Think of Diriyah Gate as a microcosm of Saudi Arabia itself. Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, the mixed-used development blends 300 years of the kingdom’s culture with modern amenities like high-end retail, residential living and education experiences. The result is a one-of-a-kind destination that’s distinctly Saudi: where traditional Najdi architectural typology—rooftop terraces, decorated doors, large courtyards—meets new urbanism. The goal: attract more than 25 million visitors annually. Yet leaders at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority also see the SAR64 billion project as a way to “incubate an ecosystem of inspiration and empowerment” with improved employment and standard of living for residents. The destination is expected to add around SAR27 billion to the country’s GDP and create 55,000 jobs, with a focus on upskilling women. “It will pave the way for the kingdom to lead a world that roots itself in the past as it moves toward the future,” says Mohamed Saad, acting ...