Diplomatic Quarter (Riyadh)

The Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) (Arabic: حي السفارات, romanized: Hayy as-Safarat, lit. 'embassies neighborhood'), also known by its Arabic name as-Safarat, is a diplomatic enclave and an affluent residential district in northwestern Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, situated in close proximity to Irqah. Covering an area of 800 hectares, it hosts most of the foreign embassies and some of the government departments in the city besides being a popular tourist attraction.[1] Until November 2018, it was administered by the Irqah Sub-Municipality before the district's responsibility was placed under the newly created Diplomatic Quarter General Authority.[2]

Diplomatic Quarter
حي السفارات
Neighbourhood
A view of Riyadh from the Diplomatic Quarter
A view of Riyadh from the Diplomatic Quarter
Diplomatic Quarter is located in Saudi Arabia
Diplomatic Quarter
Diplomatic Quarter
Coordinates: 24°40′52″N 46°37′22″E
Country Saudi Arabia
CityRiyadh
EstablishedNovember 25, 1975 (1975-11-25)
Founded by Salman bin Abdulaziz
Government
 • BodyRoyal Commission for Riyadh City
Language
 • OfficialArabic
PIN
12511-4

History

The Diplomatic Quarter was established on November 25, 1975, through a Council of Ministers resolution during the reign of King Khalid upon the relocation of the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Jeddah to Riyadh. It was the brainchild of Riyadh's then governor Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.[3] On 27 November 2018, a royal decree issued by King Salman instructed the creation of the Diplomatic Quarter Authority[4] which would be independent of Riyadh Municipality's Irqah Sub-Municipality and would be responsible for the administration of the district. In February 2021, the authority was abolished and its administration was transferred to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.[5]

Landmarks

Schools
  • King Faisal School
  • British International School, DQ campus

Parks
  • Al Khuzama Park (The Groves)
  • Richard Bodeker Park
  • Yamama Park
  • Rock Park

Hotels
  • Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter
  • Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence

Marketplaces

References
  1. "Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter: Where peace reigns". Arab News. 2014-03-30. Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  2. "السعودية.. ماذا يعني فصل حي السفارات عن مدينة الرياض؟ (فيديو وصور) | إرم نيوز‬‎". 2019-05-08. Archived from the original on 2019-05-08. Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  3. ""حي السفارات".. تحفة معمارية من صناعة الأمير سلمان". جريدة المدينة (in Arabic). 2012-06-20. Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  4. "تحويل إدارة حي السفارات إلى هيئة عامة باسم "هيئة حي السفارات"". www.alriyadh.com. 2018-11-27. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
  5. "إلغاء هيئة حي السفارات وترتيباتها التنظيمية | جريدة أم القرى" (in Arabic). Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  6. "Saudi Ministry of Culture releases mini-documentary on Tuwaiq Palace". Arab News. 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
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