Diriyah Arena building contract awarded

Article posted by Coliseum, July 25^th, 2025

Image: HKS

Diriyah Company has awarded a $202.2 million contract to China Harbour Engineering Company for bulk excavation works on Diriyah’s second phase which includes the 20,000 seat Diriyah Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Diriyah Company said the excavation works will cover most of the area of the second phase of the Diriyah project, which spans approximately 6.3 square kilometers, out of the total 14 square kilometer development area.

The excavation works will see more than 600 heavy machines deployed on-site to carry out the work, shaping the site according to design specifications and providing a foundation for the development of planned world-class assets in Diriyah.

These include the Royal Diriyah Opera House and the 20,000 seat Diriyah Arena.

Located in the heart of The City of Earth (Diriyah), the 76,000 square meter Arena aims to establish itself as the premier venue in the Middle East, serving as a tourism hallmark, drawing visitors from across the globe and completely transforming the region’s events landscape.

Image: HKS and Diriyah Company

Inspired by the natural geology surrounding Diriyah and capturing the traditional Najdi architecture motif spanning centuries of heritage, the venue will possess the ability to seamlessly transition between different configurations within hours, offering the flexibility to host various events in quick succession.

Its state-of-the-art design will ensure exceptional acoustics and optimal viewing angles from every seat

Diriyah Company said that during construction it will embrace circular economy principles, as materials from the excavation site will be crushed and repurposed for uses such as road bases, landscaping, and backfill, according to international sustainability guidelines.

By embedding international best practices, innovative technologies, and sustainability certification targets in all its projects, Diriyah Company aims to enhance environmental performance and sustainability credentials at the community and building levels.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “We are excited to begin bulk excavation works in the second phase of the Diriyah project, marking another key milestone in the development of ‘The City of Earth’.

“Progressing ahead of schedule, this excavation will enable smooth and efficient development of major cultural assets that will attract millions of visitors annually to Diriyah and inspire the world. As we move forward in creating a premier live-work-play destination, we encourage partners to join us on this journey.”

Yang Zhiyuan, CEO of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (Middle East), commented: “We are honored to collaborate with Diriyah Company on the execution of the Bulk Excavation Works project. We are confident in the success of this project, integrating the advantages of global resources, technical strength, equipment resources and an experienced management team.

“We will focus on environmental protection awareness and sustainable development concepts during implementation, ensuring the timely delivery of the project, contributing to the preservation of Diriyah’s heritage, cultural exchange and the development goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

The large-scale contract is the latest awarded this year by Diriyah Company, following a $1.55 billion joint venture for Qurain Cultural District, awarded last month in November; a $2.08 billion contract for the Northern District, awarded in July; and another contract worth $2.13 billion to build four luxury hotels and Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club in Wadi Safar, also in July.

The excavation contract marks another key milestone in the realization of the Diriyah masterplan, showcasing the rapid progress of the 14-sq km integrated urban development project.

The Diriyah Company is responsible for the Diriyah and the Wadi Safar masterplans, encompassing more than 40 hotels, arts districts, museums and world-class sporting venues within a vibrant new global destination on the outskirts of Riyadh, the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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