#diriyahroyalinauguration

I’m excited to share a few photos from one of the most special places I’ve ever traveled to or photographed: The ancient archeological site of Hegra (also known as Mada’In Saleh). I was fortunate enough to visit this site on my recent assignment in Saudi Arabia, and it absolutely blew me away. This amazing site constitutes the southernmost settlement of the Nabatean Kingdom, dating back to the 1st century AD. This is the same kingdom that built Petra (in modern-day Jordan) further to the north. However, this is far more expansive than Petra, and without the crowds. Designated in 2008 as a site of patrimony, this is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO world heritage site. The real jaw-dropping sights here are the elaborately cut rock tombs with their ornamental facades. The richer you were, the more elaborate tomb you could afford. Some, like this one called Al Farid, are incredible ornate and beautiful, especially when cut from a single freestanding rock in the desert. It was truly an honor to visit this special place. An important note: the site is currently closed for archeological excavation, and will reopen in October of 2021. Put it on your bucket list! #Diriyah #Diriyahgate #dgda #diriyahroyalinauguration @dgda_sa #onassignment (at Al Ulah) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5tcZ3wh-eJ/?igshid=ac134vvjimpm

I recently had the incredible honor to attend the Royal Inaugural ceremony of a new UNESCO World heritage sight, Diriyah Gate, located just outside of the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The conservation and preservation of our collective world heritage sites is important to me, and are reasons to honor and celebrate our past. And this site definitely deserves its Heritage status. Established in 1466 AD on the banks of the Wadi Hanifa oasis, this mud-brick city became the capital of the first Saudi state in 1744 AD. Once open only to the Royal family, the designation of this new UNESCO site opens up this beautiful architecture for anyone who would like to walk through its labyrinth of rooms and learn about its fascinating history. But there’s more to this site than meets the eye. It also represents a new wave of openness and change for the kingdom. To me, the changes that are happening in Saudi Arabia are just as interesting as its historical landmarks. Stay tuned for more thoughts on my visit to what I felt was a special and amazing place...the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. #Diriyah #Diriyahgate #dgda #diriyahroyalinauguration @dgda_sa #onassignment (at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5nxyJqBJ2G/?igshid=nvuq7cqtvos9

Go back 100 or 200 years and if you saw these guys walking toward you you’d better run for your life. But now they are just actors recreating Saudi Arabia of many moons ago. These pretend soldiers were part of the inaugural festivities of the new UNESCO world heritage site at Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. #Diriyah #Diriyahgate #dgda #diriyahroyalinauguration @dgda_sa #onassignment (at Saudi Arabia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5qa6lthJy6/?igshid=otpkc4ayq5o4