Diriyah: From Deserted Settlement to Global Destination

Budur Abdulrahman Altuwaijri

Abstract: The city of Diriyahis one that boasts a rich history and culture, and which has evolved over time to become a destination for historians, tourists, and investors. This paper reveals Diriyah's background and the challenges that faced to become such a force reveals its transition from being abandoned and desolate to a center for royalty, the culture, and military. In particular, king Abdulaziz and his battle to recapture Riyadh within the context of strong opposing forces lends credence to the determination of the Saudis to regain and retain control of this region and to permit it to attain its former glory. Also, the remnants of its wall and battles, including acannonball which was a relic of battles between the Saudis and the Ottomans from early history through the 1900scontributed to the growth of the area's importance. As a result, King Salman and his Crown Prince Muhammad sought to revive Diriyah as an eyewitness to the sacrifices and glories of the first Saudi state's founders and as a tourism and economic investment for Vision 2030.

Keywords: Diriyah, battles remnants,Al-Turaif, king Salman, Prince Mohammed, the DGDA, tourism