Move over, millennial pink; there’s a new shade in town, and it’s steeped in 300 years of history. Meet Diriyah Tan, the latest colour to join Pantone’s iconic palette, and the first ever inspired by Saudi Arabia’s birthplace: Diriyah.
Unveiled in collaboration with Diriyah Company, this golden-tinted tone is more than just a neutral. It’s a tribute to Najdi architecture, a nod to At-Turaif’s sunlit mudbrick walls, and a bold symbol of Saudi Arabia’s cultural resurgence.
Crafted with authenticity at its core, Diriyah Tan isn’t just “inspired by” the land — it is the land. The shade was born from a blend of mudbrick tones sourced from 15 different sites across the Kingdom, merging tradition with design precision to reflect the heritage of the City of Earth.
“By selecting Diriyah Tan, a rich shade inspired by mud bricks with a warm golden tone, we honor Saudi Arabia’s history while conveying a vision for the future,” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. The aim? To turn At-Turaif — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — into a visual language: one that speaks to memory, meaning, and global curiosity.
It’s also a subtle flex. Diriyah isn’t just any historic city, it’s on track to welcome 50 million visitors annually by 2030, making it one of Saudi’s most ambitious cultural and tourism hubs. From design-forward museums to epic palaces built in the 18th century, the city is blending legacy with lifestyle... and Diriyah Tan is its new signature.
“This is a celebration of the Saudi people’s culture, the distinctive Najdi architectural style, and the story Diriyah tells the world,” said Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Company Group.
And let’s not forget the vibe. Think: the glow of late afternoon sun hitting ancient earth, the texture of centuries-old clay, the quiet power of place. Diriyah Tan isn’t just a color; it’s an atmosphere. A feeling. A visual identity that connects past and future in one warm, grounding hue.
