Culture Ministry relocates to new headquarters in Diriyah

DIRIYAH — Diriyah Company has announced the completion of the relocation of the Ministry of Culture to its new headquarters in Diriyah’s Northern District, developed as part of the company’s integrated urban master plan. The move underscores the growing presence of national cultural institutions within Diriyah, reinforcing its role as a fully integrated destination for culture, governance, and contemporary living. The relocation follows the memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Culture and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority in mid-2022. The agreement laid the foundation for collaboration between the Diriyah Project and the Ministry of Culture to encourage coordination, development, and the delivery of cultural projects, initiatives, and events in line with Diriyah’s master plan.Commenting on the occasion, Group CEO of Diriyah Company Jerry Inzerillo said: “We are pleased that the Ministry of Culture has chosen Diriyah as its headquarters, and we are proud of our partnership with the ministry in developing its new headquarters. This milestone reflects the pace at which we are advancing Diriyah as a fully integrated urban destination for living, working, and visiting. The relocation of the ministry marks an important step in delivering world-class work environments and office spaces, aligned with our vision to position Diriyah as a vibrant global urban hub.”Ministry of Culture spokesperson Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa affirmed that the ministry’s relocation to its new headquarters in Diriyah embodies the connection of Saudi culture to its deep historical roots. “This relocation is an extension of the ministry’s vision to entrench Saudi culture as a pillar of national development, and to strengthen its integration with historical sites of civilizational value, contributing to highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural depth and enhancing Diriyah’s standing as a global cultural and historical center,” he said.The new headquarters is the largest standalone office building in Diriyah to date, with a total built-up area of 33,168 square meters. It has been designed to accommodate the ministry’s teams and operational requirements, offering an integrated work environment supported by advanced digital infrastructure, tailored office layouts, and high-quality facilities.The project has been awarded by LEED, the world's widely recognized green building rating system obtaining LEED Gold–certified under LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell Development and a Gold Commercial certification under the national green building rating system, Mostadam, reflecting its sustainable approach across energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and health and wellbeing, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The development also reflects Diriyah Company’s broader commitment to thoughtful urban planning and its long-term vision to establish Diriyah as a leading center for culture, education, arts, and entertainment, anchored by its unique setting that includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al-Turaif and a growing collection of cultural and historical destinations.As part of its wider development program, Diriyah Company is delivering a $63 billion integrated urban project that has attracted more than five million. Several key destinations opened in 2024, including Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel and Zallal, a vibrant mixed-use district combining dining, retail, and office spaces in a traditional setting. Development works are continuing, with the project targeting more than 50 million visitors annually by 2030, the creation of 180,000 jobs, and accommodation for around 100,000 residents.