Diriyah, the ancestral cradle of the Saudi royal family, is being reimagined as a global hub for cultural heritage and tourism under the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA). Central to this vision is Ghasibah, a fortified district atop a plateau overlooking Wādī Ḥanīfah, once a key political and economic centre during the First Saudi State (1727–1818). Since September 2023, Chronicle Heritage Arabia has led a multi-phase project to preserve Ghasibah’s rich history, blending archaeology, technology, and conservation to support DGDA’s heritage-first mission.
Ghasibah, founded in the 15th century by Prince Mani’ bin Rabiah Al-Muraidi, served as the initial seat of the Emirate of Diriyah. Its mud-brick fortifications and strategic location along Wādī Ḥanīfah made it a cornerstone of the region’s prosperity. Chronicle’s work ensures this legacy endures as Diriyah transforms into a cultural destination under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Collaborating with DGDA, the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah), and FalconViz, Chronicle employs a comprehensive approach to uncovering and protecting Ghasibah’s heritage.
The project began with historical research, drawing on Darah’s archives to contextualise Ghasibah’s role in Saudi history. Pre-intervention surveys assessed the condition of mud-brick structures, identifying areas needing preservation. Advanced technologies, including drone-based mapping by FalconViz and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), created detailed 3d models and detected subsurface features like buried walls. Geometric and geophysical surveys refined the site’s digital record, guiding targeted excavations that revealed fortifications and artefacts from the First Saudi State. Laboratory analysis dated and contextualised these finds, enriching the historical narrative.
Conservation design is a priority, integrating traditional restoration with modern techniques to stabilise Ghasibah’s structures while preserving their authenticity. Chronicle’s non-invasive methods, such as sustainable materials and diagnostics, ensure long-term protection. This work aligns with DGDA’s $63.2 billion Diriyah Gate project, aiming to attract 27 million visitors annually by 2030. Through GIS and spatial analysis, Chronicle supports sustainable urban planning, balancing modern development with heritage preservation.
Chronicle’s efforts highlight Ghasibah’s significance within Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site anchored by At-Turaif. The project mitigates the impact of infrastructure on archaeological sites, enhancing visitor experiences with immersive historical insights. As discoveries emerge, the Chronicle continues illuminating Ghasibah’s role as a political and economic hub, reinforcing Diriyah’s place in Saudi Arabia’s story.
Through rigorous research, innovative technology, and collaborative partnerships, Chronicle Heritage Arabia is safeguarding Ghasibah for future generations. Their work ensures that Diriyah’s transformation honours its past while embracing its future as a global cultural landmark, uniting communities through shared heritage.
