The Al-Bujeiri Quarter, which is widely considered to be the gateway to the Diriyah heritage site, is expected to be completed soon, according to the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA).

“The quarter, situated on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifah opposite Al-Turaif, is a key landmark in the area. It’s expected to be finished sooner than later,” a source at the ADA told Arab News.

The renovation of the Diriyah heritage site itself is scheduled to be completed in two years.

The Al-Bujeiri Quarter includes the Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdul Wahab Mosque, which is a key landmark in the area.

“Historically, Al-Bujeiri contained a number of mosques and primary schools which enriched education and disseminated knowledge in Riyadh, Najd and the Arabian Peninsula in general,” the source said.

Because of the historical and cultural importance of the neighborhood, a number of developmental projects have been carried out. These include the Sheikh Mohamad bin Abdul Wahab Foundation, Central Area, Riyadh Park and the restoration of Al-Thowaihirah Mosque.

The Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdul Wahab Foundation is an academic institution concerned with intellectual heritage, the sheikh’s school of thought and faith and dawah (propagation) studies. The foundation offers services to researchers all over the world.

The foundation carried an international cultural dimension in the field of intellectual pursuit. The idea of the foundation comes as a kind of commemoration of Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdul Wahab and gratitude for his role in the history of the first Saudi State.

The Central Area, on the other hand, includes “respectfully designed shopping stores and restaurants and underground parking structure.” It also includes Central Square, which serves as a linking point between all Al-Bujeiri Quarter components and could be used for cultural activities like local folklore shows.

The Al-Bujeiri Quarter also includes an Administration Services Center. In this regard, some of the mudhouses in the quarter will be restored and used as the location for operation and maintenance administration.

“Al-Bujeiri also includes the Riyadh Park, which occupies the biggest space in the quarter,” the source said. The park conforms to the strict Wadi Hanifah environmental regulations.

The Al-Thowaihirah Mosque will be restored through the courtesy of Prince Sultan bin Salman, president and chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). It will be undertaken in accordance with the world’s best practice and highest standards in mud restoration.