Layali Diriyah 2025
For the third consecutive year, Designlab Experience has been selected for Layali Diriyah, a cultural event celebrating the rich legacy of the Riyadh region. Held from February to April 2025, this open-air installation transforms a picturesque palm tree farm near the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif into a vibrant temporary destination, seamlessly blending gastronomy, retail, art, and entertainment.
Spearheaded by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Layali Diriyah reaffirms the dynamic transformation of the founding place of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Spanning 40,000 square meters, this year’s masterplan integrates nature-inspired elements with visual motifs drawn from Najdi architecture and craftsmanship, showcasing Diriyah’s past, present, and future through three different themed zones: Heritage and Craftsmanship, Education and Knowledge, and Nature.
Visitors can explore diverse culinary experiences, featuring eight distinct restaurants, including private, tree-embedded circular pods, mudbrick-inspired open-fire grilling stations, fabric-shaded seating reminiscent of traditional structures, alongside a library-themed space honoring education and literature.
A standout feature of this edition is the Chef’s Table, an intimate weekly event where top chefs demonstrate live cooking for up to 23 guests, all set against Diriyah’s natural terrain enhanced with artistic neon light frames and Najdi-inspired design.
The retail and lifestyle offerings at Layali Diriyah continue to evolve, combining artisanal goods with contemporary luxury. The retail village, designed with uniform wooden cubicles, is adorned with intricate prints reflecting Diriyah’s historic patterns and calligraphic elements. Adding to the experience, beautifully designed carts, decorated with earthy-hued motifs inspired by Diriyah’s doors, serve Saudi coffee, dates, and local delicacies, enriching the cultural atmosphere.
Art is a cornerstone of Layali Diriyah, featuring installations by both local and international artists. Visitors are greeted at the entrance by a massive serpentine sculpture made of intricately woven baskets, which pays homage to the region’s weaving traditions.
Palm Fronds by Designlab Experience, transforms Diriyah’s iconic palms into luminous, clustered structures, creating a dynamic interplay between organic rhythm and contemporary illumination. In addition, notable artistic collaborations include works by Khulod Albugami, Dr. Saad Al Howede, and Zahrah Alghamdi, each offering unique interpretations of Diriyah’s cultural and historical essence.
