Cultural Palace: A witness to historic events

The Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) is an architectural landmark of the capital and is known not only for its unique and grand architectural style but also as a venue where significant events take place.
Cultural events of different countries and meetings on significant projects are often held at the DQ. These meetings are attended by top government officials as well as members of local businesses and industries.
The DQ was the location where the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) announced on July 28 last year the winners among the bidders for the 176.7km six-line metro rail network in the Saudi capital. The total cost of the project is valued at $22.5 billion.
The glittering event was attended by Riyadh Gov. Prince Khaled bin Bandar, who is also the chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh (HCDA), government officials, officials of the foreign companies which had won the contracts for the project and local businessmen.
“It was a momentous occasion indeed. The whole palace was lit up like a jewel and cameras rolled as foreign reporters frantically took down notes on the winners of the contracts,” an ADA official told Arab News.
He added that the project which is named the King Abdulaziz Project for Public Transport will be “completed on time.”
Other important events have also been held at the Cultural Palace like an architectural exhibition in which different firms participated.
“The Palace is on its way to becoming a cultural icon, if I may say so,” said Eller B. Mendoza, a Filipino architect who works in a local company. “It has hosted different cultural events that have had an impact on the way of life in the Saudi capital in one way or another,” he said.
He noted that architects intending to enrich their knowledge have studied the Cultural Palace for its unique design.
“The Cultural Palace occupies a place all its own. It’s the only one of its kind in the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) building where significant functions are held,” added Eric P. Asi, an engineer at a local firm.
The Palace was built as part of the HCDA’s plan to develop the capital city’s economic, social, cultural, architectural and environmental aspects.
“The Palace is certainly doing exactly that. As I drive along the DQ’s main road, I can see it standing out distinctly from among the other structures near it because of its unique architectural style,” said Meynard Pesig, also an engineer.
The HCDA is also responsible for drawing up policies and procedures with the aim of raising the efficiency of services and facilities connected with improving the living standard of citizens and their welfare.