Diriyah Gate Development Authority Plans New Armani Hotel in Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Armani Hotels & Resorts was founded in 2005 thanks to an agreement signed by Giorgio Armani S.p.A. and Emaar Properties for the development, ownership and management of an exclusive series of hotels, resorts and residences located in the most important cities and exclusive tourist destinations around the world.
The first hotel opened inside the Burj Khalifa in 2010, the world’s tallest building, built by Emaar Properties as part of its prestigious Downtown Dubai project. Armani Hotel Dubai spans more than 40,000 square metres and comprises 160 rooms and suites, nine restaurants and a spa. In addition to the hotel, the Burj Khalifa offers 144 luxury residential flats, all designed by Giorgio Armani and entirely decorated with a specially created line of products from the Armani/Casa collection. Armani Hotel Milano, the second hotel opened by Giorgio Armani in collaboration with Emaar Properties PJSC, is located in the rationalist-style building originally designed in 1937 by Enrico A. Griffini on Via Manzoni, in the prestigious Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s fashion district. With its 95 rooms, business centre, gym, spa and Armani Ristorante, the hotel offers an intimate experience in line with the Stay with Armani philosophy.

amee.boyle@giorgioarmani.it/

Founded in 1975 by Giorgio Armani, who is Chairman and CEO, the Armani Group is one of the world’s leading fashion and luxury companies, with 8,290 employees and eight production plants. The Group directly designs, manufactures, distributes and sells fashion and lifestyle products such as clothing, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewellery, cosmetics, perfumes, furniture and furnishings, and also operates in the restaurant and hotel business.

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) was established in July 2017 to preserve Diriyah’s history, celebrate its community and develop the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif into one of the world’s greatest gathering places at the heart of Saudi Arabian culture and heritage.

We are focused on the protection and preservation of the Kingdom’s history including the stories of our forefathers as well as our physical heritage. In line with design, development and preservation standards, DGDA will create an environment that enhances Diriyah’s historic, national and international relevance including the preservation of At-Turaif.

DGDA is transforming Diriyah into one of the region’s foremost destinations for cultural knowledge-sharing activities and international events. We aspire to develop Diriyah into a global gathering place by creating rich experiences that narrate the stories of our history, instilling a sense of Saudi Arabian pride and creating globally renowned destinations and landmarks. The Authority is ensuring Diriyah’s cultural landmarks are complemented by leading hospitality brands, fine dining experiences and world-class retail offerings.

We are devoted to enabling the people of Diriyah to achieve their goals. DGDA will celebrate the local community, showing social, cultural and historical achievements, connecting with the roots of the Saudi state and creating solid foundations on which to build the best possible future for the community.

DGDA works alongside Diriyah’s executive bodies, as the primary regulator for the supervisory area (190sqkm) and will exercise best practice in Land Management, and Building Permit and License issuance and oversight.

Diriyah is set to become Saudi Arabia’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination. Chosen by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation as the Capital of Arab Culture for 2030, as part of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, 11 square kilometres of Diriyah will be transformed into one of the world’s foremost historic tourism destinations.

Diriyah is located within Riyadh province, just 15 minutes north-west of Riyadh’s city centre. It is recognised as a symbolic centre of inspiration for the generations of leaders that have led the Kingdom since the foundation of the first Saudi Arabian state on 22nd February 1727. As the renewed cultural and historic capital of the nation, Diriyah will be designed and built with Saudi traditions and heritage in mind. The mixed-use traditional urban community will be created in an authentic Najdi architectural style, typical of Saudi villages of centuries past. Sitting at the cultural heart of Diriyah lies the historic city of At-Turaif. Built in 1766, At-Turaif is recognised as one of the world’s foremost mud-brick cities. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, it is today set to become one of the nation’s must-see historic destinations.

With cultural and lifestyle experiences at its heart, Diriyah will be enriched by entertainment, learning, shopping, dining, hospitality, residential and workplace offerings. On completion, it will be home to a population of 100,000 residents, workers, students and visitors and will celebrate the rich cultural history of Saudi Arabia.

The development will feature an array of world-class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, office and residential areas, including 38 hotels, a diverse collection of museums, a bustling retail heart and over 100 places to dine. The existing Bujairi Terrace will soon be home to Riyadh’s new premium dining hub, enjoying uninterrupted views of At-Turaif; and the 141-key Samhan Heritage Hotel. Wadi Hanifah, a two square kilometre space accessible from the escarpment walk, will provide passive and active recreational spaces and boutique hospitality venues; places to unwind and spend the afternoon with family and friends in the beautiful wadi surroundings.

 dgda@njfpr.com /