Diriyah Awards $1.4B Contract for Iconic Royal Opera House Construction

Diriyah Company has officially signed off on a massive $1.4 billion (SAR 5.1 billion) construction deal to bring the much-anticipated Royal Diriyah Opera House to life, alongside several high-profile surrounding developments.

A Powerhouse Joint Venture Takes the Helm

The construction contract has been granted to a powerful joint venture made up of El Seif Engineering Contracting Co. Ltd. (ESEC), China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. (CSCEC), and Midmac Construction Co. Ltd.—a collaboration chosen to execute one of Diriyah’s most iconic projects to date.

Milestone Moment Marked by Formal Signing Ceremony

Diriyah Company’s Group CEO, Jerry Inzerillo, led the official signing with representatives from the three JV partners at a recent ceremony. This marks a significant advancement in Diriyah’s transformation and adds to a series of key announcements made during the first quarter of 2025.

A Cultural Beacon in the Making

Destined to become Saudi Arabia’s premier cultural venue, the Royal Diriyah Opera House will stand as an architectural marvel and a symbol of the Kingdom’s growing global arts presence. Featuring a grand auditorium with 2,000 seats, the venue is designed to host the world’s largest and most prestigious opera, theatre, and musical performances.

A Multi-Venue Performing Arts Destination

Beyond the main stage, the opera house will feature a 450-seat studio theatre, a rooftop amphitheatre also seating 450, and several multi-use halls. In total, the complex will offer seating for up to 3,100 people across various performance spaces.

Expanding the District: Luxury and Living Combined

The signed contract doesn’t stop at the opera house. It also covers a selection of luxury developments, including a five-star hotel and a high-end residential complex that will sit within the opera house district, elevating Diriyah’s lifestyle and hospitality offerings.

Key Announcements Fueling Diriyah’s Momentum in 2025

The opera house agreement is one among several pivotal initiatives announced this year, including:

> The launch of the Media and Innovation District at MIPIM in Cannes

> A $113.6 million (SAR 426.3 million) architecture and design contract was awarded to Omrania

> Commissioning of two new major substations (1707 MVA Bulk and 200 MVA Primary)

> Giza Systems appointed to lead the Smart City transformation

> Adoption of IBM Maximo for asset management across Diriyah

> Introduction of Saudi Arabia’s first Armani-branded residences

> Opening of Taleed, a Michelin-starred concept by Michael Mina at the Luxury Collection hotel Bab Samhan

Architectural Vision by Snøhetta: Tradition Meets Sustainability

Internationally acclaimed Norwegian architects Snøhetta are behind the opera house’s design, which embraces a contemporary take on traditional Najdi aesthetics. Materials like palm, stone, and earth will blend with sustainable architecture practices, focusing on water efficiency, passive lighting, building orientation, and thermal comfort.

A Global Stage for Saudi Culture

With its sights set on becoming a global arts hub, the Royal Diriyah Opera House will serve as a cultural anchor for the Kingdom, helping position Diriyah as a top-tier international destination for the performing arts and creative industries.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a landmark asset in Diriyah reinforcing Diriyah’s growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s artistic and cultural future, aligned with Vision 2030. This contract demonstrates our progress, building a diverse range of assets across the Diriyah development area. This beautiful, iconic asset will play a vital role in bringing people together in of the world’s greatest gathering places to experience unforgettable performances.”

Khalid Alhazani, Executive Vice President of Riyadh Life Sector, Royal Commission for Riyadh City added: “This agreement marks a major milestone in building this world-class operatic venue. We are excited to have the opportunity to welcome the world’s leading operatic and artistic talent in the future and ensure that the Royal Diriyah Opera House can incubate and empower the wonderful range of homegrown talent we have in the Kingdom.”

Driving Economic and Urban Transformation

Supported by the Public Investment Fund, Diriyah’s broader development is a transformative urban initiative. Once completed, it is expected to accommodate nearly 100,000 residents, support tens of thousands of jobs across various sectors, welcome up to 50 million annual visitors, and contribute around $18.6 billion (SAR 70 billion) directly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP.