Minister of Tourism inspects Diriyah Season: A global heritage destination
The Saudi Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib, conducted a comprehensive inspection tour of the events and programs of the Diriyah Season for the 2025/2026 season, as part of his ongoing monitoring of major national tourism projects that form the backbone of the Kingdom's tourism sector. During the tour, His Excellency reviewed the qualitative developments in the events, which reflect authentic Saudi identity and present it to the world in a modern format.
Diriyah: The symbolism of the place and the depth of history
This visit is doubly significant given Diriyah's historical and strategic importance as the "Jewel of the Kingdom" and the cradle of the first Saudi state. The Diriyah Season is not merely an entertainment event; it serves as a vibrant cultural platform that recounts tales of glory, particularly with Diriyah's home to the historic Al-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These events connect younger generations to their roots while offering a luxurious tourism experience that attracts visitors from around the world.
A journey into the heart of heritage: from “Hal Al-Qusour” to “Al-Huwait”
The Minister of Tourism's tour included several key stops that distinguish this year's season, where he reviewed the details of the "Are the Palaces" program, a unique initiative that opened the doors of historic palaces in Diriyah to visitors for the first time. This experience allows the public to explore the unique architectural features and hear the stories that have been told within the walls of these palaces, thus enhancing the value of cultural tourism.
The visit also included a tour of the “Al-Huwait” program, which was designed to embody the vibrant spirit of Diriyah, offering a mix of live artistic performances and interactive activities that place the visitor at the heart of the Saudi cultural scene.
Diriyah Nights: A World-Class Hospitality Experience
In a related context, Al-Khatib was briefed on the “Diriyah Nights” program, one of the most popular events for visitors, which brings together the finest local and international restaurants and cafes in a captivating winter atmosphere. This program presents an ideal model of “luxury tourism,” blending entertainment, arts, and authentic Arabian hospitality. The tour concluded with a visit to the “Manzal” area, which focuses on handicrafts and storytelling in a stunning natural setting.
Supporting the goals of Vision 2030
These tireless efforts and on-the-ground follow-up by the Minister of Tourism underscore the pivotal role of the tourism sector in achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify national income sources and establish the Kingdom as one of the world's leading tourist destinations. The success of the Diriyah Season is a strong indicator of the Kingdom's ability to organize world-class events that rival major international destinations.
It is worth noting that the minister’s visit comes within the context of the “Saudi Winter” program, which was launched under the slogan “Winter Live,” and which aims to highlight the climatic and geographical diversity of the Kingdom, and to encourage domestic and foreign tourism to explore Saudi Arabia’s tourist treasures.
