The Mo Show

How Diriyah is Shaping Saudi Arabia's Cultural Future | Kiran Haslam, CMO Diriyah

13 snips
Oct 7, 2025
Kiran Haslam, the Chief Marketing Officer at Diriyah Company, dives into the ambitious transformation of Diriyah into a global cultural destination. He shares insights on balancing modern living with rich heritage, including the unique use of mudbrick designs. Kiran discusses the creation of a world-class Saudi marketing team and the exciting hospitality pipeline, featuring new hotels. He emphasizes the optimistic energy of modern Saudi society, highlighting how Diriyah fits into Riyadh’s urban renaissance while fostering a pedestrian-focused lifestyle.
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INSIGHT

New Saudi Way Defined By Youth

  • The "New Saudi Way of Living" blends youth energy, optimism, and hospitality into a confident, modern identity.
  • Visitors often need to experience Saudi to overcome misconceptions and feel that optimism.
ANECDOTE

Scent Rituals Like A Tea Ceremony

  • Princess Sarah explained the layered scent rituals in Diriyah, from burning duchun to dabbing behind the ear.
  • Kiran compares this ritual richness to Japan's tea ceremony as an untapped cultural product.
INSIGHT

Authenticity Improves Sustainability

  • Choosing fully authentic adobe mudbrick facades improved thermal efficiency and non-reflective surfaces.
  • Authentic construction enhanced sustainability and pedestrian comfort, aligning heritage with modern performance.
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