SPA — Diriyah Company has awarded a SAR 5.75 billion ($1.53 billion) contract to China Harbour Engineering Company, Saudi Branch, to build the Diriyah Arena. This marks a key milestone in Diriyah’s cultural and entertainment expansion under Vision 2030.

Diriyah Arena: A Multi-Use Cultural Landmark

The project includes three office buildings and a parking structure, alongside the 74,000-square-meter arena. The venue will accommodate up to 20,000 spectators for events such as sports tournaments, esports competitions, exhibitions, and concerts.

HKS Inc. designed the arena to combine Najdi architectural themes with modern forms inspired by Saudi geology. The office buildings, totaling 114,000 square meters, are designed by John McAslan + Partners to blend seamlessly with the surrounding development.

In addition, a 4,000-car parking facility will support event logistics and visitor access.

Driving Vision 2030 Through Cultural Infrastructure

Diriyah Company CEO Jerry Inzerillo described the arena as a cultural landmark that will promote arts, heritage, and public engagement. It follows another major contract—SAR 2.25 billion—recently awarded to Salini Saudi Arabia for the construction of Diriyah Square.

The Diriyah Arena will also complement nearby attractions, including the Royal Diriyah Opera House and nine museums. Together, these projects position Diriyah as a major node in Saudi Arabia’s giga-project portfolio.

 

 

THE SAUDI STANDARD’S VIEW: Diriyah Arena Reflects Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Scale and Global Ambition

Diriyah Arena construction contract for SAR 5.75 billion  is a bold step toward realizing Saudi Arabia’s vision for cultural excellence and global connectivity.

  • Global-caliber venues rooted in heritage: The 20,000-capacity arena will welcome global audiences while honoring Najdi tradition. This combination of scale and authenticity defines Saudi Arabia’s evolving identity.
  • Urban planning with architectural harmony: Designs by HKS Inc. and John McAslan + Partners reflect a thoughtful integration of heritage and innovation, hallmarks of Saudi giga-projects.
  • Strategic partnerships for delivery excellence: Awarding the contract to China Harbour Engineering underscores Saudi Arabia’s capacity to attract top global contractors and deliver at scale.
  • Building cultural capital for economic impact: With the opera house, museums, and Diriyah Square nearby, the arena strengthens Diriyah’s status as a cultural anchor that will generate tourism, jobs, and global recognition.

Diriyah Arena is more than a venue. It is a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s intent to lead in culture, architecture, and event hosting, projecting its heritage boldly onto the world stage.

 

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