With the inaugural Bashayer event in full swing, Diriyah Company, under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, showcased a suite of world-class amenities that mark a new era in sustainable hospitality. This event is set to become a landmark in Diriyah’s annual calendar, underscoring the ongoing transformation in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The two-day event began with the ground-breaking of three luxury hotels—Aman, Oberoi, and Six Senses—integral to the Wadi Safar masterplan, envisioned as an oasis within the Riyadh metropolis. These establishments embody a commitment to sustainability, luxury, and cultural authenticity, promising unparalleled experiences for guests.
At the Royal Diriyah Golf Club, attendees at the Bashayer event admired the progress on the Greg Norman-designed golf course. Norman, CEO of LIV Golf Investments, expressed pride in the project, “It is an immense honor to be part of such a transformative project as Wadi Safar. The project will showcase over 300 years of culture and heritage to the world, and the golf course setting is absolutely perfect for that. I am extremely proud of the way we have managed to preserve and incorporate the natural character of the Diriyah landscape into the golf course and I feel confident that it will play a huge part in making the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a golfing destination of the world in the very near future”.
The groundbreaking of the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club @ Bashayer, with polo icon Nacho Figueras present, signified strides toward creating a premier venue for global equestrian events. Figueras shared his anticipation for the future of equestrian sports in the Kingdom, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the Arab community and horses.
Group CEO of Diriyah Company, Jerry Inzerillo, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “At Wadi Safar, we are re-defining lifestyle as we work to create one of the world’s greatest gathering places. Today’s milestone achievements represent the realisation of our vision for a harmonious fusion of luxury, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. As we continue on our transformative journey, Wadi Safar is a testament to Diriyah’s unwavering commitment to creating spaces that transcend the ordinary, offering an authentic, luxurious, and sustainable living experience shaped by nature. It’s not just about buildings; it’s about crafting a legacy that resonates with the soul of Saudi Arabia and the world, a legacy that future generations will cherish and from which they will draw inspiration.”
With the successful launch of Al-Bujairi Terrace last year and Six Senses Southern Dunes at the Red Sea project, Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) continues to pave the way for blending heritage respect with modern sustainable ventures.
As Diriyah Company moves into its second phase, the DGDA is dedicated to opening world-class sports, entertainment, cultural, and hospitality facilities, reflecting the richness of Saudi identity and history. Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not just a historical gem but a “source of Saudi identity and our pride,” as Inzerillo remarked, and the “birthplace of the nation.”
The Bashayer initiative at Diriyah signifies another step forward in transforming the Kingdom into a global tourist destination, with over 40 hotel brands, including the Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, and Aman, joining the visionary landscape of Diriyah’s hospitality offerings.
Diriyah, a SAR 64 billion development project, is a 7 km2 mixed-use historic, culture and lifestyle destination. Diriyah will become the Kingdom’s historic and cultural heart, proudly showcasing to the world Saudi Arabia’s 300+ years of history through an engaging and inspiring set of heritage, hospitality, education, retail and dining experiences for residents, tourists and frequent visitors. The new global landmark, Diriyah, will be created in a Najdi architectural style and showcase authentic Saudi Arabian environments.
The historic town of Diriyah will be transformed into a global tourism destination with its main anchors rooted in its historic culture and heritage. It aims to be developed as an urban, mixed-use development inspired by the principles of both new urbanism and historical Najdi architectural typology. It will be home to more than twenty luxury and ultra-luxury hospitality venues offering genuine experiences that reflect the rich history and culture of Diriyah and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, the destination will include museums, galleries, restaurants, retail experiences, public squares, hotels, multiple recreational spaces, residences, educational institutions and offices.
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