Faena Wadi Safar: Diriyah’s New Landmark in Luxury Living

A Residential Enclave Shaped by Art, Rooted in Heritage and Framed by Natural Beauty

Diriyah Company has unveiled its latest branded residential development: Faena Residences Wadi Safar, a collection of twenty villas shaped by Faena’s distinctive art-driven philosophy.

Set within the extraordinary landscape of Wadi Safar, the residences share their setting with world-class hotels, private estates, a Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, and the Royal Equestrian & Polo Club. Plans are also underway for a shooting club and a racquet club, further enriching the lifestyle offering.

Located in western Diriyah, Wadi Safar spans 62 square kilometres and forms part of the wider Wadi Hanifah system, which stretches through Riyadh. This protected natural valley, recognised for its ecological and cultural significance, provides a striking backdrop for both the Faena Hotel and the branded residences.

In line with Diriyah Company’s masterplanning standards, Wadi Safar has achieved LEED Platinum certification – the highest international benchmark for sustainability. This certification recognises exemplary performance in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction and indoor environmental quality. Attaining it demands rigorous planning and substantial investment, resulting in healthier, more resilient and more efficient spaces for residents.

The Faena Wadi Safar residencies are inspired by traditional Nadji architecture. The opulent interiors are characterised by Faena’s
flamboyant style, abundant in bold colours and rich textures.

Kiran Haslam, Chief Marketing Officer of Diriyah Company, explains: “Wadi Safar is a truly pristine natural environment, and we have been committed from the start to exceeding expectations in every aspect of sustainability – from energy use and waste management to the protection of wildlife.”

Wadi Safar supports a wide variety of native flora and fauna. Its shrubs, herbs and grasses shelter many traditional Saudi desert species, including reptiles and birds. Among them is the Arabian spiny-tailed lizard, or ‘dhab’, one of the Kingdom’s most ecologically significant reptiles.

Haslam describes it as comparable in size to the Galapagos land iguana and vital to the desert ecosystem. Its selective grazing promotes vegetation regrowth, stabilises soil and helps slow desertification – one of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. Safe wildlife corridors have been incorporated into the masterplan to protect these species and allow them to move freely without crossing roads or encountering disruption to their natural habitats.

It is in this remarkable landscape that the twenty ultra-luxury Faena villas are taking shape: twelve four-bedroom, six five-bedroom and two six-bedroom homes. They will sit alongside the 130-room experiential Faena Hotel, completing the hospitality offering within Wadi Safar.

The architecture has been entrusted to WATG, the global firm behind projects such as Fari Islands in the Maldives, Atlantis The Palm and the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Interiors are by Peter Mikic, internationally recognised for refined residential and hospitality work. Inside, the villas display Faena’s hallmark jewel tones and curated artworks, reflecting the belief that art builds community and that every residence should feel like a personal masterpiece.

Haslam notes that “Alan Faena’s creativity brings a new dimension to the language of Nadji architecture. His bold, colourful style is palpable, yet the exteriors remain unmistakably Nadji.” Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo adds that Faena’s approach to art, design and lifestyle aligns perfectly with Diriyah’s vision as a world-class cultural and heritage destination.

Interior of a Faena Wadi Safar residency in Diriyah

Curated artworks exclusive to each villa contribute to the unique personality of Faena’s Wadi Safar luxury residencies.

Faena himself states: “We are deeply honoured to bring the Faena philosophy to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Diriyah, a place of profound history, heritage and visionary ambition. At Wadi Safar, we are crafting more than homes – we are creating soulful environments where art, nature and hospitality come together to inspire daily life.”

Residents can expect privacy, prestige and exceptional, round-the-clock luxury hospitality. Exclusive privileges include preferred hotel rates, priority dining access, spa benefits, catering services and private community events.

Advantages also extend to the equestrian club and the 27-hole Greg Norman golf course. Through Faena’s partnership with Accor, homeowners will be elevated to Diamond tier within Accor Live Limitless, unlocking global upgrades, preferential rates and premium access across its extensive international portfolio.

Faena Residences Wadi Safar join a growing collection of distinctive branded homes across Diriyah and Wadi Safar. This launch is a core element of Diriyah Company’s plan to create homes for nearly 100,000 people in a human-centred urban development that honours 300 years of heritage while shaping an extraordinary future.

Author: Julia Pasarón

Find out more about Diriyah – City of Earth in our interview with Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo and about its luxury residential offer, Here.

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