Diriyah, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination, continues to gather momentum, with significant new contracts and luxury launches reshaping Riyadh’s heritage heart.

This 14-sq-km urban development, built around the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif site and backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is poised to be a major contributor to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 with its transformation as one of the kingdom’s most important cultural and lifestyle destinations. It aims to accommodate 100,000 residents, generate over 178,000 jobs, attract 50 million annual visits, and directly contribute approximately $18.6 billion to the nation’s GDP.

Diriyah Company, the project’s developer, last month awarded two contracts worth a total of $2.13 billion, highlighting the swift progress being made across its diverse asset portfolio.

Yang Zhiyuan, CEO of China Harbour Engineering Company (Middle East), and Inzerillo sign the contract for Diriyah Arena.

A contract valued at $1.53 billion has been granted to Branch of China Harbour Engineering Company for the construction of the “Arena Block”. This mixed-use district will feature the Diriyah Arena, a multi-purpose indoor venue capable of seating 20,000 spectators for various events including concerts, sporting events, esports competitions, exhibitions, and live shows. Designed by global architecture firm HKS Inc, the arena takes inspiration from the surrounding geology and traditional Najdi architecture, seamlessly merging heritage and modernity. Far more than an entertainment venue, the arena aims to be a focal point for community life, offering space for concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, and live shows.

The 74,000-sq-m arena will be complemented by three mixed-use office buildings, designed by John McAslan + Partners, spanning approximately 114,000 sq m, and a parking facility offering over 4,000 spaces. This marks the second significant contract for China Harbour Engineering Company with Diriyah Company, following a $202.2 million bulk excavation contract secured last year.

Designed by HKS Inc, Diriyah Arena takes inspiration from the surrounding geology and traditional Najdi architecture.

In another major development, leading construction and civil engineering group Salini Saudi Arabia (a subsidiary of the Webuild Group) has secured a contract worth $600 million for the Diriyah Square project. The new works, known as Package Three Finishing and MEP, involve the construction of 73 buildings and public spaces, designed in line with traditional Nadji architecture principles to deliver a unique retail and lifestyle destination within Diriyah Square, covering a total area of 365,000 sq m. 

Every building will use traditional Najdi architectural design themes to create a unique pedestrianised retail environment in the heart of Diriyah reflecting 300 years of history and heritage.

Diriyah Square is envisioned as a vibrant, pedestrian-centric retail district, offering a blend of 400 international, regional, and local retail, leisure, and dining brands. This latest award increases the total value of projects secured by Webuild from Diriyah Company to $2 billion. Webuild is already deeply involved in the mega-project, with the construction of a 10,500-space underground parking facility, which is currently 55 per cent complete.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, underscored the strategic importance of these developments, stating that the Diriyah Arena will be a “landmark entertainment complex” that reinforces Diriyah’s growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s artistic and cultural future, aligning with Vision 2030.

Diriyah Square will cover a total area of 365,000 sq m.

He also highlighted Diriyah Square as one of the company’s “most exciting, anticipated and prestigious districts,” noting that its delivery by Webuild will prepare the ground for a diverse range of shoppers.

Diriyah Square’s buildings and public spaces are designed in line with Najdi architecture.

Amansamar

Further enhancing Diriyah’s appeal as a premier destination while boosting its luxury residential component, Aman, a renowned leader in hospitality and residential development, has announced the launch of its new resort and exclusive branded residences, Amansamar, nestled in the heart of Wadi Safar. Amansamar – a name that reflects peace and the tradition of sharing stories – will feature an 80-key Aman hotel and branded residences. Each five- to six-bedroom home will be situated on expansive plots starting from 9,000 sq m, strategically positioned along cliffs and desert terrain to maximise natural light and panoramic views. The minimalist design, by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects, draws inspiration from the local acacia tree, a symbol of resilience and peace.

Residents of Amansamar will enjoy direct access to Aman’s signature lifestyle and amenities, including an Aman Spa with hammam and banya houses, hydrotherapy facilities, dining venues, a Racquet Club, multiple pools, and a Kids’ Club.

Amansamar is an integral part of the broader Wadi Safar development, which offers cultural enrichment and outdoor pursuits such as golf and polo, seamlessly integrated into the desert environment. Residents will benefit from close proximity to Wadi Safar’s Royal Signature Golf Course, designed by Greg Norman, as well as world-class polo and equestrian facilities.