As the 91st Saudi National Day neared, the editorial team at Arab News knew that something big and special needed to be done to highlight the opening of the Kingdom under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030.

After brainstorming with the team, both virtually and in person, the decision to dive into the history of the birthplace of the Saudi Kingdom was a natural fit.

Here, on the site of the capital of the First Saudi State in what today is revered as the birthplace of the Kingdom, protected since 2010 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first chapters in the story of Saudi Arabia were written.

Today, as one of the most ambitious of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mega-projects begins to take shape around it, the carefully restored national treasure that is At-Turaif is inspiring the next chapters in a story that goes back hundreds of years.

A global destination

Launched in 2017, Diriyah Gate will be a global, cultural, and heritage destination expected to attract over 25 million visitors a year. When complete, it will be home to museums, galleries, and academies offering insights into Saudi history, art and culture, beautiful public spaces, parks and walks, and numerous restaurants, hotels, shops, and homes.

By partnering with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), Arab News was able to gain full, unfiltered access to a wealth of archived narratives.

Exploring the story of Diriyah through an immersive and interactive deep-dive, headed by Assistant Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali, allowed readers to experience where Saudi Arabia’s modern history first began.

Interviews with the Group CEO of the DGDA Jerry Inzerillo and associate director of historical research and studies at the DGDA Dr. Badran Al-Honaihen gave the inside perspective on what goes on behind the scenes of preserving Saudi heritage and history.

Spearheaded by Global Creative Director Simon Khalil, the Arab News creative team brought to life the vast depth of history through interactive graphics, beautiful flow, and a vision that has put all the pieces together.

When Diriyah Gate opens fully, visitors from around the world will be able to immerse themselves in the history and culture of a Kingdom that in less than 300 years has grown from an idea born in a small desert community to become the largest and most prosperous nation in the Arab world.

It will, said Talal Kensara, head of strategy management at DGDA, “be one of the most amazing cultural gathering places in the world.”

Visit www.arabnews.com/SND91 to immerse yourself in the world of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi kingdom.

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