Al-Diriyah Gate to catapult Saudi Arabia as tourist destination of the world: CEO

Al-Diriyah Gate to catapult Saudi Arabia as tourist destination of the world: CEO

Saudi Arabia's al-Diriyah Gate project will help catapult the kingdom into the tourist destination of the world, CEO of the al-Diriyah Gate Development Authority Jerry Inzerillo tells Al Arabiya English.

The multi-billion dollar projectwill see a host of developments this year with the launch of its first neighborhood district - an entertainment and dining hub comprising of dozens of new restaurants - and the opening of the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya English, Inzerillo said the mega-project is still meeting its building targets despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with the site expected to be "the jewel in Saudi Arabia's crown“ once completed.

"When COVID-19 closed things down, we still planned to hit all our targets we are very pleased in 2020 we were able to keep the al-Diriyah 67-kilometer masterplan on time and on budget for the completion of its first phase in 2024,“ said Inzerillo.

"We open our first district - Al Bujairi District - at the end of the year in December with 22 new restaurants - local restaurants by great Saudi entrepreneurs and famous international restaurants.“

The Al Bujairi District will be