The Diriyah Arena, Saudi Arabia’s upcoming 20,000-seat multi-purpose venue, has entered its steel structure construction phase following the completion of the first steel structure lift in May 2026. This milestone marks the beginning of steel framework installation for the landmark arena located in the ancient town of Diriyah, 18 km northwest of Riyadh’s downtown.
CSCEC (China State Construction Engineering Corporation) is responsible for the steel structure design, manufacturing, and installation of the project, which will incorporate approximately 7,100 tons of steel across its 74,000 sq m of total floor area.
The arena’s flexible configuration requirements, featuring seamless venue changes within hours, demand sophisticated steel structural systems capable of supporting reconfigurable seating, lighting, and staging infrastructure.
Diriyah Arena’s steel structure supports architectural elements including monolithic volumes with luminous triangular perforations and angular openings.
The Diriyah Arena represents a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification masterplan, which targets the tourism, entertainment, and culture sectors as key growth drivers. The arena is part of the broader Diriyah Gate giga-project, a $63.2 billion development by the Public Investment Fund-backed Diriyah Company that aims to attract 25 million annual visitors by 2030.
The venue will host concerts, sporting events, e-sports competitions, exhibitions, live shows, and retail and leisure activities, positioning itself as a flexible multi-purpose landmark in Riyadh.
The main contractor on the project is China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), which won the SAR5.75 billion ($1.53 billion) construction contract in July 2025, marking Diriyah Company’s largest single contract to date. While CHEC serves as the primary construction contractor, CSCEC has secured the steel structure package, handling the complete steel workflow from design through manufacturing to installation. Steel construction began on site in May 2026 with the first lift.
This represents CSCEC’s continued involvement in Diriyah projects, having previously worked with Saudi contractor El Seif Engineering Contracting on the Diriyah Gate foundation project in 2023 and the Royal Diriyah Opera House.
US-based HKS Architects (with London office) designed the arena, drawing architectural inspiration from traditional Najdi fortresses and palaces that characterise Diriyah’s historic architecture.
CSCEC officials mark the completion of the first steel structure lift for the Diriyah Arena project.
The arena’s steel structure supports several distinctive architectural elements including monolithic volumes with luminous triangular perforations and angular openings, jagged transparent facades emitting interior light between monolithic structures that create what designers call “digital waterfalls”. This glass façade features transparent LED screens and side projections, an illuminated central stage with large digital screen, and flexible configuration enabling seamless changes within hours for different event types.
The design delivers exceptional acoustics and optimal viewing angles from every seat, requirements that demand precise steel structural engineering.
The wider Arena Block development encompasses multiple components beyond the 20,000-seat arena itself. Three mixed-use office buildings provide 114,000 sq m of office space, and a parking facility accommodates more than 4,000 vehicles. The office buildings were designed by John McAslan + Partners from London.
The office GFA and supporting infrastructure create a comprehensive entertainment district, positioning the Arena Block as Diriyah’s crown jewel within the masterplan.