Diriyah Showcases Saudi Heritage, Transformational Projects at FII7

Diriyah Company had a strong presence at the 7th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII7) held in Riyadh. SPA
Diriyah Company had a strong presence at the 7th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII7) held in Riyadh. SPA
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Diriyah Showcases Saudi Heritage, Transformational Projects at FII7

Diriyah Company had a strong presence at the 7th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII7) held in Riyadh. SPA
Diriyah Company had a strong presence at the 7th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII7) held in Riyadh. SPA

At the 7th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII7) held in Riyadh this week, the Diriyah Company, an FII strategic partner, showcased its investment opportunities as Saudi Arabia’s foremost heritage and culture destination to a global audience.
Diriyah Company had a strong presence at the event, with the Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo taking an active role in several panels and discussions.
Reflecting on Diriyah Company’s participation, Inzerillo said, “A giga-project at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, Diriyah is a driving force for the future of the Kingdom. As we highlight Diriyah's remarkable evolution, we invite residents, visitors, investors, and travelers to delve into its rich history and actively contribute to its unfolding future.”
“We are building one of the world’s greatest gathering places, intertwining rich history and modern culture, setting unprecedented standards for blending heritage into everyday life. We create immersive spaces where tradition blends seamlessly with modernity. By supporting our local communities, we foster a smart, sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for all,” he said.
The Diriyah Company said in a statement that FII attendees visiting its booth engaged with experts and deepened their understanding of Diriyah's overarching vision. “This depth is reflected in the Diriyah masterplan, drawing inspiration from traditional Najdi architecture. It sets a new benchmark in heritage and urban development, positioning Diriyah as a prominent global gathering place and center of innovation, celebrating Saudi heritage and culture," it said.
A panel on the second day of FII explored the subject of "Advancing Regenerative Tourism.” Inzerillo was joined by fellow leaders from the Kingdom’s giga-projects and top-tier international hospitality brands. Moderated by CNN's Richard Quest, the discussion delved into the potential of private-sector initiatives to rejuvenate the environment and local communities, emphasizing the rising importance of regenerative tourism.



Diriyah Art Futures Launches Emerging New Media Artists Program

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, DAF seeks to establish Riyadh as a global capital of New Media Art. SPA
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, DAF seeks to establish Riyadh as a global capital of New Media Art. SPA
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Diriyah Art Futures Launches Emerging New Media Artists Program

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, DAF seeks to establish Riyadh as a global capital of New Media Art. SPA
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, DAF seeks to establish Riyadh as a global capital of New Media Art. SPA

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), a pioneering new media arts center in Saudi Arabia, has announced the 12 successful applicants to its inaugural Emerging New Media Artists Program, which is launching later this year.
The program includes a diverse array of promising talents representing a broad range of creative practices and backgrounds, with strong representation from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Running for one year, the fully funded program offers access to cutting-edge professional equipment and facilities, a production budget, learning experiences with international guest specialists in new media art, and personal mentorships from prominent international digital artists.

The inaugural group of emerging new media artists includes:
- Salma Aly (Egypt), specializing in interactive art.
- Samia Dzaïr (Algeria-France), a two-dimensional (2D) and stop-motion animator.
- Aya Abu Ghazaleh (Jordan), a visual artist and art therapist.
- Dhia Dhibi (Tunisia), a multidisciplinary artist, curator and researcher.
- Khaled Makshoush (Saudi Arabia), who specializes in pixel art.
- William Brooks (Wales), an artist exploring sound art through physical objects.
- Haonan He (China), who merges cartography, instrument making, and digital tech.
- Turki Al-Qahtani (Saudi Arabia), a media artist and filmmaker reflecting Arab motifs.
- Youssef El Idrissi (Morocco), a multidisciplinary artist, cultural engineer, and researcher.
- Kyle Donald Marais (South Africa), an extended-reality (XR) developer and creative technologist.
- Mohamed Al Mubarak (Bahrain), a documentary filmmaker and video artist.
- Almuqawil Meshal (Saudi Arabia), an independent artist and curator.

Designed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy-Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France, the program is part of a wider partnership between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Diriyah Company to facilitate creativity across art, technology, and academia.

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, DAF seeks to establish Riyadh as a global capital of New Media Art and empower the next generation of creative pioneers.

DAF aims to pioneer new horizons for creative practice in diverse fields where art intersects with science and technology. It was established through an initiative by the Ministry of Culture, standing as the first center dedicated to new media and digital arts in the MENA region.

The center also serves as a space for creators from around the world to collaborate, think, and innovate, focusing on research, documentation, and the production of new inspiring works.

Additionally, DAF provides artists and researchers with an opportunity to participate in its scheduled activities, including public events and educational programs, while also offering them residency programs.

The center seeks to contribute to enriching the Saudi artistic scene and enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for new media and digital arts. It highlights the talents of active artists in the region, allowing them to leave their impactful mark on art, science, and technology.