Diriyah Square

Diriyah Gate is one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant cultural and tourism developments, transforming a historic heritage site into a world-class leisure destination as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda. At the centre of the masterplan is Diriyah Square – a major retail and lifestyle precinct that will bring together retail, hospitality, entertainment and cultural experiences alongside the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cistri provided economic advice across multiple aspects of the wider Diriyah Gate masterplan, including the development strategy for Diriyah Square.

Diriyah Square is a super-regional scale destination. The precinct is designed to connect leading global retail brands with local culture, artistry and 5-star hospitality experiences. Our work included advice on the optimal scale, typology, market positioning and development phasing for the destination.

Our recommendations were underpinned by assessments of supportable demand and financial feasibility, helping inform a commercially robust and globally competitive retail strategy.

Through evidence-based analysis, we supported the Diriyah Gate Development Authority in shaping a destination that balances economic performance with cultural significance, contributing to Riyadh’s emergence as a leading global tourism and lifestyle destination.