DIRIYAH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has approved the restoration of some 34 historical mosques in the old city of Diriyah and laid the foundation stone for the first specialized heritage hotel here, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). This was announced by Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) President Prince Sultan Bin Salman during the opening ceremony of Al-Bujairi Development Project, implemented by Riyadh Development Authority (RDA), as part of developing the historical city of old Diriyah. Prince Sultan, member of the executive committee for developing historical city of Diriyah, stated, “This is the King's first personal dedication of any project since assuming the throne.” He announced his department's initiative 'Live Saudi Arabia', a program designed to accommodate some one million students to enjoy touring the country, is in the works while adding that a national legacy center and exhibition would be established in Diriyah soon. Prince Sultan added that phase one of developing the city, which was announced a historical site on the UNESCO list of world heritage, includes the restoration of the residence, mosque and teaching center of each of late Imam Mohammed Bin Saud and late Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulwahab. King Salman, following the inauguration, was briefed on the project before having a tour of the site. On arrival at the venue, he was received by Crown Prince Muqrin, the Deputy Premier; Prince Faisal Bin Bandar, Governor of Riyadh region; who is also chairman of RDA and chairman of the higher executive committee for developing historical city of Diriyah; Prince Miteb Bin Abdullah, Minister of National Guard; Prince Sultan; Prince Ahmed Bin Abdullah, Governor of Al-Diriyah and senior officials. — SG
