Inzerillo to Asharq Al-Awsat: International Investors Eager to Invest in Diriyah

The CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) Jerry Inzerillo (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) Jerry Inzerillo (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Inzerillo to Asharq Al-Awsat: International Investors Eager to Invest in Diriyah

The CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) Jerry Inzerillo (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) Jerry Inzerillo (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), Jerry Inzerillo, shared that the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Saudi Arabia offered an excellent opportunity to engage with international investors and inspire their participation in significant projects scheduled for Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Riyadh.

The development project of Diriyah Gate costs $63.2 billion, making it one of the massive projects on the list of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Moreover, this project is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s goals to become an attractive global tourist destination.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the FII forum, Inzerillo emphasized that Diriyah is opening doors to investment opportunities for both foreign and domestic investors in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and housing.

The projects encompass the construction of 42 hotels, 30,000 homes, 100 restaurants, and 500 retail stores to serve millions of tourists and thousands of permanent residents in the city.

Inzerillo also pointed out that the FII forum was a significant opportunity to meet investors from around the world and introduce them to the available opportunities in the city.

Many investors expressed their admiration for the diverse opportunities and promising projects the development of Diriyah holds.

Inzerillo also praised the support the project receives from both government and private entities in Saudi Arabia, including PIF and various ministries that have brought investors from all over the world to learn more about the project.

Most recently, a delegation consisting of 90 CEOs from financial companies in India, Hong Kong, and China visited the project.

Upon completion, the Diriyah project will encompass a range of cultural, entertainment, commercial, hotel, educational, institutional, and residential areas, including numerous hotels and a diverse array of museums and cultural institutions.



Local Content in Saudi Government Projects Rises to 47% by Q3

Al-Falih said that local content policies are integral to the state’s strategy. (SPA)
Al-Falih said that local content policies are integral to the state’s strategy. (SPA)
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Local Content in Saudi Government Projects Rises to 47% by Q3

Al-Falih said that local content policies are integral to the state’s strategy. (SPA)
Al-Falih said that local content policies are integral to the state’s strategy. (SPA)

The proportion of local content in Saudi government projects has grown significantly, rising from 33% in 2020 to approximately 47% by the end of the third quarter of this year. This progress was announced by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef during a ministerial session titled, Future Trends in Light of Vision 2030, at the second edition of the Local Content Forum 2024.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized that tourism is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, stating: “We aim to localize investment spending with the support of national institutions.”

He also outlined plans to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy from 3% in 2019 to 10%.

Al-Khateeb underscored the collaborative efforts underway with the private sector to develop the tourism industry.

For his part, Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih highlighted that local content policies have been integral to the state’s strategy since its founding. He stressed that enhancing the competitiveness of local companies plays a vital role in advancing localization efforts.

Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majed Al-Hogail stated that increasing local content is part of a long-term plan, noting that 70% of home construction technologies are now manufactured locally.

In turn, Economy and Planning Minister Faisal Al-Ibrahim explained that boosting local content helps drive economic growth. He emphasized that import substitution presents a valuable opportunity to support domestic products and balance trade.