2030, Inzerillo stated, “I believe in tourism as an ambassadorial vehicle; it fosters connections and promotes inclusion.”
At-Turaif World Heritage site
At the heart of the historic city of Diriyah lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, a remarkable architectural masterpiece built in the distinctive Najdi style. At-Turaif serves as the cornerstone of Diriyah, setting the template for its development, including its assets such as the Bujairi Terrace, hotels, and various lifestyle and leisure amenities.
Inzerillo underscores the immense value of Diriyah, particularly its status as the birthplace of the Kingdom and a true landmark for the nation. Importantly, this site holds significant historical relevance, as it was not only the ancestral home of the House of Saud but also the residence of the ruler of the First Saudi State.
Diriyah initiated the first phase of its development to the public in late 2022, welcoming guests to its meticulously restored At-Turaif World Heritage Site. Within At-Turaif, numerous engaging programmes across a wide range of interests are offered, including Arabic calligraphy demonstrations, arts and crafts sessions for visiting families, mud-brick-making workshops, and Nuzul, immersive theatrical performances that vividly depict the history and heritage of the location.
Additionally, a special Arabian Horse Gallery traces the history of one of the world’s finest horse breeds. Furthermore, the At-Turaif complex houses a military gallery and a museum showcasing artifacts and narratives related to the First Saudi State.
Sustainability at its core
At the core of Diriyah’s development lies a strong commitment to sustainability, exemplified by Diriyah Company’s participation in KSA’s indigenous sustainability certification program, MOSTADAM. Moreover, it has achieved the prestigious platinum-level pre-certification from USGBC LEED, a first in the Middle East. Inzerillo emphasises the paramount importance of preserving the natural environment and the centuries-old way of life in this region.
“Our approach must therefore be holistic, conserving, enhancing, and celebrating the community and environment,” he says. For example, the first phase of the Diriyah masterplan will be built entirely in the traditional Najdi architectural style, a defining part of Diriyah’s identity and culture.
With its deep historical roots and profound connection to the KSA, Inzerillo reveals that their work revolves around creating a sustainable project that harmoniously coexists with and safeguards the distinctive identity and natural surroundings of this exceptional place.
Championing inclusivity in the workforce
Looking ahead to the future objectives of Vision 2030 and reinforcing the commitment to empower and uplift the Saudi workforce, Inzerillo revealed that 85 percent of Diriyah’s workforce comprises Saudi nationals, with an impressive 36 percent being Saudi women. Notably, 16 percent of these Saudi women hold leadership positions.
These statistics highlight Diriyah’s unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity, underscoring the Diriyah Company’s commitment to empowering women and fostering leadership opportunities for them.