Diriyah Explores Future of Global Urban Development at WEF in Davos

Diriyah Company, the developer behind one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious heritage and urban projects, made its debut at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, participating in high-level discussions on the future of global urban development from January 20 to 24. The company’s first appearance at the prestigious forum followed its accreditation as an associate partner in 2024, marking a significant milestone in Diriyah’s international engagement strategy. During the event, held under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” Diriyah Company joined global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore innovative approaches to city-building that honor cultural heritage while embracing cutting-edge technology.

What does it signify when a project rooted in 300 years of history takes center stage at the world’s premier gathering on intelligent urban futures? For Saudi Arabia, Diriyah’s participation in Davos represents far more than a corporate appearance—it signals the Kingdom’s readiness to share its unique model of development with the international community. The WEF annual meeting, which convenes heads of state, chief executives, and thought leaders from across the globe, provided an ideal platform for Diriyah to articulate its vision of transforming historical sites into vibrant, human-centered urban hubs. This engagement underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global collaboration and knowledge exchange, core principles of both the Diriyah project and the broader Vision 2030 reform agenda.

Context and Background

Why has Diriyah captured the attention of the global urban development community? Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah is the birthplace of the first Saudi state and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Diriyah Company, a major project of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is tasked with transforming this historic area into a modern city that celebrates its 300-year heritage while offering world-class amenities. The project encompasses more than 40 luxury hotels, extensive office spaces, cultural and artistic districts, premier sports facilities, and hundreds of retail outlets. Upon completion, it will house approximately 100,000 residents and is projected to attract 50 million visitors annually by 2030, contributing around $18.6 billion to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product.

The company’s accreditation as a WEF associate partner in 2024 paved the way for its participation in the 2025 annual meeting. This status places Diriyah among a select group of organizations recognized for their influence on global agendas. The theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” resonated deeply with Diriyah’s approach, which blends smart city technologies with heritage preservation. By joining panels and discussions, Diriyah aimed to position itself not only as a Saudi mega-project but also as a contributor to international dialogues on sustainable urbanization, investment, and cultural tourism. The forum offered a unique opportunity to showcase how Diriyah is setting new benchmarks for integrating history with modernity.

How does Diriyah’s participation reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader engagement with multilateral institutions? The Kingdom has increasingly taken an active role in global economic and cultural forums, using platforms like the WEF to highlight its transformation. Diriyah’s presence in Davos aligns with this strategy, demonstrating that Saudi Arabia is not merely a participant in global conversations but a source of innovative solutions. The project’s emphasis on smart development techniques, international investments, and inclusive urban spaces mirrors the WEF’s own focus on stakeholder capitalism and sustainable growth. This synergy between national objectives and global priorities helps explain why Diriyah’s debut at Davos generated considerable interest among attendees.

Key Details

What specific discussions did Diriyah Company lead at the World Economic Forum? The company took part in a high-profile session titled “New Horizons for Contemporary Urban Development,” hosted at the Saudi House pavilion. The session featured Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive of Diriyah Company, alongside prominent international experts, including Rami Alturki, Executive Vice Chairman of Nesma Partners, and Aparna Bawa, Chief Operating Officer of Zoom. Together, they explored future urban planning strategies, the integration of technology in city design, collaborative initiatives, investment opportunities, and the redefinition of what constitutes a thriving city in the 21st century. The discussion highlighted Diriyah as a model of innovative urban development that successfully transforms historical sites into dynamic, human-centered communities.

Inzerillo emphasized the company’s commitment to sharing Diriyah’s story with the world. He noted that smart development techniques and international investments are accelerating the project’s progress, and he described the WEF as a unique platform to present Diriyah’s contributions to creating sustainable and inclusive urban spaces. “We are building a city that respects its past while embracing the future,” Inzerillo said, underscoring the project’s dual focus on heritage and innovation. His remarks resonated with an audience eager to understand how large-scale developments can balance cultural authenticity with modern functionality.

Additionally, Talal Kensara, Chief of Strategic Management at Diriyah Company, participated in a panel titled “Saudi Arabia’s Untapped Investment Opportunities.” This session highlighted the diverse and extensive investment prospects offered by the Diriyah project to global investors. Kensara outlined the various sectors open for partnership, from hospitality and retail to technology and entertainment, and explained how Diriyah’s integrated approach creates a resilient investment ecosystem. The panel provided a comprehensive overview of why Diriyah stands out as a compelling destination for international capital seeking stable, high-growth opportunities in the region.

International and Regional Impact

How does Diriyah’s global outreach influence perceptions of Saudi Arabia in the international community? By participating in the WEF, Diriyah Company is helping to reshape narratives about the Kingdom, presenting it as a hub of innovation, culture, and investment. The project’s emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and smart technology aligns with global priorities, making it an attractive case study for other nations grappling with rapid urbanization. Diriyah’s ability to attract top-tier partners and investors demonstrates confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economic vision and its capacity to execute complex, multi-year developments. This, in turn, reinforces the Kingdom’s standing as a reliable and forward-thinking player on the world stage.

Regionally, Diriyah’s progress has implications for the broader Middle East, where many countries are pursuing similar heritage-based urban regeneration. By sharing its experiences at Davos, Diriyah offers a template that others can adapt, fostering South-South cooperation and knowledge transfer. The project also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in cultural tourism, a sector that is increasingly important for economic diversification. As Diriyah moves closer to its 2030 targets, its success will likely inspire similar initiatives across the region, further elevating the Middle East’s profile in global urban development.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why does Diriyah matter economically, both for Saudi Arabia and for international investors? The project is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy, designed to reduce reliance on oil revenues by creating new sectors and jobs. With a projected annual contribution of $18.6 billion to GDP by 2030, Diriyah will be a significant driver of growth. Its 40-plus luxury hotels, office spaces, and retail outlets will generate substantial employment opportunities and attract high-spending tourists. Moreover, the project’s integrated approach—combining residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational components—creates a self-sustaining ecosystem that multiplies economic benefits.

For global investors, Diriyah offers a rare chance to participate in a mega-project with a clear strategic vision and strong government backing. The PIF’s involvement provides stability and credibility, while the project’s phased development allows for manageable risk and incremental returns. The WEF panel on investment opportunities served to communicate these advantages to a global audience, potentially unlocking new sources of capital. Strategically, Diriyah also enhances Saudi Arabia’s soft power by showcasing the Kingdom’s ability to preserve and celebrate its heritage while building a modern, diversified economy.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does Diriyah embody the goals of Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 aims to transform the Kingdom into a global investment powerhouse and a hub connecting three continents. Diriyah directly supports these objectives by attracting foreign investment, boosting tourism, and creating a vibrant cultural and economic hub. It also aligns with the Vision’s quality-of-life program, which seeks to enhance the living standards of citizens and residents by providing world-class amenities and cultural experiences. Furthermore, Diriyah’s focus on sustainability and smart city technologies contributes to the Vision’s environmental goals, ensuring that development is both inclusive and responsible.

As Diriyah Company continues to share its story on platforms like the World Economic Forum, it reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international collaboration and its role as a catalyst for positive change. The project is not just about building a city; it is about setting a global benchmark for how urban development can honor history, embrace innovation, and deliver lasting value. By engaging with the world’s foremost thinkers and investors, Diriyah is helping to write the next chapter of Saudi Arabia’s remarkable transformation, one that promises to inspire and benefit people far beyond the Kingdom’s borders.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Diriyah Company?

A1. Diriyah Company is a major project of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) responsible for developing the historic Diriyah area into a modern city that celebrates Saudi Arabia’s 300-year heritage while offering world-class amenities.

Q2. What was the theme of the WEF annual meeting 2025?

A2. The theme was “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” focusing on global cooperation and technological integration across various sectors.

Q3. When did Diriyah Company participate in the WEF?

A3. Diriyah Company participated in the World Economic Forum annual meeting 2025, held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24.

Q4. What was the title of the session featuring Jerry Inzerillo?

A4. The session was titled “New Horizons for Contemporary Urban Development,” hosted at the Saudi House pavilion.

Q5. Who else spoke alongside Jerry Inzerillo?

A5. Rami Alturki, Executive Vice Chairman of Nesma Partners, and Aparna Bawa, Chief Operating Officer of Zoom, joined the session.

Q6. What topics were discussed in the urban development session?

A6. Topics included future urban planning strategies, technology integration, collaborative initiatives, investment opportunities, and redefining the future of cities.

Q7. What did Jerry Inzerillo emphasize about Diriyah?

A7. He emphasized the company’s commitment to sharing Diriyah’s story globally and highlighted the role of smart development and international investments in accelerating progress.

Q8. What panel did Talal Kensara participate in?

A8. Talal Kensara participated in a panel titled “Saudi Arabia’s Untapped Investment Opportunities,” highlighting the Diriyah project’s investment prospects.

Q9. How many luxury hotels will Diriyah feature?

A9. Diriyah will feature over 40 luxury hotels, along with office spaces, cultural districts, sports facilities, and retail outlets.

Q10. How many residents will Diriyah house?

A10. Diriyah is expected to house around 100,000 residents upon completion.

Q11. How many visitors does Diriyah aim to attract annually by 2030?

A11. Diriyah aims to attract 50 million visitors annually by 2030.

Q12. What is Diriyah’s projected contribution to Saudi GDP?

A12. Diriyah is expected to contribute approximately $18.6 billion to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product by 2030.

Q13. Why is Diriyah significant historically?

A13. Diriyah is the birthplace of the first Saudi state and a UNESCO World Heritage site, embodying 300 years of history and heritage.

Q14. What is Diriyah Company’s relationship with the PIF?

A14. Diriyah Company is one of the Public Investment Fund’s major projects, benefiting from the PIF’s strategic support and investment.

Q15. When was Diriyah Company accredited as a WEF associate partner?

A15. Diriyah Company was accredited as a WEF associate partner in 2024, leading to its first appearance at the annual meeting in 2025.

Q16. What is the significance of Diriyah’s participation in Davos?

A16. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s innovative urban development model and strengthens international collaboration and investment ties.

Q17. How does Diriyah integrate technology into urban development?

A17. Diriyah employs smart development techniques to create sustainable, human-centered urban spaces that blend heritage with modern functionality.

Q18. What investment opportunities does Diriyah offer?

A18. Diriyah offers diverse investment prospects in hospitality, retail, technology, entertainment, and real estate, supported by a stable regulatory environment.

Q19. How does Diriyah align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A19. Diriyah supports Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy, boosting tourism, attracting investment, and enhancing quality of life through cultural and recreational amenities.

Q20. What is the long-term vision for Diriyah?

A20. Diriyah aims to become a global destination that honors its heritage while serving as a model for sustainable, inclusive urban development, contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s future.

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