Since At-Turaif’s inscription as a World Heritage Site in 2010, Al-Diriyah and its peripheries have witnessed massive urban development. With the recently proposed Wadi Safar project, the expansion of Al-Diriyah has taken another turn, as it is conceptualized as a luxury driven mixed-use district, integrating cultural experiences that are rooted in the past. This research examines the urban development of Al-Diriyah through the lens of the Experience Economy Model (1998), in which value is derived not just from objects or spaces but from the memorable and immersive experiences they tend to incorporate. This study employs a qualitative-case study methodology structured through a five-phase analytical framework that spans from 2010 to 2025/2030. Utilizing a deductive qualitative approach, the analysis demonstrates a differentiated application of the four experiential realms of the Experience Economy Model across the study sites. While At-Turaif predominantly engages two experiential dimensions and the broader regeneration of Al-Diriyah incorporates three, the planned development of Wadi Safar is designed to encompass all four dimensions of the Experience Economy. This configuration produces a balanced spectrum of active and passive participation as well as absorption and immersion, positioning Wadi Safar within Al-Diriyah’s broader transformation into the world’s largest heritage-led urban development. The findings contribute to the theme of a thriving economy of KSA Vision 2030 by advancing heritage-oriented experience as a pathway towards economic diversification.

Museums play a vital role in preserving heritage and facilitating learning through exhibits. However, fostering meaningful visitor engagement remains a challenge. This study aims to analyze visitor interactions and behaviors at the National Museum of Bahrain to understand how exhibit design influences engagement. The research objectives include identifying spatial and exhibit-related factors affecting visitor interaction and proposing strategies to enhance engagement. A case study approach was employed, utilizing an online survey, visitor tracking, interviews, and spatial observations as they provide comprehensive insights into visitor behavior, spatial engagement, and exhibit effectiveness. Tracking recorded movement patterns, time spent at exhibits, and engagement levels, identifying areas of high and low interaction. Observations analyzed spatial configurations, while interviews provided insights into visitor experiences and preferences. Findings indicate that exhibit layout, accessibility, and content relevance significantly influence engagement, with certain exhibits attracting more interaction due to strategic positioning. The study identifies key design elements that enhance visitor exploration and proposes recommendations for optimizing exhibit arrangements to create immersive and educational experiences. These insights help museum authorities identify spatial and exhibit-related shortcomings. The study offers recommendations to curators to refine the designs of the exhibits and the layouts, promoting more meaningful connections with the exhibits and thereby improving the experiences of the visitors to demonstrate the importance of visitor-focused designs in museums.