Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques inaugurates the UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif in Ad Diriyah

This week marked a milestone in the restoration process of UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif in Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, which began in 1998 following a Royal Decree establishing the Historical Ad Diriyah Development Program. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman attended the ceremony that celebrated the history and future of At-Turaif, the historic home of the royal Al Saud family and the capital of the first Saudi state. 

The Riyadh Development Authority (RDA), formerly Arriyadh Development Authority, was mandated to oversee the complex restoration and development program up until Sunday’s opening ceremony. The Ad Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), formed in 2017 with a mandate from His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to preserve and develop Ad Diriyah, will now begin operating At-Turaif and continue the journey to transform Ad Diriyah into a globally renowned gathering place with the support RDA and other authorities. 

His Excellency the Secretary General of the Ad Diriyah Gate Development Authority Ahmed Al-Khateeb commented: “Ad Diriyah has a special place in the heart of all Saudis. We thank our brothers and sisters at the Riyadh Development Authority for all the extensive work that has been conducted in this historic city as we pause to reflect on the rich history of our nation. The Ad Diriyah Gate Development Authority will tirelessly continue the journey of transforming Ad Diriyah into a vibrant, modern community for residents as a must-visit destination in the heart of the Kingdom. We are committed to developing Ad Diriyah Gate, starting with an extensive beautification project of the areas surrounding Ad Diriyah and At-Turaif and creating spaces for families. This work has already begun, with thousands of square meters of green surfaces added to Ad Diriyah, and 14,000 trees and shrubs planted.” 

At-Turaif is regarded as one of the only living museums and the largest mud-brick city in the world. The site has been carefully preserved and refined to showcase the history of the first Saudi State (1744 – 1818) and invite visitors from around the world to experience Saudi culture and heritage first-hand. Guests will be welcomed into At-Turaif to walk in the footsteps of kings and heroes starting in 2019.