Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 9 April, 2015 1:41 pm |

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman will Today inaugurate a project to develop Al-Bujairi district — the gateway to the historic area of Diriyah.
The project is a part of the scheme to develop Diriyah and highlight its cultural value by creating facilities at its main entrance.
The area is expected to see the inflow of tourists and visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom once the renovation works are completed.
The development projects will involve the central area, the main incumbent of open activities and commercial services offered to visitors. The central area or plaza will contain shops and rest areas.

The project also includes establishment of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulwahab Cultural Foundation, which will offer a comprehensive introduction to his call and the leadership role of the Kingdom in the Islamic world.
So far the renovation efforts resulted in restoring the mosque where Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulwahab used to be its imam and deliver sermons. The renovation and restoration works will also include Al-Dhwaihrah Mosque to make the premises suitable for prayers.
As for Tarif neighborhood, a commercial complex with 38 shops will be opened. The complex will have outlets selling handicraft items, traditional meals’ restaurants, 30 heritage hotel units and an exhibition for heritage architecture with a center to document the history of Diriyah.

Museums will also be opened at a number of historical palaces in the neighborhood, in addition to the restoration of the Imam Mohammed bin Saud Mosque.
Tarif will be linked with Al-Bujairi via an overpass (Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulwahab Overpass) which will be constructed on the banks of Hanifa valley.
Currently, work is under way on the executive plan to develop Diriyah which is already included in the programs and projects of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh in cooperation with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and the Diriyah governorate and its municipalities.

Speaking to a local publication on the projects, Shayei Al-Quraini, head of the municipal council of Diriyah, said the project took years of studies and planning.
“There are different stages of the project, some of which will be completed within two years. On Thursday, only a part of Al-Bujairi neighborhood will be opened,” he was quoted as saying.