GCEO Protocol OfficeThe Story of 2025COMPANIES
Another Historic Year...
2025 Overview In 2025, the GCEO Protocol Office entered a pivotal phase of transformation. This year was about building a foundation for executive representation, protocol governance, and the delivery of high-level engagements, in addition to increasing activity.Through the introduction of clear standards, structured processes, and a multidisciplinary team, the GCEO Protocol Office evolved into an integrated function designed to support leadership with consistency, credibility, and long term institutional value.This book documents that transformation, the capabilities established, and the groundwork laid for what comes next.
Content02 02.1 Protocol Policy02.2 Cross-Department Protocol Coordination02.3 Database Enhancement02.4 Invitation Template02.5 Visit Notification 02.5 Protocol Briefing Pack02.6 Hospitality & Guest Experience Evolution02.7 Seating Plan02.8 Corporate Gifting02.9 Post Visit Survey 02.10 Unified MoU’s & Signing Ceremonies02.11 Protocol Representation & Travel Etiquette02.12 Business Trip Journey02.13 DigitalizationDepartment Achievements03 03.1 Visual Enhancements 03.2 Protocolt Enhancements — VIP Umbrellas03.3 Protocol Enhancements — Car Access03.4 Protocol Enhancements — MeetingsDesign & Development 04 04.1 Before 2025 - End of 202504.2 Acknowledgement MessageReflections & Acknowledgements06 Acknowledgements 06.1 Acknowledgement Message05 Photo Gallery01 01.1 Diriyah’s Values in Protocol01.2 Meet The Team01.3 Our Capabilities as a Protocol Department01.4 Company Mandate01.5 A Message From the Chief of Staff01.6 Department Scope & Responsibilities 01.7 The Full Visit Lifecycle01.8 Executive Summary01.9 Top NationalitiesOverview
The year of Transformation and Progress
Diriyah’s Values in ProtocolEach Engagement Reflects Diriyah´s Legacy And Saudi´s Identity01.1
Prioritizing dignity, comfort, and respect for all guests and stakeholders.Diriyah’s Values in ProtocolEnsuring every engagement reflects Diriyah’s identity, values, and heritage.Upholding cultural respect, traditions, and etiquette in all highlevel interactions.Creating consistent، meaningful, experiences that build trust and long-term relationships.01.1
Meet The TeamOver 109 Years Of Experience Across Protocol, Government Engagement, Hospitality & Operations Abdulmohsen AlanaziHead of Protocol OfficeYears of experience: 16 01.2
Meet The TeamMeet the TeamFahad AlhamadAbdulmohsen AlballaFaisal AlkhanMohammed AlmullaLatifah AlzayedDana AlswelmAbdulrahman AlhayefAbdulaziz BinaqeelKhalid Bin BusayyisAfnan AlmajhadiRheam AlsabtiNawaf AlbelihedProtocol Relations ManagerProtocol Relations Senior SpecialistProtocol Relations Senior OfficerProtocol Relations Assistant ManagerProtocol Relations Specialist Graduate Development Program OfficerProtocol Relations Assistant ManagerProtocol Relations SpecialistProtocol Relations Senior OfficerProtocol Relations Assistant ManagerProtocol Relations Senior OfficerProtocol COOP Trainee Years of experience: 16Years of experience: 11Years of experience: 12Years of experience: 8Years of experience: 8Years of experience: 2Years of experience: 9Years of experience: 4Years of experience: 7Years of experience: 7Years of experience: 6Years of experience: 301.2
Our Capabilities as a Protocol DepartmentProtocol Excellence, From Vision To Execution.01.3
Our Capabilities as a Protocol DepartmentCore Capability AreasHow We WorkToday, the GCEO Protocol Office is a multidisciplinary team delivering end-to-end protocol governance and execution across a broad scope of engagements.Each team member brings a distinct skillset bridging protocol expertise, operations, design, digital systems, guest experience, and coordination. Together, we operate as one integrated department, ensuring consistency, precision, and excellence across every engagement.VIP Visits and High-Level EngagementsRelationship Management and VIP EngagementDesign, Branding, and Visit DocumentationCeremonies, Events, and Official ProtocolOperational Excellence and Digital ReadinessHospitality and Guest Experience StandardsInternational Representation and Travel ProtocolCorporate Gifting and RepresentationLogistics and Movement Coordination01.3
Gerard J. Inzerillo’s Finger Points To One Truth Only...There’s Only One Diriyah.
01.4
The Protocol Office focuses on supporting engagements and events attended and hosted by the GCEO Mr. Gerard J. Inzerillo. Its role includes establishing and overseeing official protocol standards for events, visits, gifting, hospitality, travel, and public presence, managing VIP arrangements, coordinating event and visit procedures and issuing formal communications for high level engagements. The GCEO Protocol Office supports these engagements through structured planning, governance aligned oversight, and close coordination. Through this focused support, the office ensures professionalism, smooth execution, and strong representation of Protocol Standards in Diriyah.GCEO Protocol Office - Company Mandate 01.4
01.5Protocol plays a critical role in shaping how an organization is perceived, reflecting its values through structure, discipline, and consistency across every engagement. When executed with intent, it becomes a defining element of institutional excellence. The work delivered by the GCEO Protocol Office throughout 2025 has been consistently strong, with a noticeable improvement in both execution and presentation. This progress reflects a more structured approach, strengthened alignment, and a clear commitment to representing the GCEO Office at the highest standard. The transformation underway is not only enhancing internal capabilities, but also contributing to raising the overall level of professionalism across engagements. With a clear trajectory and sustained focus, the GCEO Protocol Office is well positioned to continue advancing and setting a strong benchmark within the Kingdom.A Message From theChief of Staff
GCEO Protocol Office - A Message From the Chief of Staff 01.5Bader BinmaferijChief of Staff
Department Scope & ResponsibilitiesCore ScopeOver the past year, the Protocol Department expanded its scope to include:Leadership Protocol & VIP VisitsOversight of all protocol matters related to the GCEO, including end-toend management of high-level visits, from request intake and planning through documentation and post-visit lessons learned.International Protocol & Global EngagementsComprehensive protocol support for the Group CEO’s international visits, forums, speaking engagements, and hosted meetings abroad, including coordination, execution, and on-ground support.Media & Communications AlignmentCoordination with Marketing and PR teams for media engagement, messaging alignment, press releases, and interview management related to protocol visits and events.Guest ExperienceDesign and management of the guest journey and first impressions, including receiving arrangements, welcome elements, hospitality coordination, and on-site protocol presence.Relationship ManagementManagement of VIP relationships through structured guest profiling, engagement history, and ongoing outreach, including occasion-based communications on behalf of the Group CEO.Corporate Gifting GovernanceStrategic oversight of corporate gifting, including selection frameworks, presentation standards, handover protocol, and full tracking and documentation.Events, Ceremonies & Official EngagementsProtocol governance and execution for official events, ceremonies, summits, and high-level engagements, including but not limited to MOU signings, ensuring protocol compliance, consistency, and brand alignment.Cross-Department CoordinationCentral coordination with all departments through designated protocol focal points, ensuring timely support, alignment, and visibility for all protocol engagements.Operational Readiness & Digital EnablementImplementation of structured trackers, templates, databases, and documentation to ensure traceability, governance, and readiness for digital transformation.01.6
Department Scope & ResponsibilitiesA ReflectionOf Diriyah’s Rapid Growth And Global Engagement.01.6
Behind Every Successful Visit: The Full Visit LifecycleStep 1: Visit Request & IntakeThe lifecycle begins the moment a visit request is received through any channel, with all requests promptly acknowledged and assessed.Step 9: Engagement ExecutionDuring the visit, protocol officers manage flow, timing, seating, introductions, and hospitality to ensure smooth execution.Step 5: Protocol Briefing Pack PreparationAll visit details are consolidated into a single Protocol Briefing Pack used to align leadership and stakeholders ahead of execution.Step 3: Guest Profiling & Information GatheringThe GCEO Protocol Office gathers delegation details, objectives, sensitivities, logistics, and prior engagement history.Step 11: Gifting & RepresentationWhere appropriate, gifts are prepared, positioned, and presented according to protocol standards, with full documentation and tracking.Step 7: Logistics & ReadinessParking, access, vehicles, hospitality, materials, and on-site requirements are confirmed ahead of arrival.Step 2: Logging & AssigningEach visit is logged in a central tracker, with a lead and backup protocol officer assigned to ensure continuity and accountability.Step 10: Media & DocumentationEach Photography, documentation, and coordination with communications teams are managed to ensure accurate representation and records.Step 6: Internal Stakeholder CoordinationThe GCEO Protocol Office coordinates with all relevant departments to align timing, access, presentation, and roles.Step 4: Protocol Design & PlanningProtocol elements are defined, including precedence, seating, movement flow, photo moments, gifting, and engagement sequencing.Step 12: Departure & ClosureThe visit is concluded operationally, ensuring smooth departure and completion of all on-site elements.Step 8: Arrival & First ImpressionReceiving arrangements and personalized welcomes are managed to ensure a professional, dignified first impression.01.7
Behind Every Successful Visit: The Full Visit LifecycleWhen Protocol is Executed Well, it is Felt MoreThan it is SeenStep 13: Post-Visit DocumentationAll visit-related records are archived, including contacts, photographs, invoices, and correspondence, creating a complete digital record.Step 14: Feedback & Lessons LearnedFeedback is collected where applicable, and lessons learned are documented and shared internally to continuously improve future engagements.01.7
Executive Summary+7KVisitors+250Visits+150Meetings+60Events/External Engagements+10Business Trips+20MoU/Signing Ceremonies+50Nationalities01.8
Executive Summary1,892Visitors122Visits & Meetings4Events Q11,000Visitors61Visits & Meetings5Events Q2700Visitors90Visits & Meetings7Events Q33,491Visitors132Visits & Meetings40Events Q401.8
Top NationalitiesThis overview shows the top 10 nationalitiesthat visited Diriyah in 2025, reflecting a wide range of international visitors.*Saudi Arabia is not included in the top 1062 Visits FromUnited States4 Visits FromCanada01.9
Top Nationalities145 Visits FromSaudi Arabia*13 Visits FromChina 25 Visits FromUnited Kingdom12 Visits FromFrance4 Visits FromSyria16 Visits FromItaly5 Visits FromJapan7 Visits FromIndia7 Visits FromUnited Arab Emirates01.9
Visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and President of the United States Donald J. TrumpMay 2025, At-Turaif Visit
”It was a tremendous honor for us in Diriyah to have hosted President Trump on his visit to At-Turaif, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the ancestral home of the Al-Saud royal family – a place where we celebrate the past and are building the future.It was also a unique opportunity to present our future vision for Diriyah and to share with the president the three centuries of history echoing through the palaces and passageways of At-Turaif. President Trump expressed his congragultions to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as well as his admiration for what he saw and experienced during this exceptional visit to Diriyah.The Historic Visit of The President of The United States Donald Trump– Mr. Gerard J. Inzerillo
Department Achievement
That Reflects Excellence In Execution
Building Trust & Confidence
In High-level Engagements
02.1 Department Achievements
Department AchievementsWhat ChangedA new protocol policy was developed this year to formally expand and define the Protocol Office’s scope, introducing clearer governance and standardized practices.What We DoWe define and govern protocol standards across visits, events, VIP engagements, travel, gifting, and representation, providing a structured policy that ensures consistency and enables coordinated execution across internal stakeholders.Why It MattersA defined protocol policy ensures clarity, consistency, and accountability, enabling seamless execution, protecting Diriyah’s image, and reinforcing professionalism at every level of engagement. Protocol Policy02.1
02.2 Department Achievements
Cross-Department Protocol CoordinationDepartment AchievementsWhat ChangedThe GCEO Protocol Office established a formal, centralized communication model to ensure all departments are consistently informed, aligned, and engaged in protocolrelated activities.What We DoWe worked with each department’s chief office to designate protocol focal points and consolidated them into dedicated, department-specific communication channels. For every visit or protocol engagement, the GCEO Protocol Office issues a single, structured communication using a standardized template. Departments are engaged based on relevance; either to provide required support, coordinate deliverables, or remain informed ensuring clarity, alignment, and timely execution.Why It MattersThis model ensures no stakeholder is missed, improves visibility, clarifies roles, and enables timely coordination. It reduces fragmentation, supports informed decisionmaking, and strengthens collective ownership of protocol engagements across the organization.02.2
02.3 Department Achievements
Department AchievementsWhat ChangedThe visit database and contact list database were significantly enhanced to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regular updates.What We DoWe now maintain the visits database in real time, ensuring all records are complete and accurate. New fields were added, including guest nationality, transportation, Tanfeethi, accommodation, visit duration, preparation time, visit evaluation, and involved departments. Additionally, all business cards were digitized into Excel, and over 1,000 relationship records were fully updated.Why It MattersThese enhancements improve data reliability, enable better tracking and reporting, and support informed decision-making. They also strengthen stakeholder relationship management and enhance operational planning for future visits.Database Enhancement02.3
Department AchievementsThis year, a standardized invitation template was introduced to streamline communication and ensure a clearer, more consistent experience for guests and stakeholders. The template consolidates all essential information in one place, including the event date and time, location, dress code, and contact details for any inquiries, supporting clarity, alignment, and effective coordination across all engagements.Invitation Template02.4
Department AchievementsCo-Host Invitation02.4
Department AchievementsPrepared to inform the GCEO of the visiting guest’s profile, including a brief biography, purpose of the visit, and accompanying delegation. It also clarifies whether the visit includes Al-Turaif or Bujairi Terrace, enabling the GCEO to consider a meet-and-greet engagement with the guest.Visit Notification02.5
Department AchievementsOutlines the purpose of the visit, provides a brief biography of the guest and background of the organization, and highlights the planned agenda. It also includes protocol details such as gift exchange, seating arrangements for the meeting, and key logistical considerations to ensure a smooth and well-organized visit.Protocol Briefing Pack02.5
02.6 Department Achievements
Department AchievementsFormal Dining Standardshandled with equal attention to detail, covering table setup, menu selection, dietary requirements, and seating arrangements to ensure a comfortable and well-coordinated experience for all guests.In-Car Guest Amenitiesarranged in advance, including bottled water, Wi-Fi access, and phone chargers, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the guest’s journey.Gift Presentationprotocols have been refined to ensure clarity and elegance. A display sample is used during the explanation of the gift, while the actual gift is discreetly pre-placed in the guest’s vehicle to allow for a seamless transition at departure.Security & Access Flowcoordinated well in advance, with early sharing of guest and vehicle details and close alignment on entry points, routes, and parking arrangements to ensure smooth, secure movement throughout the visit.Arrival ِِExperiencescarefully curated to reflect Saudi hospitality. Guests are welcomed with Saudi coffee and dates, with the dates and chocolate presented in enhanced Diriyah-branded packaging. The coffee attendant is positioned in a predefined location, follows proper serving etiquette, and wears gloves to ensure both professionalism and hygiene.Meeting Room Setupsmanaged in full by the Protocol team, including overall room configuration and layout. Seating plans are developed based on official guest ranking, and the meeting room is arranged accordingly to ensure accuracy, order, and protocol compliance.Hospitality & Guest Experience Eenhancements02.6
02.7 Department Achievements
Department AchievementsWhat ChangedSeating arrangement plan are now developed based on the official HR-approved ranking of all chiefs and formally documented in advance, rather than being finalized on-site.What We DoBased on the official ranking list from HR, the Protocol team develops the seating plan according to the event or meeting setup. Name tents are placed in the appropriate seating positions, and the finalized seating plan is translated into a digital layout within the briefing pack and shared ahead of time.Why It MattersThis approach ensures accuracy, transparency, and adherence to protocol, while minimizing last-minute adjustments, reducing on-site confusion, and enabling all stakeholders to align on seating arrangements prior to the event or meeting.Seating Plan02.7
Department AchievementsDecember 2025, HQ VisitThe Honorable Harry Coker Jr.Maryland Secretary of Commerce02.8