On 23/11/2015, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz, chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh‎ and Head of the High Executive Committee for Dir’iyah Development, paid an inspection visit to Al-Turaif Neighborhood Development Project. During the visit, HRH also chaired the 18^th Meeting of the High Executive Committee for Dir’iyah Development, in the presence of HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, and HH Prince Ahmed ibn Abdullah, Governor of Dir’iyah.

In a statement to the press, HRH Head of the High Executive Committee, expressed deepest appreciation and thanks to the wise leadership for supporting Dir’iyah Development Program, adding that works of Al-Turaif Neighborhood Development Project are in full swing, and inauguration is expected by next year.

Al-Turaif … a neighborhood with a unique historic value that deserves restoration

According to HE Engr. Ibrahim Al-Sultan, member of the High Commission for Development of Arriyadh and President of ‎Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), during the visit HRH Chairman of the High Commission inspected progress in historic facilities rehabilitation, construction of the other facilities in the neighborhood, and public utilities/services.

The 18^th Meeting of the High Executive Committee

Later, HRH chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh‎ presided the 18^th Meeting of the High Executive Committee for Dir’iyah Development, to follow up on progress of the Execution Plan for Dir’iyah Development and its programs and projects being carried out by the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh in cooperation with the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage and Dir’iyah Governorate. The execution plan comprises three development projects:

• Hai Al-Turaif (Turaif Neighborhood) Development Project
• Hai al-Bujayri (al-Bujayri Neighborhood) Development Project
• Roads, parking lots, utilities and public service networks.

Components of Al-Turaif Neighborhood Development Project

The meeting reviewed the progress achieved in Al-Turaif Neighborhood Development Project, which comprises 17 components, currently under development, including:

• Documentation of urban and architectural status of the existing buildings
• Conduction of historical researches and studies on elements and utilities of the neighborhood
• Implementation of utilities networks and infrastructure
• Archaeological restoration of selected key buildings to serve specific antiquarian and cultural functions
• Building five museums in a number of historical locations in the neighborhood to tell the story of the First Saudi State
• Restoration of Imam Muhammad bin Saud Mosque in its original location over a total area of 2.200 m²
• Building Al-Turaif Souq consisting of 38 shops selling handicrafts in addition to traditional restaurants
• Building a reception center at the neighborhood entrance to serve the visitors
• Building the neighborhood’s administrative center at Fahad bin Saud Palace (the center will be run by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage)
• Transformation of Ibrahim bin Saud Palace into a center for documentation of the history of Dir’iyah (the center will be run by King Abdulaziz Memorial Hall – Darah)
• Landscaping, asphalting, paving and lighting the passageways and public areas in the neighborhood
• Installation of signboards
• Equipping the passageways and plazas with the display requirements and visitor services

Al-Bujairi Neighborhood…. A recreational destination of choice for Riyadh residents

The meeting also reviewed Al-Bujairi Neighborhood Development Project, which has become the favorite recreational destination for residents and visitors of Riyadh since its inauguration by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Other Projects (roads, parking lots, and public utilities)

The meeting also reviewed projects of roads, parking lots, and public utilities, which constitute the third component of the Development Execution Plan. These projects include:-

• Road projects:
  • King Salman bin Abdulaziz Square, which hosts a 100-meter-tall flagpole (the highest in the Kingdom)
  • Imam Mohammed bin Saud Street
  • Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Saud Street
  • Imam Sattam bin Abdulaziz Street
  • Qrioah Road (the oldest road leading to Historical Dir’iyah)
  • Wadi Hanifah Road (distinguished with magnificent landscaping, afforestation, and pavements)
• Public utilities networks:
  • 7375-meter-long water network
  • 1185-meter-long sewerage network
  • 5095-meter-long floodwater drainage network
  • 15435-meter-long road lighting network

Development within the boundaries of Historical Dir’iyah

The Development Program’s execution plan extended to cover a number of public development works within the boundaries of Historical Dir’iyah including:

• Development of Imam Mohammed bin Saud Mosque
• Development of Samhan Neighborhood
• Development of Al-Murayeh Neighborhood
• Restoration of the historic mosques in Historical Dir’iyah
• Project of the National Saudi Flagpole at King Salman Square
• Contemporary Art Center
• Farmers Market in Samhan Neighborhood
• Productive Families Market
• Development of Zahrat Samhan Neighborhood
• Architectural Heritage Center
• Establishment of the new Dir’iyah Municipality Headquarters (recently launched)

Investment opportunities in Historical Dir’iyah

The meeting also reviewed the investment opportunities available for the private sector in Historical Dir’iyah, including:

• Traditional guest houses
• Artistic centers and galleries
• Gift and traditional products shops
• Modern/traditional restaurants and cafes
• Marketing local agricultural products and products of productive families

Development regulations for farms around Al-Bujairi Neighborhood

The meeting approved development regulations for farms around Al-Bujairi Neighborhood to achieve urban integration, and to promote economic value and investment attractiveness of such farms.

Inauguration of Dir’iyah Governorate Headquarter

At the end of the visit, HRH head of the Committee, opened the 7200-m² headquarter of Dir’iyah Governorate, a landmark developed within Historical Dir’iyah Development Program.

The 2-storey building has parking lots, and landscaped internal and external areas.