Diriyah chosen as city of Arab culture 2030 - in pictures

Diriyah has been announced Capital of Arab Culture for 2030. SPA
Diriyah has been announced Capital of Arab Culture for 2030. SPA
The old ruins at Diriyah. Getty Images
The old ruins at Diriyah. Getty Images
Britain's Prince Charles (C) visits an historical site under reconstruction at the old city of al-Diriyah, on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 19 February 2014. EPA
Britain's Prince Charles (C) visits an historical site under reconstruction at the old city of al-Diriyah, on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 19 February 2014. EPA
A view of the ruins of the city of Diriyah, which are being restored, 20km (12 miles) west of Riyadh, September 20, 2012. The caramel tones of the mud walls, the smell of dust mingling with water and the muffled clanging of hammer on stone at crumbling Diriyah belong not to Saudi Arabia's impoverished past, however, but a restoration project costing at least $133 million. It was in Diriyah that the ruling al-Saud family first rose to power, and in memorialising its ruins, the authorities are celebrating a telling of national history that puts the dynasty and its clerical allies front and centre. Reuters
A view of the ruins of the city of Diriyah, which are being restored, 20km (12 miles) west of Riyadh, September 20, 2012. The caramel tones of the mud walls, the smell of dust mingling with water and the muffled clanging of hammer on stone at crumbling Diriyah belong not to Saudi Arabia's impoverished past, however, but a restoration project costing at least $133 million. It was in Diriyah that the ruling al-Saud family first rose to power, and in memorialising its ruins, the authorities are celebrating a telling of national history that puts the dynasty and its clerical allies front and centre. Reuters
Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr during the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight during the Matchroom Boxing 'Clash on the Dunes' show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images
Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr during the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight during the Matchroom Boxing 'Clash on the Dunes' show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images
In the photo taken on June 30, 2020, the Development Authority of the Historical Diriyah Gate has begun to implement the first phase of the cultural and heritage project to rehabilitate and develop the historical Diriyah, "the jewel Kingdom ", with a value of 75 billion Saudi riyals, to be one of the most important tourist, cultural, educational and recreational destinations in the region and the world, benefiting from its historical location and unique culture. The area is home to the historic Al-Turaif neighborhood, which is included in the list of world heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Reuters
In the photo taken on June 30, 2020, the Development Authority of the Historical Diriyah Gate has begun to implement the first phase of the cultural and heritage project to rehabilitate and develop the historical Diriyah, "the jewel Kingdom ", with a value of 75 billion Saudi riyals, to be one of the most important tourist, cultural, educational and recreational destinations in the region and the world, benefiting from its historical location and unique culture. The area is home to the historic Al-Turaif neighborhood, which is included in the list of world heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Reuters
Sam Bird of Panasonic Jaguar Racing, Jaguar I-Type 5 in action during qualifying ahead of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship - Diriyah E-Prix Round 1 on February 26, 2021 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images
Sam Bird of Panasonic Jaguar Racing, Jaguar I-Type 5 in action during qualifying ahead of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship - Diriyah E-Prix Round 1 on February 26, 2021 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images