Diriyah Company, the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s historic Diriyah destination, is set to showcase its heritage-led development at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025 while simultaneously hosting an immersive cultural exhibition at Outernet London from November 1-6, marking its third consecutive year of engagement with the UK market.
Cultural Showcase and Exhibition Details
The six-day exhibition at Outernet London, strategically located near Tottenham Court Road Station, builds on the success of previous years which attracted nearly three million visitors. This year’s showcase will feature authentic Saudi experiences including traditional dance performances, Saudi coffee ceremonies, Arabic calligraphy demonstrations, and stunning digital displays of Diriyah’s masterplan on immersive screens.
Strategic Development and Tourism Vision
Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer of Diriyah Company, emphasized the destination’s significance: “Diriyah is more than a destination – it is the birthplace of Saudi Arabia and a living testament to our rich history and culture.” The development, inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, will be accessible via four Riyadh Metro stations, positioning it just 15 minutes from Riyadh’s city center and 25 minutes from King Khalid International Airport.
World-Class Hospitality and Cultural Attractions
The development’s ambitious scope includes nearly 40 luxury hotels featuring prestigious brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Six Senses, and Aman, totaling more than 5,000 rooms. The destination will also house Diriyah Square, a retail-focused mixed-use precinct showcasing over 400 luxury brands, alongside cultural landmarks including the 20,000-seat Diriyah Arena, the Royal Diriyah Opera House, and nine museums including the architecturally striking Asaan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Economic Impact and Vision 2030 Alignment
Diriyah’s development directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives by creating approximately 180,000 jobs and projecting an $18.6 billion contribution to the national economy. The project exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while driving economic diversification and tourism growth, with ambitious plans to attract 50 million annual visits. This strategic development not only celebrates Saudi Arabia’s rich history but positions Diriyah as a global cultural and tourism destination, demonstrating the Kingdom’s capability to create world-class attractions that honor the past while embracing the future.