Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), gave a keynote speech today at The Joy Entertainment Forum, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh. Inspired by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and organized by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), the summit brought together entertainment heavyweights from around the world with the aim of discussing ways to foster a joyful culture and create a vibrant society, whilst building bridges with Saudi government and business officials. As the CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), tasked with the preservation and promotion of culture & cultural tourism through giga-project Diriyah Gate, Jerry Inzerillo is a passionate storyteller, with over 50 years of experience developing remarkable hospitality and entertainment projects. Titled, "There is Only One Diriyah", Inzerillo's presentation focused on the link between entertainment and culture, and the exciting steps DGDA is undertaking with the direct leadership of His Majesty and the Crown Prince, to open the doors of Diriyah to the world. In the presentation, Jerry revealed details of Diriyah's masterplan, with the three goals to preserve, develop and celebrate this much-loved home of Saudi culture. Whilst culture and heritage will be evident throughout the project, Jerry also stressed the importance of entertainment and fun in the vision for Diriyah, which will be catered to with an array of sporting, hospitality and leisure activities. Highlights will include the world's largest Islamic museum, the restoration of historic Wadi Hanifa with the planting of over one million indigenous Diriyah date trees, and the transformation of the beautiful Wadi Safar into a residential and hospitality district to become the Beverly Hills of Riyadh. Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority said: "It was a great pleasure speaking at the Joy Forum, as it reminds us that entertainment and leisure activities are vital parts of a healthy and engaged society. But we can't have a future without honoring the past, which is why Diriyah is so important with its legacy as the land of Kings and Heroes; a legacy of celebration. With hospitality, leisure and entertainment assets in our development plans, we're hoping to attract millions of tourists who will fall in love with Diriyah, as there is only one Diriyah." The event was attended by a number of high-profile industry leaders, celebrities, international speakers, ministers and experts, who discussed a range of topics, including ways to enrich and enhance quality of life, diversify the economy, the impact of technology on entertainment, the future of digital gaming, virtual entertainment, communicating with the designers of entertainment cities, and competitive sports. Diriyah Gate Development Authority was established in July 2017 to preserve Diriyah's culture, celebrate its community and make Diriyah known globally as a landmark that celebrates Saudi culture and history. Diriyah highlights the architectural, diplomatic and artistic legacy of Saudi Arabia. Considered one of the Kingdom's most important historical sites and the capital of the first Saudi state, Diriyah is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif, a mud-brick city that stands as the birthplace of the first Saudi state.
