Awarding the Contract for the Development Project of the “Royal Opera House” in Diriyah

Riyadh, April 17, 2025 – Diriyah Company has announced the awarding of the contract for the development of the “Royal Opera House” project, with an investment value of SAR 5.1 billion. This project is one of the most prominent cultural assets within Diriyah’s development plan, marking a significant step in shaping the area and establishing it as a global destination for culture and the arts, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

The contract for the construction of the Royal Opera House in Diriyah was awarded to a joint venture comprising El Seif Engineering Contracting Company (ESEC), Midmac Contracting Company, and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).

The agreement was signed by Mr. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, in the presence of Eng. Ashraf Al Ameria, CEO of El Seif Engineering Contracting Company (ESEC), and representatives of the joint venture companies, during an official ceremony celebrating this new achievement, which adds to Diriyah’s rapid construction momentum.

The Royal Opera House in Diriyah is set to become a premier center for performing arts and a unique architectural landmark that will redefine the cultural landscape of the Kingdom. The venue will feature an opera hall with a seating capacity of 2,000 – the largest in the Kingdom – serving as the focal point of this cultural edifice, which will be managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. Additional facilities include a theatre, studio, rooftop amphitheater, and several multipurpose halls, bringing the total seating capacity to approximately 3,100 seats.

The opera house was designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta Oslo AS, featuring a contemporary Najdi architectural style utilizing natural materials such as palm, stone, and earth, with a strong focus on sustainability through water conservation, enhanced natural lighting, ventilation, and thermal comfort.

Several specialized international companies are participating in the project, including Schlaich Bergermann Partner for structural and facade works, Buro Happold and Saudi Diyar for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing works, Theatre Projects as theatre and acoustics consultants, and JLL as financial consultants, supported by Plan A for design management.

The Royal Opera House is intended to become a global center for performing arts, reinforcing Diriyah’s status as the Kingdom’s cultural capital and a competitive international destination in the arts sector. The project also aims to cement Diriyah’s role as a key hub in shaping the future of live performances and cultural infrastructure. 

Mr. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “The Royal Opera House in Diriyah will be a landmark asset supporting Diriyah’s growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s artistic and cultural future, in alignment with Vision 2030. This contract represents an important milestone in our journey to develop a diverse portfolio of assets within the Diriyah project area. This architectural masterpiece will play a pivotal role in bringing people together at one of the world’s greatest gathering places to enjoy unforgettable performances.”

It is worth noting that the Diriyah project, one of the major initiatives owned by the Public Investment Fund, represents an integrated urban development. Over the coming years, it is expected to accommodate approximately 100,000 residents, provide office spaces for tens of thousands of professionals across technology, media, arts, and education sectors, create 178,000 job opportunities, attract nearly 50 million annual visits, and contribute more than SAR 70 billion (USD 18.6 billion) to the Kingdom’s GDP.