In an evening that combined the richness of history with the depth of diplomatic relations, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received in Diriyah this evening (Monday), His Royal Highness Prince William, Prince of Wales and Crown Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
This visit comes within the framework of strengthening the historical bilateral relations that bind the two kingdoms, as the Crown Prince accompanied his distinguished guest on a private tour in Diriyah, which represents the jewel of the Kingdom’s heritage and the cradle of the Saudi state and its first capital, which adds a deep cultural and historical dimension to this high-level meeting.
A tour of Al-Turaif neighborhood... the fragrance of Najdi history
The tour included a visit to the historic Al-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Crown Prince and Prince William admired the unique Najdi architectural style that characterizes the area. The guest toured the district's alleyways, viewing the magnificent palaces that once housed the imams and princes of the First Saudi State, whose mud walls tell stories of heroism and the founding of the nation.
In a moment that documented this historic meeting, a commemorative photo was taken of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and his guest in front of Salwa Palace, which is the most prominent landmark of the neighborhood and one of the most important historical palaces in the Arabian Peninsula, as it was the seat of government and a center for managing state affairs during the era of the First Saudi State, reflecting the political and historical symbolism of the place.
Dimensions of the visit and its diplomatic implications
This visit is not merely a matter of protocol; it carries profound significance, underscoring the strength of the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. The Crown Prince's reception of Prince William at this particular historical site highlights the Kingdom's pride in its roots and identity, its desire to share this human heritage with world leaders, and reflects the mutual respect between the two royal families and their friendly nations.
Diriyah: A jewel among Vision 2030 projects
The tour concluded with Prince William receiving a comprehensive presentation of the Diriyah master plan, one of the major projects of the Public Investment Fund. This ambitious project, which enjoys the direct attention of the Crown Prince, aims to transform Diriyah into a global tourist and cultural destination that blends tradition and modernity, offering an exceptional lifestyle. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to highlight the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage and establish it as a meeting point for global cultures.
