Saudi Arabia’s JAX District in Diriyah: From Industrial Site to Creative Arts Hub
In a move by Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission, Diriyah’s JAX District has been officially designated as an industrial heritage site, marking its transition from a bustling industrial center to a vibrant creative arts hub.
Located near Riyadh, the district now serves as a creative epicenter in the heart of Diriyah, home to the UNESCO world heritage site of At-Turaif.
This recognition is part of the Industrial Heritage Preservation Program, aimed at safeguarding and celebrating historical sites with significant ties to the industrial sector in the Kingdom.
Officials emphasized the district’s distinctive industrial architecture, positioning it alongside other recognized sites in Saudi Arabia that have played pivotal roles in the country’s industrial evolution and societal development. By granting it heritage site status, the district’s rich history as a hub for major industrial projects is commemorated, solidifying its status as a national cultural landmark.
Initially established in the 1970s by a company bearing its namesake, JAX District is characterized by its imposing warehouses that once served as a vital industrial hub in the Riyadh region.
Over time, as commercial tenants began to vacate the premises in the mid-2000s, a new wave of creativity emerged. Graffiti artists transformed the walls of abandoned warehouses into vibrant canvases, while young artists set up workshops and studios in the vacant spaces. This paved the way for the establishment of art galleries, studios, cafes, and cultural institutions, alongside office spaces for creative agencies.
Today, JAX District plays host to a myriad of events, including the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, MDLBEAST XP Music Futures, the Hia Hub fashion and beauty conference, and the light art festival Noor Riyadh. Additionally, the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, the Kingdom’s first museum of its kind, can be found within the district.