RIYADH: The Diriyah Co. has announced the awarding of a SR5.1 billion ($1.4 billion) contract for the construction of the Royal Diriyah Opera House — one of the most prominent cultural assets of the firm’s development plan under Vision 2030.
Three companies have been awarded the contract to develop the opera house: El-Seif Engineering Contracting, Midmac Contracting Company W.L.L., and the China State Construction Engineering Corp.
This new contract is a major addition to the series of announcements made at the beginning of the second quarter of 2025. It is a part of Diriyah’s ongoing efforts to develop the historic area on the outskirts of Riyadh.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday by Diriyah’s Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo in the presence of Khaled Al-Hazani, executive vice president of the lifestyle sector at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and representatives of the three companies.
The opera house is set to become a primary center for the performing arts and an iconic architectural landmark that will redefine the Kingdom’s cultural landscape. It will feature a 2,000-seat main hall, making it the largest in the Kingdom.
The hall will serve as the centerpiece of this cultural complex, which will be managed by the RCRC. It will include a theater, studio, rooftop amphitheater, and several multipurpose halls, bringing the total seating capacity to 3,100.
The opera house was designed by the renowned Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta, and features a contemporary Najdi aesthetic, using natural materials sourced from palm trees, and stone.
The design prioritizes sustainability, incorporating water conservation, natural lighting, strategic building orientation, and thermal comfort measures.
Inzerillo said: “The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a defining asset in Diriyah, which reinforces Diriyah’s growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s artistic and cultural future, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals.”
He added: “This contract is an important step in our journey toward building a diverse range of assets across the Diriyah development area.
“This architectural gem plays a vital role in bringing people together in one of the world’s greatest gathering destinations, to experience unforgettable performances.”
Al-Hazani said that “this agreement marks a major milestone in building this world-class operatic venue.”
He said he was looking “forward to welcoming the world’s leading operatic and artistic talent in the future, and empowering the Kingdom’s outstanding local talents.”
