Heritage Tourism Beyond World Heritage Sites: Urban Development of Al-Diriyah Through the Lens of the Experience Economy Model

Al-Diriyah's urban development, following its 2010 World Heritage Site inscription, exemplifies a balanced integration of the Experience Economy Model (EEM), with Wadi Safar poised to become the first heritage-led district globally to encompass all four experiential dimensions. This study reveals that while At-Turaif engages two EEM realms and broader Al-Diriyah incorporates three, Wadi Safar's planned luxury-driven mixed-use development aims for full immersion, blending active/passive participation and absorption. Employing a qualitative-case study methodology from 2010 to 2030, the research demonstrates how heritage-oriented experiences can drive economic diversification, aligning with KSA Vision 2030 goals.

Al Khalifa, H. E., Hanif, S., & Jiwane, A. V. (2026). Heritage Tourism Beyond World Heritage Sites: Urban Development of Al-Diriyah Through the Lens of the Experience Economy Model. Land, 15(4), 554. https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040554