Diriyah is the key to unlocking the past of Saudia Arabia While Embracing its Future
Jerry Inzerillo is a name that may not yet roll off everyone’s tongue, but in the world of luxury hospitality, he’s nothing short of legendary. With a career that has redefined the art of destination development, Inzerillo has proven himself as a visionary leader, shaping some of the most iconic and immersive travel experiences on the planet.
From his early days in the hospitality industry to leading transformative projects under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Inzerillo’s journey is a masterclass in innovation, cultural sensitivity, and operational excellence.
From Humble Beginnings to the Pinnacle of Luxury
Born in 1954 in Brooklyn, New York, Jerry Inzerillo is 69 years old. He was born in Brooklyn, New. He studied at a New York City community college and St. Francis College in Brooklyn before completing his education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) where he pursued studies in Hospitality Management and was on the Dean’s List.
He didn’t start at the top. He worked his way up through the ranks of prestigious hotels, learning the intricacies of the industry firsthand. His big break came with One&Only Resorts, where he was entrusted by Sol Kerzner, the legendary founder, to elevate the fledgling brand into a world-renowned luxury name.
Under Inzerillo’s stewardship, One&Only Resorts transformed into a luxury destination hotel, seamlessly integrating stunning locations, world-class amenities, and meaningful cultural experiences. From the mystical Arabian dunes of the One&Only Royal Mirage to the clear waters of the Maldives’ One&Only Reethi Rah, each resort became a masterpiece, celebrated by elite travelers and industry insiders.
Role Model. Inspiring
Jerry Inzerillo is widely regarded as an inspiring and effective leader among his team members and colleagues. His management style is characterized by enthusiasm, passion, and a collaborative approach, which he applies while leading the ambitious Diriyah project in Saudi Arabia. Inzerillo has described his leadership principles as centering on teamwork, empowerment, and a commitment to shared goals. He credits the project’s success to the dedicated efforts of his team, emphasizing the privilege of working alongside such committed professionals.
Inzerillo’s ability to motivate and align diverse stakeholders under a unified vision has been a hallmark of his career. His teams appreciate his focus on innovation and his dedication to integrating cultural and historical authenticity into projects while pursuing global excellence.
A Concept for Saudi Arabia’s Transformation
Inzerillo’s career success didn’t go unnoticed by the Saudi Arabia leaders. As they unveiled the ambitious Vision 2030—a blueprint to diversify its economy and highlight its cultural treasures—the nation turned to Inzerillo to lead one of its most prestigious projects: DIRIYA Gate Development Authority (DGDA). As Group CEO, he directs a colossal 2.7027 sq. mi. (14-square-kilometers) development that promises to place Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map. Situated in the historic birthplace of the Saudi kingdom, DIRIYA is more than just a luxury destination. It’s a celebration of the kingdom’s heritage, featuring:
- Meticulously restored mud-brick architecture.
- Innovative sustainable design.
- Luxurious residences and world-class amenities.
- Immersive cultural and educational experiences.
Luxury That Speaks
Jerry Inzerillo is successful in Saudi Arabia because of his leadership of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), one of the kingdom’s flagship cultural and heritage projects. Inzerillo’s success stems from his expertise in luxury hospitality, tourism development, and his ability to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—a national initiative to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.
What sets Inzerillo apart is his belief that true luxury is not just about opulence—it’s about creating meaningful, transformative experiences. His projects are not merely visited; they are lived. At DIRIYA, for instance, visitors will immerse themselves in Saudi Arabia’s history and culture, from exploring ancient ruins to savoring local traditions in a setting designed to awe and inspire.
By assembling a team of global experts and maintaining an unwavering commitment to authenticity, Inzerillo is turning DIRIYA into a symbol of pride for the Saudi people and a must-see destination for the world.
A Legacy of Visionary Thinking
Throughout his career, Inzerillo has shown an uncanny ability to anticipate what discerning travelers look for—whether it’s exclusivity, cultural immersion, or sustainability. In a world of fleeting trends, his projects stand as enduring landmarks that harmonize luxury with local identity.
As Jerry Inzerillo and his team bring DIRIYA to life, they’re not just building a destination—they’re crafting a travel experience based on the culture and principles of the country. His story is a testament to the power of bold ideas, and relentless passion.
As travelers eagerly await the unveiling of DIRIYA, one thing is clear: Inzerillo’s creations are more than luxurious—they’re visionary adventures that connect us to the places and people that make the world extraordinary.
Government Support
The Diriyah project, managed by the Diriyah Company under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is a flagship part of Saudi Vision 2030. It is a massive development centered around the historical and cultural significance of Diriyah, including the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif. The project’s total investment is estimated at $63 billion. In 2023 and 2024, PIF allocated approximately $5.33 billion to the project, with plans to inject an additional $3.2 billion in 2025. These funds are aimed at developing hotels, restaurants, cultural institutions, and luxury retail spaces.
The DGDA is backed by the Saudi government, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the driving force behind Vision 2030. The government provides both financial and strategic support, ensuring the project’s resources and visibility.
As one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, the PIF plays a critical role in financing the Diriyah Gate and other mega-projects.
Inzerillo works with a wide network of stakeholders, including cultural institutions, international investors, and tourism organizations, to ensure the project’s global appeal.
Going Forward: Success Potential
Inzerillo has successfully positioned Diriyah as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation and as a bridge between the country’s heritage and its future ambitions.
The Diriyah Company has strong prospects for success due to several factors as it is one of Saudi Arabia’s important “giga-projects,” designed to diversify the economy and boost the tourism sector. By 2030, it aims to attract 50 million visitors annually, with plans for 38 hotels, over 100 restaurants, and various cultural and educational institutions. With $63 billion allocated to the project and continued investments by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Diriyah has the necessary resources to complete its development. The project leverages the global significance of Diriyah as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, making it a major draw for international and domestic tourists. Its focus on authenticity adds to its appeal.
Deals with European firms and interest from foreign investors indicate growing confidence in its feasibility and profitability. With Saudi Arabia expecting to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030, Diriyah’s position as a cultural and historical hub fits well within the national tourism strategy.
Investors Eager to Link with Saudia Arabia Tourism
Investors are eager to commit millions of dollars to projects like Diriyah and Bashayer 2024 due to several compelling factors that make these initiatives highly attractive: Both projects are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to diversify its economy away from oil by investing in tourism, infrastructure, and cultural heritage. Vision 2030 is a strategic national framework that reassures investors of long-term government support, creating a sense of stability and direction.
The Saudi government, through its Public Investment Fund (PIF), is heavily involved in financing Diriyah, with a budget of $63 billion. This guarantees robust initial funding, infrastructure development, and risk-sharing with private investors. Such government backing enhances investor confidence.
For Bashayer 2024, if it is similarly linked to national development objectives, it would likely enjoy similar institutional support.
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global tourism hub, targeting 100 million tourists annually by 2030. Diriyah, as a cultural and historical center, has a unique offering that blends heritage with luxury tourism, a segment seeing global growth. This ensures a steady stream of visitors and revenue potential. Investors recognize the untapped potential of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and real estate markets. For example:
- Diriyah is projected to attract 50 million visitors annually by 2030, creating substantial opportunities for hospitality, retail, and cultural services【12†source】.
- With early access to these projects, investors can gain equity stakes at attractive valuations before the market matures.
- Projects like Diriyah are already securing multi-million-dollar deals with international firms, signaling global confidence. For instance, recent agreements with European companies for $1 billion suggest robust market interest.
- Diriyah and potentially Bashayer 2024 are positioned to benefit from Saudi Arabia hosting major global events, such as Expo 2030. These events drive international visibility and accelerate project timelines, offering investors a chance to capitalize on a surge in demand.
- Diriyah offers investors a unique chance to be part of a historic, UNESCO-listed site, blending authenticity with modern luxury. These aspects ensure sustained interest and value beyond conventional commercial projects.
Investors see these projects as a rare combination of high government support, unique positioning, and alignment with long-term economic trends. The proactive involvement of Saudi leadership and the Public Investment Fund further mitigates risks, enhancing their appeal to international investors.
