There are several exciting Saudi giga-projects, and one we have right in our neighbourhood is Diriyah Gate. The opening of Diriyah Gate’s Bujairi Terrace in December 2022 marked a milestone in the development of Saudi Vision 2030 goals, as it was the first major part of a giga-project open. That’s just the start of things. In January 2023, High Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud announced Diriyah Gate as the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s fifth giga-project.
There is even more in store so get ready. Here’s everything to know about the Riyadh development.
What is Diriyah Gate in Riyadh?
Diriyah is already a rich historical site, and with Diriyah Gate plans, it will become even more of a destination. Diriyah Gate is an ambitious US$20 billion heritage and tourism project spearheaded by Diriyah Gate Development Authority. The development will be home to 100,000 people and aims to attract 25 million visitors annually. The giga-project will have museums, shopping, restaurants and hotels and will be a world-class hub for education, recreation, culture, retail and hospitality. Basically, it promises to have everything, including a potential Saudi version of Paris’s iconic Champs-Élysées Boulevard.
As highlighted earlier, Diriyah Gate is a part of Vision 2030. The project will see the cultural and historic area expanded while retained Saudi’s rich history in the area and making it a place of learning, discovery and entertainment. Are you getting excited yet? This includes the preservation and restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Turaif, which sits at the core of the development of Diriyah Gate in Riyadh.
Where is Diriyah Gate in Riyadh?
Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah is around a 15-minute drive from the city centre, making it highly accessibly for residents and tourists.
Diriyah is considered the birthplace of the Kingdom. UNESCO World Heritage Site Turaif and Bujairi Terrace as part of Diriyah Gate and the Diriyah area.
What’s open at Diriyah Gate?
The first phase of the larger Diriyah Gate project is has partially been completed with the opening of the luxury destination Bujairi Terrace. Opening in the historical area as a new foodie experience for all you food-lovers out there, the space aims to act as a tourist destination through the heritage and culture of the land while also maintaining a sense of modernity throughout.
When will Diriyah Gate fully open?
Diriyah obviously isn’t be built in a day. Given the scale of the operation, it’s no surprise that the project will launch in carefully staggered phases.
Bujairi Terrace was part of the first phase of Diriyah Gate. The initial stage also includes restoration of the area around Wadi Hanifah, plus the creation of walking trails and picnic areas.
Elsewhere, the construction of multiple museums is currently underway and vast and complex infrastructure work on roads, utilities and metro stations continues at pace across the development. Following phase one, it’s expected tha openings will continue to launch annually until project completion in 2030.
The Saudi Arabia Champs-Élysées Boulevard development is part of the second phase of the Diriyah Gate development, and a piece of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s big plans of preserving the historic and culture-filled area while bringing in new concepts.
So, what is Bujairi Terrace?
The luxury destination officially opened on Sunday December 4, 2022 with more than 20 new restaurants to dig into across a beautiful historic site complete with unique views of Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What restaurants are at Bujairi Terrace?
You got a craving, Bujairi Terrace restaurants should satisfy it. You’re covered for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night eats as well as snacks, juices and coffee and cake. From a classic French brasserie at Café de L’Esplanade to Saudi fusion cuisine at Takya, there’s something for pretty much every mood.
Dig in at Brunch & Cake, Bruno, Sarabeth’s Bakery & Café, TATEL, Villa Mamas and Joe and The Juice. The area has also welcomed Saudi-owned brands like Maiz, Somewhere and Sum +Things.
Other restaurants opening soon at Diriyah Gate in Riyadh’s Bujairi Terrace include award-winning Hakkasan and Long Chim in addition to Flamingo Room by tashas, Mastro’s and COVA.
How can I visit?
If you want to visit and dine at Bujairi Terrace, you will likwlt need to get a Diriyah Entry Pass via tickets.diriyah.sa. The pass will provide visitors with access to the foodie destination as well as the adjacent Turaif area.
Turaif. Tickets vary depending on the date and time of the week. On Sunday to Thursday, tickets will be required after 4pm and an all-day ticket will be required for weekends (Friday and Saturday).
From Sunday to Wednesday tickets are SAR100 while entry passes for Thursday to Saturday are SAR200.
You will be able to redeem the value of the Diriyah Entry Pass on food and beverages at all the restaurants.
And what is Turaif?
Turaif is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Kingdom, with its history dating back to 1727. The area is filled with traditional mud houses and Najdi-style palaces in addition to mosques and curated galleries. The area will welcome live events and performances as well as activities dedicated to the history and culture of the area and the Kingdom as a whole.
It officially opened to the public December 2022, along with Bujairi Terrace so you can explore it firsthand now.
How can I check it out?
Visitors can explore the area using the Diriyah Entry Pass which also give you the option to have a guided tour of the location. Passes are SAR100 per person, and kids under 13 get in free.
Turaif is open to the public daily while visitation hours vary depending on the day of the week. Explore the Diriyah attraction on Saturday to Wednesday from 10am to midnight, Thursday from 10am to 1am and Friday from 2am to 1am.
For the latest developments on Diriyah and all Saudi giga-projects be sure to check out timeoutriyadh.com.
Various timings and prices. Diriyah Gate, Diriyah, tickets.diriyah.sa.
For more cultural and heritage attractions throughout Riyadh, click here.
