Italy’s D’Appolonia has been appointed as the lead consultant for the design of a new five-star hotel in the Samhan district of Ad’Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, according to a company press release.

The Nuzul Saudi Heritage Hospitality Company, which was established as an initiative led by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) to maintain national heritage sites, is developing the project.

The project, which aims blend approximately 40 historic mud buildings in the Samhan District with a modern five-star hotel, is under the supervision of the SCTNH and is the first hospitality related renovation project in the kingdom.

The proposed hotel design includes a souk and a museum area where traditional construction systems will be displayed, said the statement.

The local ASAS Omrania and Italy’s AR&P Architecture are working with D’Appolonia on the project.