By Amira El-FekkiShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSatellite images have revealed substantial progress at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia, whose plans to create a multibillion dollar tourism hub have caught the attention of President Donald Trump's business.
American engineering firm Parsons Corporation is leading phase two of the design and construction in the historic city of Diriyah, northwest of Saudi capital Riyadh, as part of a recent contract worth $56 million. Diriyah—home to the At‑Turaif UNESCO site—is undergoing a major transformation into a $63 billion international business attraction.
Newsweek has reached out to Diriyah Company, the project's developer, for comment.
Why It Matters
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in tourism projects to diversify its economy and rebrand politically. Lingering human rights concerns overshadowed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s November visit to the White House, where he cemented his status as a major Trump ally.
The Trump Organization—already involved in projects in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East, is reportedly planning to develop new property in Diriyah. The U.S. president's family business interests in the Gulf and globally have raised questions over potential conflicts of interest, although Trump has always denied any inappropriate conduct.
...What To Know
Diriyah Company, owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) overseeing the country's massive projects, is redeveloping 5.4 square miles of Diriyah. The area includes the At-Turaif district, which is the ancestral home of the Al-Saud royal family.
Jerry Inzerillo, the group's CEO, told The New York Times last month that it was "just a matter of time” before the Trump Organization sealed a deal about a branded property at the site.
The Diriyah redevelopment project, launched in 2020, is partially open to tourists and is being transformed into a high-end cultural and tourism destination with luxury hotels, upscale retail, fine dining and premium visitor experiences alongside heritage and educational attractions.
Parsons signed its phase-two development deal with Diriyah Company in October, to oversee work on new streets, footpaths, civic buildings, open spaces, and a series of neighborhood parks. Parsons says it has been working with the PIF since 2017, and its projects include the The Line, a linear city within Saudi Arabia's sweeping Neom megaproject—the world's biggest construction site.
What People Are Saying
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters in November: "I have nothing to do with the family business. I have left, and I've devoted 100 percent of my energy. What my family does is fine. They do business all over."
Pierre Santoni, president of infrastructure for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Parsons, said in October: “It is an honor to work with Diriyah Company on creating this iconic mixed-use destination that celebrates Saudi’s rich culture and heritage. This unique urban development program will use the latest technology and urban planning practices blended with the city’s traditional Najdi architecture design, which dates back 300 years."
Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Company CEO, said in October: “We are delighted to be working with such a world-class firm as Parsons as we accelerate the development of Diriyah’s $63.2 billion development. This contract will play an important role in ensuring we achieve our goal of delivering a human-centric walkable city for approximately 100,000 residents, a contemporary working environment for tens of thousands and a place to welcome nearly 50 million visits a year in the future.”
What Happens Next
Diriyah's major infrastructure items are set for completion by 2027.
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