Crown Prince and Prince William on a historic tour of the Al-Turaif district in Diriyah
In a scene reflecting the depth of historical and diplomatic relations, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received this evening in Diriyah His Royal Highness Prince William, Prince of Wales and Crown Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince accompanied his distinguished guest on a private tour of the historic Al-Turaif district, considered the jewel of Diriyah and the birthplace of the first Saudi state. The two princes strolled through the alleyways of this ancient quarter, admiring the beauty of the authentic Najdi architectural style that characterizes the region, featuring mud-brick construction and unique geometric patterns that tell stories from the past.
A journey deep into Saudi history
The tour included visits to several prominent landmarks, where His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales viewed the palaces of the imams and princes of the First Saudi State, listening to explanations about the history of these buildings that witnessed the founding of the Saudi state. The tour culminated in a commemorative photograph in front of the majestic Salwa Palace, one of the most important historical palaces in the Arabian Peninsula, which served as the seat of government and the administration of state affairs during the First Saudi State, and as a symbol of resilience and unity.
Al-Turaif District: A World Heritage Site and Cultural Significance
This visit is of particular importance given the historical significance of the At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. The district symbolizes Saudi national identity and stands as a living testament to the Kingdom's founding and development. The tour aims to introduce the British guest to this rich cultural heritage, thereby strengthening cultural diplomacy between the two kingdoms.
The implications of the visit and the future of Diriyah
The visit wasn't limited to historical aspects; it also included a glimpse into the region's bright future, showcasing the master plan for the "Diriyah Gate" project. This project is one of the mega-projects stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, aiming to transform Diriyah into a global tourist and cultural destination that blends the authenticity of the past with the modernity of the future, while preserving the area's heritage character.
Prince William’s visit to Diriyah reflects the strength of the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, and underscores the shared interest in enhancing cooperation in cultural and tourism fields, in addition to political and economic matters, thus opening new horizons for cooperation between the two friendly countries.
