Charged with revitalising Saudi Arabia’s historic birthplace in Riyadh, Diriyah Company is driving forward its $63.2-billion transformation. This year promises major milestones, with new details expected on the recently announced Boulevard District – a dynamic cultural hotspot envisioned as the kingdom’s own Champs-Élysées.

Located just 15 minutes from the heart of Riyadh, this ancient city (also known as “The City of Earth”) has already seen the opening of Bujairi Terrace – opposite the Unesco World Heritage Site of At-Turaif – which has now become a premium dining and events destination.

The ambitious project has seen impressive progress on key infrastructure projects over the past year including the completion in November of the super-basement of Diriyah Square, on which will rise six luxury hotels. The three-level underground structure features parking for 10,500 vehicles, 5.7 sq km of tunnels, and two metro tracks.  This work involved the excavation to a depth of 40 m and of 10 million cu m of rock which was reused elsewhere on site. Diriyah Square, a lifestyle hub in the heart of Diriyah, will host ultra-luxury collection of exclusive retail and hotels.

Diriyah Company also marked the completion last month of a 1,707 MVA-capacity Bulk Substation and a 200 MVA-capacity Primary Substation. The SAR682 million ($181.7 million) substations, operated by Saudi Electricity Company and designed in the authentic Najdi architectural style, will power key developments including Diriyah Square, the Qurain Cultural District and Wadi Safar.

Over the past year, the developer has significantly accelerated its programme having signed major contracts for large-scale projects within the 14-sq km development area. Its latest contract awards include a SAR5.8-billion deal inked in November last year to a joint venture between Nesma & Partners Contracting Company and MAN Enterprise Al Saudia for the development of Qurain Cultural District; a SAR7.8-billion contract to China State Construction Engineering Co-operation (CSCEC) and El Seif Engineering Contracting Company awarded in July for the design and construction of assets in Diriyah’s Northern District; and another SAR8-billion deal to Urbacon Saudi and Al Bawani for the construction of four luxury hotels and the Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club in Wadi Safar.

Boulevard

Diriyah Company is expected to reveal details of the “iconic assets that will sit on the 1.9-km Boulevard” that will extend from the Hero’s Park to King Saud University on King Khaled Road, Mohammed Saad, President of the Diriyah Development Company (DevCo), had announced at the second edition of the Bashayer Al-Diriyah (Bashayer – Delivering our Future) late last year.

This was followed early last month by the award of a consultancy contract worth SAR426 million to Omrania, a subsidiary of Egis Group, for the Boulevard District project. The firm will oversee the multidisciplinary design of buildings in three community zones along the 70-m-wide boulevard, encompassing concept and detailed designs, as well as construction supervision.

Omrania’s work will integrate with Diriyah’s masterplan, connecting the Boulevard District to cultural, retail, residential, and commercial assets across the development.

Recent Milestones and Mega Contracts

At the Bashayer Al-Diriyah event, Diriyah Company also unveiled plans for two flagship zones – the Qurain Cultural District and Northern District – within the development and launched construction of several hotels.

The Qurain Cultural District will feature a blend of cultural, retail and residential assets. The multi-disciplinary cultural offerings will include cinemas, museums, and a number of academies and theatre. It will also have two world-class hotels and branded residences including the 195-room Ritz-Carlton Diriyah with 165 residences and the Address Diriyah with 204 rooms and 60 serviced apartments. In addition, the district will feature 19 mixed-use buildings, 10 of which have various boutique office options, and a wide range of retail space and dining venues.

Meanwhile, the Northern District will host the King Salman Foundation, museums, a university, a library, and a vibrant public square. It will also feature the recently-announced 100-room Capella Diriyah, a luxury hotel. Construction on elements of the Northern District is already under way following the award of a contract to China State Construction Engineering Co-operation (CSCEC) and El Seif Engineering Contracting Company.

At the Bashayer Al-Diriyah event, Diriyah Company marked the ground-breaking for seven world-class luxury hotels – namely Raffles Diriyah, Armani Diriyah, Orient Express Diriyah, Baccarat Diriyah, Corinthia Diriyah, Fauchon L’Hotel Diriyah and Rosewood Diriyah – that offer a total of 877 rooms.

This momentum aligns with Diriyah’s masterplan to deliver over 40 hotels and 6,500 rooms across the Diriyah and neighbouring Wadi Safar development areas.

In line with its goal of becoming the kingdom’s premier historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination, Diriyah Company had also unveiled plans for The Arena, a 20,000-seat multipurpose venue for hosting sports, entertainment and cultural events in the region, and Zallal, a versatile commercial office and retail project, and an opera house, further solidifying Diriyah’s position as a comprehensive cultural and entertainment hub.

The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a first-of-its-kind project in the kingdom.  Encompassing a 45,000-sq-m area, it will be located near the Unesco World Heritage Site of At Turaif. It will be built by Diriyah Company and operated by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).