All you need to know about Diriyah Gate's Wadi Safar project in Riyadh
A unique destination that celebrates Saudi Arabia’s cultural and historical authenticity…
The impressive plans for the Diriyah Project, PIF’s fifth giga-project, have already seen the grand opening of the Unesco World Heritage Site At-Turaif and the premier dining district Bujairi Terrace in December 2022.
As the project continues to develop, it will also see the transformation of the beautiful Wadi Safar – known for its unspoiled landscape and rich cultural traditions – into a Beverly Hills-style residential and hospitality district.
Here are some updates on the Wadi Safar project, as announced at the inaugural Bashayer 2023 event, the main event of Diriyah’s annual calendar that showcases the progress of Diriyah Company.
The Bashayer event witnessed the ceremonial ground-breakings of three of its planned 42 hotels: the Aman, Oberoi, and Six Senses at Wadi Safar, located west of Diriyah.
Oberoi Wadi Safar
The Aman Hotel will be designed with traditional mud-brick architecture within the wadis and plateaus of Wadi Safar. It will have 78 rooms and 34 fully-serviced branded residences that are expected to open in 2026.
The Oberoi promises 60 rooms and ten branded residences, while Six Senses will have an 80-room hotel in Wadi Safar on a hill overlooking the golf course.
Positioned at the heart of the Wadi Safar masterplan, these luxury destinations reflect Diriyah’s dedication to eco-friendly and culturally authentic hospitality.
Six Senses Wadi Safar
The newly completed Eastern Gate and the Wadi Safar Experience Centre nearby round out the Wadi Safar landscape, reinforcing its position as an innovative hub of tourism within Diriyah.
The project will also feature world-class sports and entertainment facilities like the Royal Diriyah Golf Club and the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, a testament to Diriyah’s growing status as a premier destination for sports and leisure.
The Royal Diriyah Golf Club features a course designed by golf legend Greg Norman. At the Bashayer event, it revealed the completion of its first nine holes and a newly grassed driving range, cementing Diriyah’s aspirations to be a top global destination for golf enthusiasts.
The establishment of the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, with the attendance of polo star Nacho Figueras, marked a significant advancement in creating a global equestrian center. Once completed, the club will house 180 horses in its stables and have two polo fields. A VIP lounge, pro shop, restaurant and polo lessons will also be available for members.
This is the first of an annual series of events intended to unveil new developments and initiatives in Diriyah and highlight the project’s progress.
Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf Investments and former golfer, said, “It is a tremendous honour for me to be involved with such a transformational project as Wadi Safar. The project will showcase over 300 years of culture and heritage to the world, and the golf course setting is absolutely perfect for that. I am extremely proud of the way we have managed to preserve and incorporate the natural character of the Diriyah landscape into the golf course, and I feel confident that it will play a huge part in making the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a golfing destination of the world in the very near future.”
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, added, “At Wadi Safar, we are redefining lifestyle as we work to create one of the world’s greatest gathering places. Today’s milestone achievements represent the realisation of our vision for a harmonious fusion of luxury, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. As we continue our transformative journey, Wadi Safar is a testament to Diriyah’s unwavering commitment to creating spaces that transcend the ordinary, offering an authentic, luxurious, and sustainable living experience shaped by nature.”
The Bashayer event is a chance to explore and discover both Wadi Safar’s and Diriyah’s masterplans, from hotels and restaurants to museums and galleries. It marks a milestone for the company as it proceeds in its second phase of first-of-their-kind experiences in hospitality, culture, art, entertainment and sport.
Images: Provided