DGDA's dining destination Bujairi Terrace to open early 2022 in Diriyah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

• Four Michelin starred restaurants in the collection
• Developer attracts new to market international brands
• Local Saudi female entrepreneur Deem Albassam will open restaurant outposts of popular brands Somewhere, SUGAR and Grind

Diriyah Gate ‍Development Authority (DGDA) today announces the F&B brands for its 15,000 square metre premium dining destination as part of the $50.6 billion USD (190 billion SAR) transformation of the historic city of Diriyah, located 15-minutes north-west of Riyadh city centre.

Due for completion in early 2022, the asset collection will feature 18 food and beverage brands, four of which are Michelin starred restaurants - Bruno, Tatel, Hakkasan and Long Chim, meticulously curated to cater for both local and international markets, and forms part of the overall first phase of DGDA’s development.

As part of DGDA’s ambitious goal to reveal Diriyah as Saudi Arabia’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination, the premium dining destination, constructed based on traditional Najdi architecture, will enjoy uninterrupted views of Diriyah’s Jewel of the Kingdom, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, and birthplace of the First Saudi state.

The food and beverage brands and operators have been hand-picked, offering various global flagship names as befits Diriyah’s status and prominence, as well as Middle Eastern and particularly Saudi cuisine to ensure authenticity and context.

A list of the confirmed brands is below, with additional names forthcoming:

• World Class Global Brands (all new to KSA)
• Angelina, Parisian cuisine
• Brunch & Cake, all-day dining
• Bruno, Michelin-starred French-Italian cuisine *
• Café de L’Esplanade, French cuisine
• COVA, Italian cuisine
• Flamingo Room by tashas, International cuisine
• Hakkasan, Michelin-starred London-based modern Chinese cuisine *
• Long Chim, Michelin-starred Thai cuisine *
• Mastro’s, steakhouse
• Sarabeth’s, American cuisine
• Tatel, Michelin-starred Spanish cuisine *
• Villa Mamas, Middle Eastern cuisine

Mastro’s, Bruno and Café de L’Esplanade are all brand new names to the wider Middle East region. It’s the first time that Mastro’s will have opened a restaurant outside the USA, and the first time that Bruno and Café de L’Esplanade have restaurants outside of France. COVA, a historic Pasticceria dating back to 1817 recognized for an opulence that delivers tailored creativity on a plate, Cova makes its foray into the KSA as the epitome of a time capsule of Italian tradition.

*Denotes Michelin starred restaurant

• Local Saudi-Owned Brands
• GRIND, café dining
• Somewhere, all-day dining
• SUGAR, desserts
• Sum + Things, all-day dining
• TAKYA, Saudi contemporary cuisine 

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, DGDA, stated: “The forthcoming opening of Bujairi Terrace demonstrates tangible progress in the implementation of His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Salman’s Vision 2030, an exciting illustration of the far-reaching and ambitious vision we are honored to be part of with Saudi Arabia’s monumental transformation. We’re delighted to partner with such esteemed dining brands and to have attracted several new to market restaurant operators, representing an enriched consumer experience which will be unmatched in the region.”

Jonathan Timms, President, Diriyah Development Company said: “Bujairi Terrace’s superb location within Riyadh province and overlooking the Jewel of the Kingdom, UNESCO World Heritage Site At Turaif, has led to a world-class curation of global F&B brands. We look forward to providing an iconic dining setting for our partners’ brands, many of whom will be opening for the first time in Saudi Arabia and some even as a first in the Middle East, which we anticipate will attract first rate dining guests from both the local as well as international markets.”

On completion, the development will feature an array of world-class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, office and residential areas, including 38 hotels, a diverse collection of museums, and a bustling retail heart to complement the newly-revealed Bujairi Terrace. Overall, it is anticipated that the development will add 27 Billion Saudi Riyals to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's GDP, provide 55,000 job opportunities and attract 27 million visitors annually. 

-Ends-

For additional information, please contact: jhartley@dgda.gov.sa  

About Diriyah   

Diriyah is set to become Saudi Arabia’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination.

As part of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, seven square kilometres of Diriyah will be transformed into one of the world’s foremost historic tourism destinations.

Diriyah is located within Riyadh province, just 15 minutes north-west of Riyadh’s city center. It is recognized as a symbolic center of inspiration for the generations of leaders that have led the Kingdom since the foundation of the first Saudi Arabian state in 1744.

As the renewed cultural and historic capital of the nation, Diriyah will be designed and built with Saudi traditions and heritage in mind. The mixed-use traditional urban community will be created in an authentic Najdi architectural style, typical of Saudi villages of centuries past. Sitting at the cultural heart of Diriyah lies the historic city of At-Turaif. Built in 1766, At-Turaif is recognized as one of the world’s foremost mud-brick cities. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, it is today set to become one of the nation’s must-see historic destinations.

With cultural and lifestyle experiences at its heart, Diriyah will be enriched by entertainment, learning, shopping, dining, hospitality, residential and workplace offerings. On completion, it will be home to a population of 100,000 residents, workers, students and visitors and will celebrate the rich cultural history of Saudi Arabia.

The development will feature an array of world-class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, office and residential areas, including 38 hotels, a diverse collection of museums, a bustling retail heart and over 100 places to dine. The existing Bujairi district will soon be home to Riyadh’s new premium dining hub, enjoying uninterrupted views of At-Turaif; and the 141-key Samhan Heritage Hotel. Wadi Hanifah, a two square kilometer space accessible from the escarpment walk, will provide passive and active recreational spaces and boutique hospitality venues; places to unwind and spend the afternoon with family and friends in the beautiful wadi surroundings.

About Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA)

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) was established in July 2017 to preserve Diriyah’s history, celebrate its community and develop the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif into one of the world’s greatest gathering places at the heart of Saudi Arabian culture and heritage.

We are focused on the protection and preservation of the Kingdom’s history including the stories of our forefathers as well as our physical heritage. In line with design, development and preservation standards, DGDA will create an environment that enhances Diriyah’s historic, national and international relevance including the preservation of At-Turaif.

DGDA is transforming Diriyah into one of the region’s foremost destinations for cultural knowledge-sharing activities and international events. We aspire to develop Diriyah into a global gathering place by creating rich experiences that narrate the stories of our history, instilling a sense of Saudi Arabian pride and creating globally renowned destinations and landmarks. The Authority is ensuring Diriyah’s cultural landmarks are complemented by leading hospitality brands, fine dining experiences and world-class retail offerings.

We are devoted to enabling the people of Diriyah to achieve their goals. DGDA will celebrate the local community, showing social, cultural and historical achievements, connecting with the roots of the Saudi state and creating solid foundations on which to build the best possible future for the community.

DGDA works alongside Diriyah’s executive bodies, as the primary regulator for the supervisory area (190sqkm) and will exercise best practice in Land Management, and Building Permit and License issuance and oversight.

About Diriyah Development Company

Diriyah Development Company (DevCo) is a subsidiary entity within DGDA which is responsible for the design, development and delivery aspects of the project. It was set up in 2021 as part of the authority’s growth acceleration plans, with the new structure helping DGDA to prepare for imminent and expedited expansion.

© Press Release 2021