Diriyah welcomes Trump to the birthplace of Saudi Arabia

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Updated 15 May 2025
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Diriyah welcomes Trump to the birthplace of Saudi Arabia

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed US President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening in Diriyah.

During his official visit, Trump toured the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif, the historic birthplace of the Kingdom, the capital of the First Saudi State, and the ancestral home of the Al-Saud royal family.

Diriyah is located adjacent to the capital city of Riyadh and is a transformative destination contributing to Vision 2030, with At-Turaif standing as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and a symbol of its ambitious future.

Trump was briefed on the significance of At-Turaif and enjoyed a traditional Saudi Samri performance before posing for a commemorative photo in front of Salwa Palace, one of Diriyah’s iconic historical landmarks and once the seat of government.

Commenting on the visit, Jerry Inzerillo, GCEO of Diriyah Company, said: “It was a tremendous honor for us in Diriyah to have hosted President Trump on his visit to At-Turaif, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the ancestral home of the Al-Saud royal family – a place where we celebrate the past and are building the future.

“It was also a unique opportunity to present our future vision for Diriyah and to share with the president the three centuries of history echoing through the palaces and passageways of At-Turaif. President Trump expressed his admiration for what he saw and experienced during this exceptional visit to Diriyah.”

This marks Trump’s first visit to At-Turaif and the Diriyah project.

The site was under restoration during his first official visit to Riyadh during his initial presidential term.

He now joins a distinguished list of world leaders who visited Diriyah in the past year, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Bhutan’s king.


ALJ Motors champions Toyota SUVs’ off-road legacy

Updated 07 January 2026
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ALJ Motors champions Toyota SUVs’ off-road legacy

Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, has launched the second edition of its off-road initiative — an immersive driving experience designed to engage guests and showcase the real-world capabilities of Toyota’s SUV lineup in the Kingdom’s desert terrains. The activation takes place on weekends, starting initially in Riyadh and continuing through Jeddah, before concluding in Dammam on Jan. 24.
The multi-city activation is designed to engage guests through Toyota’s SUV lineup in fun and exciting ways, offering a hands-on opportunity to experience vehicle performance, control, and versatility. The lineup features a wide range of Toyota SUV models, including the Land Cruiser HEV Max, a hybrid vehicle built for performance. Beyond the off-road drives, the activation offers a welcoming weekend setting with supporting activities suitable for families and younger guests, creating a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, which welcomed more than 4,500 participants and attracted over 10,000 attendees, the second edition continues to focus on meaningful guest engagement through interactive and experiential driving activities while emphasizing safety, trust, and enjoyment. Through this approach, ALJ Motors champions Toyota’s off-road legacy while creating an experience that further connects guests with Toyota’s renowned SUV lineup.
Shahad Nassier, managing director of marketing communications at ALJ Motors, said: “Following the strong response to the inaugural season, the return of this off-road experience allows us to continue engaging our guests in an authentic and exciting way. In this second edition, we have further refined the driving routes and elevated the overall experience to better serve our guests and their families. By bringing Toyota’s SUV lineup into real desert environments, we provide an opportunity for guests to experience vehicle performance firsthand, while reinforcing the values of reliability and capability that have long defined Toyota’s presence in the Kingdom.”
The experiential initiative deepens guest relationships, supports informed vehicle choice, and reflects ALJ Motors’ ongoing role in delivering reliable and diversified mobility solutions across the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. 
Guests interested in participating in the off-road experience can register for the upcoming activations in Jeddah on Jan. 9-10, followed by Dammam on Jan. 16-17 and 23-24, through ALJ Motors’ official social channels.