Diriyah Company awards SAR 5.75 billion construction contract for Arena Block
Iain Hoey
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Construction contract covers arena, offices and parking
Diriyah Company has announced the award of a SAR 5.75 billion ($1.53 billion) construction contract to Branch of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd for the Arena Block development in Saudi Arabia.
According to Diriyah Company, the contract includes construction of the Diriyah Arena, three mixed-use office buildings and associated parking infrastructure.
The Diriyah Arena will have a gross floor area of around 74,000 square metres and seat up to 20,000 spectators.
The venue is intended to host concerts, sports events, esports, exhibitions and live performances.
The project is part of the broader Diriyah development supported by the Public Investment Fund.
Arena designed to combine modern infrastructure with heritage architecture
Diriyah Arena has been designed by HKS Inc. to reflect both the geology of the area and Najdi architectural elements.
Diriyah Company said the architectural style aligns with wider efforts across the project to integrate cultural identity into new infrastructure.
The venue is intended to support community use and international events.
It will be one of several entertainment and cultural destinations in the wider Diriyah development.
Other venues in the project include the Royal Diriyah Opera House and a network of museums and academies.
Mixed-use offices and transport access also included
The Arena Block will also feature three mixed-use office plots designed by John McAslan + Partners.
These buildings will total around 114,000 square metres.
The contract includes a car park with capacity for more than 4,000 vehicles.
The parking is intended to support both arena events and office operations.
Diriyah Company said the development will be supported by advanced digital infrastructure.
Project supports long-term goals of Vision 2030
The Arena Block forms part of the 14-square-kilometre Diriyah development.
Diriyah Company said the area is expected to house around 100,000 people and generate 178,000 jobs.
The development is projected to bring approximately 50 million visits annually.
The company expects the project to contribute about SAR 70 billion ($18.6 billion) to the national GDP.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “The iconic Diriyah Arena will be a landmark entertainment complex in Diriyah that reinforces the City of Earth’s growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s artistic and cultural future, in alignment with Vision 2030.
“By attracting both residents and global visitors to experience world-class sports and performances, the Diriyah Arena firmly demonstrates our commitment to creating a world-leading gathering place.
“It also highlights the rapid progress we are making in developing a diverse range of assets across the Diriyah project.”
Contractor outlines delivery expectations
China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd is the contractor responsible for the works.
The company’s regional CEO welcomed the award of the contract.
Yang Zhiyuan, CEO of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (Middle East), said: “This award marks a significant milestone for CHEC in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“CHEC will bring to the project a wealth of global experience, technical expertise, and a proven track record in delivering the complex.
“We will mobilize the best resources and talents from across our international network and strive for excellence to ensure the successful and timely delivery of this world-class Arena.
“We will continue commitment to keep delivering excellence in support of Vision 2030.
“We are deeply proud to be part of it.”
In December 2024, the same contractor was awarded SAR 758.5 million ($202.2 million) for bulk excavation work in the Diriyah project.
Diriyah Company awards SAR 5.75 billion construction contract for Arena Block: Summary
Diriyah Company has awarded a SAR 5.75 billion construction contract to Branch of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.
The contract includes the Diriyah Arena, three office buildings and a parking facility.
Diriyah Arena will have a gross floor area of 74,000 square metres.
The venue will seat up to 20,000 people and host a range of events.
The arena design was developed by HKS Inc.
Three office plots covering 114,000 square metres are included.
The Arena Block will have over 4,000 parking spaces.
Architects John McAslan + Partners designed the office buildings.
The Diriyah project is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Diriyah is expected to generate 178,000 jobs and host 50 million visits per year.
The broader development will contribute around SAR 70 billion to the national GDP.
CHEC previously received a SAR 758.5 million contract for excavation work.
Construction supports the targets of Vision 2030.
Diriyah Arena will join other cultural venues in the area.