Latest news with #CityofEarth
Trade Arabia
7 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Diriyah at ITB Shanghai to boost China tourism links
Diriyah Company, the developer behind Saudi Arabia's ambitious 14-sq-km City of Earth urban project, is strengthening its tourism ties with China this week through a high-profile presence at the ITB Shanghai travel trade show. The three-day event, which comcludes tomorrow (May 29), will allow Diriyah to engage with leading Chinese travel agencies, airlines and other key stakeholders in China's rapidly growing hospitality sector. It comes at a time when Chinese visitors to Saudi Arabia are growing rapidly, with a milestone of 140,000 visitors from China to the Kingdom in 2024. This influx was driven by a simplified online visa process and growing air connectivity. It marks ongoing progress toward the Kingdom's goal of welcoming 5 million Chinese visitors annually by 2030. ITB Shanghai follows a successful three-day cultural activation that Diriyah Company hosted on a standalone site in the city where over 1,000 people had the opportunity to experience a wide range of Saudi cultural traditions demonstrated by artisans and craftsmen as well as meet the Diriyah team. Diriyah's Shanghai presence, held at the North Bund International Passenger Center, offered guests a chance to sample traditional Saudi coffee, experience the aroma of rare spices and marvel at the skills demonstrated by traditional weaving workshops. As the number of Chinese travellers to Saudi Arabia continues to grow, Diriyah is offering the opportunity for tailored experiences, from curated galleries with Chinese-speaking guides to dining in one of the many Saudi and global culinary experiences located in Bujairi Terrace and Zallal. Authentic hospitality experiences await visitors at the recently opened Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection hotel, the first of Diriyah's nearly 40 hotels, set in a landscape that celebrates centuries of Saudi history and heritage. In October last year, Diriyah Company also participated in presenting Saudi heritage and culture to a global audience from a Chinese UNESCO World Heritage Site through its stand at the Visit Saudi pavilion during the 'Saudi Travel Festival' in Beijing, China. China is also playing a vital role in Diriyah's development with many of its leading construction firms appointed to work on several key projects across the 14 square kilometer development area. The firms include China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) who are working on the Northern District and Royal Diriyah Opera House; China Harbour Engineering Company is undertaking bulk excavation works and a joint venture between China Railway Construction Corporation (Saudi Branch) and China Railway Construction Group Central Plain Limited for the relocation of a number of King Saud University facilities. Diriyah stands as a symbol of the growing cultural and economic ties between the two nations and will foster and strengthen even closer links through its presence in Shanghai at ITB and its hugely successful cultural activation.-TradeArabia News Service
Arab News
09-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Diriyah Co. debuts Diriyah Tan with Pantone to celebrate Saudi heritage
RIYADH: Diriyah Co. announced today the launch of Diriyah Tan, a custom Pantone color inspired by the iconic mudbrick architecture of the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, in collaboration with the Pantone Color Institute. According to the statement, the golden tan shade, derived from traditional Najdi building materials, will serve as a cornerstone of branding for Diriyah's City of Earth initiative, symbolizing its historical roots and aspirational future. 'Diriyah Tan is a timeless tribute to At-Turaif and our new landmarks like Bujairi Terrace and Bab Samhan Hotel. It instantly connects people to Saudi Arabia's cultural soul,' said Diriyah Co. Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo. He emphasized that the color encapsulates Diriyah's dual identity as a guardian of heritage and a global hub for community and innovation. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, highlighted the shade's symbolic depth, stating: 'Diriyah Tan bridges history and progress. Its earthy warmth mirrors the textures of At-Turaif's structures, reinforcing Diriyah's role as a beacon of learning and youth empowerment.' Kiran Haslam, chief marketing officer of Diriyah Co., revealed to Arab News the future collaborations and community involvement in shaping the city's visual identity. 'The launch of Diriyah Tan — our collaboration with the Pantone Color Institute — was not simply about identifying a hue; it was about capturing the soul of a place,' said Haslam. He added that future color explorations could draw inspiration from Wadi Hanifah's lush landscapes, traditional Najdi craftsmanship, or Saudi Arabia's contemporary art scene. These initiatives, he noted, would deepen Diriyah's narrative as a global cultural destination where heritage fuels innovation. 'Diriyah Tan is, in many ways, the truest representation of The City of Earth. It is one brushstroke among many, but one that evokes the majesty of what Diriyah is,' Haslam remarked. While formal plans remain unannounced, he emphasized that evolving the city's palette would naturally involve collaboration with Saudi artists and cultural custodians. Diriyah's legacy as a hub for exchange, he explained, makes local voices essential to crafting a visual identity that honors authenticity while embracing a dynamic future. Since 2022, Diriyah has drawn over 3 million visitors to its historic and modern attractions. Current projects include luxury hotels, residential communities, and cultural venues like the Diriyah Arena and Royal Opera House. The company ensures retail offerings, fine-dining experiences, and leading hospitality brands complement Diriyah's cultural landmarks. Upon completion, Diriyah will host more than 100,000 residents, workers, students, and visitors, offering a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, and residential spaces. The first of those spaces include Bujairi Terrace, Riyadh's new premium dining hub with over 20 global and local restaurants and cafes.
