At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will be opening its doors to the public for the first time this year, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority announced.
Dubbed by Saudi officials as the “Jewel of the Kingdom”, At-Turaif was founded as a permanent settlement in 1446 and deemed an important part in the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1744.
The site was later on developed into a political, religious, and economic center.
Gerard Inzerillo, CEO at Diriyah Gate Development Authority, told Arabian Business that Saudi authorities are working on the final preparations so the site would be open to Saudi nationals and foreign visitors by the end of the year.
“That UNESCO World Heritage site that hasn’t been open to the public in 274 or 275 years will be open for all to enjoy. We’re almost finished,” he said.
The site is expected to attract a large number of visitors as it is in close proximity to the Kingdom’s capital, Riyadh, Inzerillo stated.
“The city’s growth will engulf all the Diriyah area…This is wonderful, because it will set up the UNESCO Heritage site almost as an urban oasis,” Inzerillo added.
To protect and maintain the site’s integrity, Inzerillo said the Saudi government will strictly implement rules to limit the number of tourists at the site.
Inzerillo stated that the official opening date of At-Turaif will be announced soon.
