Preservation of Historical Zones The Economic and Cultural Impact on the Surroundings A Case Study of Diriyah Area

through the lens of the Wadi Hanifa rehabilitation project, with a focus on Diriyah—a site of immense historical and cultural importance in Saudi Arabia. By analyzing the economic and cultural ramifications of preserving Diriyah, the study aims to assess the project’s economic impacts (e.g., increased tourism revenue, job creation rates) and cultural impacts (e.g., reinforcing collective memory) via a comparative analysis with UNESCO standards for historical conservation. In this context, the Alfama district in Lisbon and the UNESCO-listed city of Bruges in Belgium serve as exemplary models of effective heritage preservation. Alfama has successfully transformed its medieval urban fabric into an economic driver through tourism and support for traditional crafts, while simultaneously reinforcing local identity. Similarly, Bruges has maintained its Gothic heritage and canal networks, achieving a balance between sustainable tourism and community pride through interactive museums. These cases illustrate how preservation, whether through international recognition or local initiatives—can revitalize economies and strengthen cultural identity. This approach offers relevant insights for Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah project, emphasizing the potential to align heritage conservation with socio-economic and cultural objectives.