Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company has awarded a major contract worth SR5.1 billion (USD $1.4 billion) for the construction of the Royal Diriyah Opera House—an architectural and cultural icon set to become a centrepiece of the Kingdom’s arts and heritage under Vision 2030.
The construction will be undertaken by a consortium of three companies: El-Seif Engineering Contracting, Midmac Contracting Company W.L.L., and China State Construction Engineering Corporation.
The agreement was signed by Diriyah 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, along with representatives from the three awarded firms.
Designed by acclaimed Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, the opera house will reflect a modern take on the Najdi architectural style, incorporating local materials such as palm wood and stone. The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with features including natural lighting, water conservation systems, strategic orientation, and thermal comfort optimisation.
At the heart of the venue will be a 2,000-seat main hall—the largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia. Complementary facilities will include a studio theatre, a rooftop amphitheatre, and several multipurpose halls, increasing the total capacity to 3,100 seats. The complex will be managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).
CEO Inzerillo said the opera house would be a “defining asset in Diriyah” and a major step in the broader development of the 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,” he added.
Al-Hazani hailed the agreement as a key milestone for the Kingdom’s cultural ambitions. “We look forward to welcoming the world’s leading operatic and artistic talent in the future, and empowering the Kingdom’s outstanding local talents,” he said.
Part of Diriyah’s extensive development program, the Royal Diriyah Opera House is one of many strategic cultural investments designed to reposition Saudi Arabia as a global arts and tourism hub.
Source: Arab News
