Diriyah, known as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, is undergoing a major renaissance. Part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 plan, Diriyah represents a staggering $63.2 billion investment and is one of the country’s several “giga-projects.”
These transformative development destinations — representing a more than $1 trillion total investment and an opportunity to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the next four years — aim to diversify the economy away from oil and develop new economic drivers, including tourism.
At the heart of Diriyah is the UNESCO Heritage Site At-Turaif, home to the first Saudi State, with roots dating back to the 15th century. In the coming years, Diriyah will become a meeting place for lovers of art, culture and sport, with the 20,000-seat Diriyah Arena, designed by U.S.-based HKS Architects, and the multi-venue Royal Diriyah Opera House, set to open in 2028. Also part of the master plan are dozens of luxury hotels, a Greg Norman-designed golf course and mixed-use precinct Diriyah Square, which will offer more than 400 retail and dining outlets.
A visit to Diriyah is a step back in time.
Credit: 2026 Discover Diriyah
"A visit to Diriyah is a memorable step back in time that authentically connects visitors to Saudi Arabia’s 300-year history, while also offering world-class dining, luxury accommodations and entertainment experiences,” said Abdulrahman Aljefri, destination executive director for Diriyah Company. “This unique blend of heritage and modernity ensures that Diriyah is not only an urban project with global scale and impact, but also a cultural landmark that celebrates its past while creating a vibrant future.”
Luxury Hotels and Resorts
Several high-end hotels — including those from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Capella Hotels and Resorts and Baccarat Hotels & Residences — have begun breaking ground. Other brands on deck include Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Pendry Hotels & Resorts and Montage Hotels & Resorts.
Thus far, one hotel, Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, has opened its doors to guests, and during my stay, it primarily served as a hub for foreign businessmen. The Marriott International property features 134 rooms and suites designed in the traditional Najdi style (think: sun-dried mud-brick, triangular windows and courtyards for gathering as the sun goes down). Rooftop dining is available at Taleed by Michael Mina, but breakfast at daytime restaurant Medheef is hard to beat with its assortment of creamy dips, falafel, fresh juices, halloumi cheese, shakshouka, samosas and coffee sweetened with camel milk.
Saudi Arabia’s Customs in Practice
There are certainly reasons for American travelers, particularly women, to have apprehensions about traveling to this corner of the world. Saudi Arabian women were not allowed to drive, make important life decisions for themselves or even attend a sporting event in a stadium until recent years. And some of these newfound freedoms, largely made possible by Vision 2030 and its goal to diversify and modernize the country, still carry certain restrictions.
Restrictions on the dress code have eased, and women are no longer required to wear an abaya (a robe-like garment) and head coverings, although many still do. As a foreign female traveler, I was expected to wear modest, loose-fitting clothing to cover my arms and legs, although I felt most comfortable covering my ankles, as well.
The dress code extends to resorts, and mixed-gender swimming and swimwear policies will be determined by each of the nearly 40 hotels planned within Diriyah in compliance with the Kingdom’s laws and guidelines. According to Aljefri, many of Diriyah’s resorts are expected to offer communal pools with mixed-gender access and allow Western-style swimwear. Despite speculation following the opening of a diplomatic liquor store in Riyadh, the Saudi government has not authorized alcohol sales for the general public. Furthermore, at press time, there is no official confirmation that Diriyah’s hotels will be permitted to serve alcohol to guests.
Increased Accessibility
Diriyah Company aims to educate U.S. travel advisors about the region and its growing offerings through key initiatives, from fam trips and training programs to marketing materials that highlight Diriyah’s unique blend of heritage, luxury and modernity. To help make travel to the Middle East easier for clients and advisors alike, Diriyah Company has also partnered with several tour operators, including Abercrombie & Kent (A&K). For example, A&K’s eight-day Saudi Arabia: The Desert Kingdom and 12-day The Best of Jordan and Saudi Arabia include visits to Diriyah’s Al-Turaif and its surrounding Bujairi Terrace dining and entertainment district.
In October of this year, Delta Air Lines is slated to launch direct flights from Atlanta to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (a 30-minute drive from Diriyah). The new service between Riyadh and Atlanta will be Delta’s first-ever nonstop flight to Saudi Arabia.
“Diriyah is transforming into a global gathering place, offering unparalleled experiences that blend cultural authenticity with modern luxury,” Aljefri said. “We invite U.S. travel advisors to explore this one-of-a-kind destination and join us in sharing its story with the world.”
