The mega $63.2-billion programme to redevelop Diriyah town in the north-western outskirts of Riyadh is making significant progress with the project now winning accolades and moving to the second phase of the masterplan.

As part of the kingdom’s 2030 Vision, about 14 sq km of Diriyah are being transformed into one of the world’s unique historical, cultural and lifestyle destinations that combines 300 years of history, culture, and heritage with what will be the highest quality lifestyle, residential and hospitality offerings in the region, says Diriyah Company, the developer.

The ancestral home of the Al Saud family, Diriyah is recognised as a symbolic centre of inspiration for the generations of leaders that have led the kingdom since the foundation of the first Saudi Arabian state in 1727.

At its centre stands the Unesco World Heritage Site of At-Turaif comprising a magnificent centuries-old mud-brick palace, whose traditional Najdi architecture has been the design inspiration for the entire development, connecting it to its past and incorporating local materials into the building process.

The ambitious redevelopment programme comprises Diriyah Gate, Wadi Safar, Wadi Hanifah and At-Turaif. 

Located just 15 minutes from the heart of Riyadh, this ancient city – also known as “The City of Earth” – has already created waves with the recent opening of the Bujairi Terrace opposite the heritage site, which has become a premium dining destination.

Inzerillo with Saudi officials at the opening of the Western Ring Road Tunnel last month.

Diriyah Company says the first phase of its masterplan has been awarded Platinum certification for LEED v4.1 for Cities: Plan and Design by the US Green Building Council. This LEED for Cities and Communities accreditation marks the first time a project in the Middle East has received such an accolade, according to the company. Platinum certification is the highest level within the LEED framework.

The project’s urban form encourages a cooling microclimate with narrow streets and courtyards, providing shade and enhancing favourable winds. With central aspects of this first phase planned as car-free, it promotes a sustainable and pedestrianised public realm, according to Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Company Group CEO.

Diriyah Company also celebrated the completion of the Western Ring Road Tunnel last month.

Opera House

Now as part of second phase of the Diriyah masterplan, plans have been unveiled for the Royal Diriyah Opera House, a first-of-its-kind project in the kingdom. Encompassing a 45,000-sq-m area, the opera house will be located near the Unesco World Heritage Site and will serve as a platform for a diverse programme of cultural performances. It will be built by Diriyah Company and operated by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), the entity leading growth and development efforts in the Saudi capital city.

The opera house will accommodate around 3,500 people across four venues.

The world-renowned architectural firm Snøhetta will design the opera house. The Riyadh-based Syn Architects also contributed to the design, infusing the project with local expertise and a deep understanding of the region’s architectural heritage.  Informed by Najdi-style architecture, characterised by its intricate details and mudbrick-inspired construction method, the design of the centre will create a seamless blend of heritage and innovation.

According to Snøhetta, the Royal Diriyah Opera House will be rooted in the surrounding desert landscape, local cultural heritage, and Najdi building traditions. Set to open in 2028, the opera house will accommodate around 3,500 people across four venues, including a 2,000-seat theatre for large-scale productions and headline artists, two smaller theatres for multipurpose use, and a 450-seat, shaded rooftop amphitheatre for outdoor performances.

The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be rooted in the surrounding desert landscape.

The project is designed as a cluster of buildings interconnected by open passages throughout, which will provide shaded relief away from the intense sun with green gardens open to both visitors to the opera house and the wider public. Seamlessly integrating these public spaces enriches both the cultural and recreational experiences and enhances the intrinsic value of the location.

Work in progress

The first phase of Diriyah’s masterplan comprises luxurious, mixed-use projects with entertainment, shopping, cultural, commercial, and residential assets. With projects worth $9.6 billion under construction, these assets are anchored around key public squares and open spaces.

Currently, Saudi Real Estate Infrastructure Company (Binyah), a subsidiary of Saudi Real Estate Company (Al Akaria) is engaged on a $145-million contract for the Northern Cultural District (NCD) P3 Car Park Project. The 100,000-sq-m car-parking facility, which will accommodate 2,000 cars over four basement levels, will be completed by Q3 of 2025. The project will service assets at Diriyah including King Salman University, the House of Al Saud Museum, and King Salman Library, among other cultural facilities.

Binyah is also working on the $99.5-million package for the enabling works at its DG II project site, which is targeted for completion later this year.

Among other developments, Diriyah Company has broken ground on three renowned hotels – Oberoi, Aman and Six Senses – as part of its Wadi Safar masterplan in line with its commitment to providing best-in-class accommodation underpinned by sustainable and authentic experiences. Located nearby, the newly completed Eastern Gate and the Wadi Safar Experience Centre round out the Wadi Safar landscape.

Diriyah Company has also launched its new luxury residential development, Ritz-Carlton Residences, the kingdom’s first Ritz Carlton Residences, located in the heart of Diriyah, which features Najdi heritage-inspired villas that capture the essence of elegance and tradition of the region.