ADA showcases Historical Addiriyah Development Program

On 02 January, 2017, the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh showcased its program to develop Historical Addiriyah before a gathering of visitors and specialists in preservation of national heritage at King Abdul Aziz Historical Center.

In his lecture, delivered during the event, head of Urban Development Department in the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, Engr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Rukban, explained that Historical Addiriyah has received support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, since he was the Riyadh Governor, an attitude which has continued since then, in recognition of its national, heritage and cultural significance. He also pointed out that the program is carried out by the High Commission in cooperation with the relevant authorities, chiefly the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, Dir’iyah Governorate, and King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives.

Addiriyah…a model for oasis urbanization

Al-Rukban referred that Historical Addiriyah Development Program invested the historic, political and cultural value of the city as well as its architectural heritage and unique location by the banks of Wadi Hanifah valley. Therefore, the program achieved integration between Addir’iyah and Riyadh by transforming Addir’iyah into a world-class cultural and tourist metropolitan suburb.

The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh planned a strategy for the development of Historical Addir’iyah involving the following:

• Transform the historic locations of Addir’iyah into national cultural centers given the pioneering role of the city as the capital of the First Saudi State, and birthplace of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdulwahhab call.
• Develop the ancient and historic neighborhoods of the city to serve as nucleus for urban and cultural development.
• Achieve sustainable development by preserving the natural resources.
• Encourage private investments and contributions to the development program.

According to Al-Rukban, the program’s external works included landscaping, lightening, rest areas, bathrooms, internal parking areas, and the road network. In addition, the neighborhood was provided with an integrated network of public utilities including water outlets, drainage and sewerage systems, rainwater outlets, electricity, lighting, signboards, maps, and informative signs.

The works also included Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdulwahhab Bridge, which connects Al-Bujairi Neighborhood and Al-Turaif Neighborhood.

Al-Bujairi Neighborhood… a cultural gate to Historical Addiriyah

Al-Rukban explained that the comprehensive execution plan for Historical Addiriyah Development Program aims at transforming Al-Bujairi Neighborhood into a cultural and service portal for Dir’iyah.

Al-Bujairi Neighborhood now has a 3500-m² central plaza encircled by 25 shops and administrative offices.

The neighborhood also hosts Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdulwahhab Cultural Foundation, which promotes the intellectual and religious legacy of the Sheikh, and seeks to become an international hub for researchers in Islamic studies worldwide.

Al-Turaif Neighborhood… a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Al-Rukban also referred that Al-Turaif Neighborhood Development Program revitalized the neighborhood as a historic landmark and an exhibition of integration and harmony among architectural patterns and natural forms. Al-Turaif Neighborhood is Addir’iyah’s most important suburb as it hosts ancient buildings and historical palaces that date back to the First Saudi State.

Al-Turaif Neighborhood Development Program includes Addir’iyah Museum in Qasr Salwa, which sheds light on the history of First Saudi State and Qasr Salwa itself.

Al-Rukban also mentioned that there will be a reception center at the entrance of Al-Turaif Quarter to guide the visitors and provide them with information about entertainment activities, tourist utilities, cultural programs, etc.

Also, Qasr Ibrahim Bin Saud was restored to host the central offices of King Abdulaziz Foundation and the Addir’iyah Documentation Center.

In an international recognition of Addir’iyah historical and heritage value, the World Heritage Committee registered Al-Turaif Quarter as a UNESCO World Heritage site.