DGDA sees opening of first hotel in 2024: CEO

Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA)

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) expects the first hotel to open next year, CEO Jerry Inzerillo told Argaam.

He explained that the hospitality segment is an important part of the mega project and will add 42 hotels to the master plan, with investments worth $5 billion of the total $63 billion. Some of the global brands will join the project, like Four Seasons, Marriott etc.

Inzerillo unveiled the first phase of Samhan Heritage Hotel, one of Marriott’s luxury hotel brands, while the three previously announced hotels in Wadi Safar by Six Senses, Oberoi, and Aman are expected to finish before Expo 2030, taking two to three years to complete.

He highlighted that the Diriyah Season, launched in cooperation with the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, aims to attract one million visitors between now and Ramadan.

Inzerillo emphasized that the current developments reflect Saudi Arabia's 300-year history, focusing on culture and heritage. Although all seasons in Saudi are enjoyable, Diriyah uniquely expresses national culture, heritage, and identity, making it a source of pride for the Kingdom, he added.

DGDA started the first phase of rehabilitating the historical Diriyah Gate in June 2020 with a SAR 75 billion budget, according to data compiled by Argaam.

The Diriyah Gate master plan, spanning seven square kilometers, includes various tourist and entertainment destinations.