Saudi Arabia is reopening public access to one of its most important historical sites for the first time in a decade.
Diriyah's historical centre will open to visitors next month after being closed for redevelopment for more than 10 years.
Dating back thousands of years, the Unesco World Heritage Site of At-Turaif is widely regarded as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia.
From Sunday, visitors will be able to step back in time and wander through the region's restored mud brick palaces and buildings.
It’s the first time that the centre will be open to the public since it gained Unesco designation in 2010.
The historic region is home to some of the kingdom's best examples of traditional Najdi architecture, including a restored palace that was the original home of the Al Saud family.
As part of the opening, visitors will be able to take part in guided walking tours of At-Turaif, designed to share details about the region's importance.
There will also be a schedule of activities including theatrical performances that will offer a glimpse of what life was like in what was the first Saudi state.
Arabian horse shows, traditional coffee experiences and calligraphy workshops will also be on offer and a full calendar of events is set to be unveiled for the winter season.
Bujairi Terrace will also officially open to the public on Sunday and is set to become one of the kingdom’s most prominent luxury dining destinations.
Located in Wadi Hanifah, the upscale development overlooks At-Turaif and has been built in harmony with the region’s historic architecture. Several restaurants and cafes will open at the site including Brunch & Cake, Angelina's, Hakkasan and Sarabeth’s.
Diriyah will continue to expand, with several luxury hotels earmarked to open at the historical site, which aims to attract more than 30 million annual visitors by 2030.
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb inaugurated the site on Monday as part of the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 22nd Global Summit.
Julia Simpson, chief executive of WTTC, and other selected delegates attended an opening gala at the historical site.
The annual travel event is taking place in Riyadh, the first time it has been hosted in Saudi Arabia. More than 3,000 tourism leaders and experts are expected to attend.
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Manchester United v Young Boys, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
Herc's Adventures
Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
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Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami
Three stars
Match info
Athletic Bilbao 0
Real Madrid 1 (Ramos 73' pen)
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
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Available: Now
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Sector: Water technology
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Term life insurance: this is the cheapest and most-popular form of life cover. You pay a regular monthly premium for a pre-agreed period, typically anything between five and 25 years, or possibly longer. If you die within that time, the policy will pay a cash lump sum, which is typically tax-free even outside the UAE. If you die after the policy ends, you do not get anything in return. There is no cash-in value at any time. Once you stop paying premiums, cover stops.
Whole-of-life insurance: as its name suggests, this type of life cover is designed to run for the rest of your life. You pay regular monthly premiums and in return, get a guaranteed cash lump sum whenever you die. As a result, premiums are typically much higher than one term life insurance, although they do not usually increase with age. In some cases, you have to keep up premiums for as long as you live, although there may be a cut-off period, say, at age 80 but it can go as high as 95. There are penalties if you don’t last the course and you may get a lot less than you paid in.
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