5.1 billion riyals to develop the Royal Opera House in Diriyah
The Diriyah Gate Development Company (DGDC) announced the award of a contract to develop the Royal Opera House with an investment value exceeding 5.1 billion riyals. This ambitious step supports the Kingdom’s ambitious plans to enhance the cultural and artistic landscape within Saudi Vision 2030.
The contract was signed with a consortium comprising three major companies:
Al-Seif Engineering Contracting Company, Midmac Construction Company, and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), the world’s largest construction company.
The agreement was signed during an official ceremony attended by Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the DGDC; Eng. Khaled Al-Hazani, Executive Vice President of the Lifestyle Sector at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City; and representatives of the implementing companies.
The project is one of the most prominent cultural initiatives announced during the second quarter of 2025.
as part of a significant acceleration in the development of the historic Diriyah district, located on the outskirts of the capital, Riyadh.
Contemporary Najdi Design and World-Class Facilities
The opera house is planned to include a 2,000-seat main hall, the largest of its kind in the Kingdom.
along with other facilities including a theater, studios, a rooftop amphitheater, and multi-purpose halls, bringing the total capacity to more than 3,100 seats.
The project is being implemented under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, with a design by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta Oslo AS.
which draws inspiration from the Najdi architectural style, using natural materials such as stone, clay, and palm trees, along with sustainable ventilation and lighting solutions.
A New Global Cultural Center in the Heart of Diriyah
The project is being implemented by a group of leading international experts, including Schleich Bergermann Partners, Buro Happold, Saudi Diar, Theater Projects, JLL, and Plan A Design Management, reflecting the project’s global and high-tech character.
The project represents a milestone in the Diriyah development plan, which also includes the launch of the Media and Innovation District and the award of other design contracts, including a SAR 426.3 million contract for the development of buildings surrounding the main street.
Commenting on the project, Jerry Inzerillo said:
“The Royal Opera House will be a global icon, embodying the convergence of art and culture at the heart of Diriyah, within one of the most ambitious projects in the world today.”
Engineer Khaled Al-Hazani emphasized that the project represents a pivotal milestone in the construction of a new cultural edifice that reflects the Kingdom’s identity and attracts the most prominent local and international talent.
Diriyah: A Huge Cultural Investment for a Vibrant Future
Owned by the Public Investment Fund, the Diriyah project is an integrated urban project that aims to attract 50 million visits annually, create 178,000 jobs, and contribute more than SAR 70 billion to the GDP. It will serve as a vital center for culture, arts, education, and innovation.
