His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib, conducted a comprehensive inspection visit to the experiences and programs of the "Diriyah Season 2025/2026," as part of his ongoing commitment to supporting major tourism and cultural projects in the Kingdom. During the tour, His Excellency reviewed a range of high-quality events that reflect Diriyah's rich heritage, emphasizing that this season represents a cornerstone of the national tourism strategy and one of the most prominent destinations offering a Saudi cultural experience of international standards.
Diriyah: A historical depth and cultural heritage
This visit is doubly significant given the historical symbolism of Diriyah, the jewel of the Kingdom and the cradle of the first Saudi state. Today, Diriyah is a world-class heritage and tourism project, encompassing the Al-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Minister of Tourism's interest in the season's events underscores the Kingdom's commitment to preserving this great heritage and presenting it to the world in a way that blends the charm of the past with the luxury of the present, thus enhancing the Kingdom's position on the international cultural tourism map.
A look at the season's most notable experiences
The minister's tour included stops at several key stations that offered exceptional experiences for visitors, most notably:
- The “Are the Palaces” program: This is a unique initiative that opened the doors of the historical palaces in Diriyah to visitors for the first time, to present a visual and architectural narrative that tells chapters of the glorious Saudi history, highlighting the political and social symbolism of each palace.
- The “Al-Huwait” program: which embodies the spirit of social life in old Diriyah through interactive experiences and live artistic performances, giving the visitor the opportunity to experience the details of the daily life of the ancestors.
- Diriyah Nights: His Excellency was briefed on the unique blend of international and local culinary arts and sophisticated musical performances, in a charming winter atmosphere that reflects the authentic Saudi hospitality.
- The “Manzal” program, with which the minister concluded his visit, is an open cultural space that celebrates handicrafts and storytelling in a picturesque natural environment.
Tourism and the goals of Vision 2030
These events and concerted efforts are part of a broader strategy to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the tourism sector as a key driver of national income diversification. Through the development of destinations like Diriyah, the Kingdom aims to attract millions of tourists from both within the country and abroad, thereby increasing the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP. The success of the Diriyah Season serves as a vital indicator of the Kingdom's ability to organize world-class tourism events that rival those of major international destinations.
Saudi winter: An invitation to explore
It is worth noting that the Minister of Tourism's visit coincides with the launch of the "Saudi Winter" program, themed "Winter in the Life," which aims to highlight the Kingdom's diverse climate and geography during the winter season. The Diriyah Season is the centerpiece of this program, offering tourists the opportunity to explore the rich Najdi heritage and enjoy the mild winter weather, thus boosting domestic tourism and supporting the local economy.
