Photo: Courtesy of Saudi Tourism Authority
During their trip to Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi and his family visited At-Turaif, the 300-year-old Unesco World Heritage Site in Diriyah, and also explored the city of Riyadh.
At-Turaif is a historical district on the outskirts of Riyadh dating back to the 15th century and has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 2010. As the first capital of the Saudi dynasty, At-Turaif is a well-preserved example of the Najdi architectural style, which features mud-brick structures with ornate plasterwork and wooden balconies.
Photo: Courtesy of Saudi Tourism Authority
The Argentinian football legend arrived in the Kingdom earlier this week and went on a guided tour in Diriyah before enjoying a dining experience at Al-Bujairi Terrace, a new premium fine dining destination in the district. After immersing themselves in the history of the Kingdom the family’s itinerary took them to more modern destinations; VIA Riyadh, the Saudi capital’s new luxury destination, and Boulevard Riyadh City, a giant recreational and commercial complex.
The visit also included some time at the Arabian Horse Museum which gave the family a chance to interact with purebred Arabian horses and take photos with a falcon on their arm, a shot that many tourists to the region consider a must-have. In an effort to respect and celebrate Saudi culture, Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo wore a traditional Saudi Hama – a decorative headpiece historically worn by women from the Kingdom’s Najdi region.
Photo: Courtesy of Saudi Tourism Authority
Other experiences during the visit included feeding Arabian gazelles that were close to extinction but are now part of a rewilding and preservation program that has seen the population grow. A visit to an authentic Saudi farm also saw the Paris Saint-Germain footballer and his family take a palm weaving demonstration.
Taking to Instagram Messi who is an ambassador with Visit Saudi, the tourism ministry’s promotional brand, stated “Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can.”
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