“The meeting followed up the progress of work on the Diriyah project in accordance with the executive plan for development of the historic place,” said Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Sultan, an engineer and member of the HCDA.
He added that under the executive plan, Diriyah is being developed into a national cultural and tourist center. Late last year, a delegation from Harvard University in the United States visited the project.
Satisfied with the visit, the delegation invited Abdullah Hamed Arrukban, director of the Diriyah Development Plan, and program architect Abdulamek M. Al-Saleh to give a presentation to the university’s School of Design students on the cultural aspects of the project.
The meeting also discussed ongoing projects in the Turaif neighborhood that include the renovation of a number of historical buildings. Turaif is part of the historic oasis of Diriyah located on the banks of Wadi Hanifa. It was the original home of the Saudi royal family and included in the list of World Heritage Sites in the Middle East.
Also discussed was the progress of work in the Al-Bujairi neighborhood, including the establishment of the headquarters of the Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdulwahab Cultural Foundation, rehabilitation of the Zahaira mosque, establishment of a main plaza for shows and other cultural functions, among others.
Also discussed were access roads to the Saudi capital, the improvement of infrastructure networks and providing these with water and sewage networks as well as a lighting and flood draining system.
After the meeting, Prince Sattam toured Diriyah and was briefed by Al-Sultan on the project. After that, he toured the Al-Bujairi neighborhood and listened to a briefing on services provided to visitors. He also inspected the Diriyah Park overlooking Wadi Hanifa.
Also present during the meeting were Prince Muhammad bin Saad, deputy governor of the Riyadh region; Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, president and board chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities; and Prince Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman, Diriyah governor.
