Diriyah Company announced the development of the Qurain Cultural District and Northern District as part of its $63.2 billion project to transform Diriyah into a cultural and educational hub. With an emphasis on arts, education, and heritage, these new districts aim to create a vibrant community that honors Saudi Arabia’s legacy while integrating modern urban elements.
Diriyah Company has unveiled two pivotal projects in its ambitious $63.2 billion transformation of Saudi Arabia’s historic Diriyah: the Qurain Cultural District and the Northern District. This announcement was made at the second Bashayer event, held on November 20, focusing on the project aimed at revitalizing the cultural landscape in the region. Covering 14 square kilometers, the Diriyah project is set to redefine urban living by harmonizing culture and modernity.
The Qurain Cultural District promises a vibrant fusion of art, heritage, and modernity. It will host a variety of amenities across arts, retail, and residential sectors, including high-end hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah and Address Diriyah. Cultural attractions such as cinemas, museums, and academies dedicated to various forms of art will create a rich environment for creativity and learning.
With a development contract worth SAR 5.8 billion awarded to Nesma & Partners and MAN Enterprise Al Saudia, the district is positioned as a global creative hub. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, emphasized its importance: “The Qurain Cultural District exemplifies our mission to create a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.”
In contrast, the Northern District is designed to become a beacon of knowledge and academia, featuring institutions like the King Salman Foundation and a university. A luxury hotel, Capella Diriyah, will complement the area, ensuring a high standard of hospitality in this cultural cradle.
Development is eagerly underway following a SAR 7.8 billion contract awarded to a partnership between CSCEC and El Seif Engineering. Inzerillo remarked, “The Northern District will establish Diriyah as a global intellectual hub while maintaining its deep connection to Saudi Arabia’s heritage.”
The recent Bashayer event showcased Diriyah’s vision, uniting global investors and industry leaders. The new Bab Samhan hotel encapsulates Najdi architectural style and will welcome guests by the end of 2024. Attendees learned about plans to accommodate 100,000 residents, create 178,000 jobs, and attract 50 million visits annually.
Strategically located just 15 minutes from Riyadh’s heart, Diriyah is rich in historical significance, being the birthplace of Saudi Arabia in 1727. The At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlights the area’s legacy as the capital of the First Saudi State in 1766. With the backing of the Public Investment Fund, Diriyah is poised to merge its storied past with a promising future.
The Diriyah project represents a bold vision for the future of urban development in Saudi Arabia. It aims to blend contemporary lifestyles with the rich heritage of the area, creating a place that honors the past while fostering innovation and creativity. By developing cultural districts, Diriyah Company seeks to attract global interest and encourage tourism while creating a vibrant community for locals.
The unveiling of the Qurain Cultural District and Northern District signifies a transformative chapter for Diriyah, aiming to marry cultural preservation with modern urban living. This comprehensive endeavor is set to enrich lives, providing both residents and visitors with a unique blend of art, education, and history, while also playing a pivotal role in the economic and cultural revitalization of Saudi Arabia.
Original Source: www.constructionweekonline.com
