Diriyah Company has awarded a $1.53 billion (SAR 5.75 billion) contract to China Harbour Engineering Company for the development of the Arena Block – a signature district that will include the 20,000-seat Diriyah Arena, three mixed-use office towers, and a multi-level parking structure.
Located in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding cultural hub, the Diriyah Arena will cover around 74,000 square metres of gross floor area.
Designed by global architecture firm HKS Inc., the arena showcases a fusion of traditional Najdi architectural elements with contemporary aesthetics, inspired by the unique rock formations that characterise Diriyah’s landscape.
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.”
The USD 1.53 billion Arena Block project encompasses several major components. At its core is the Diriyah Arena, a 20,000-seat indoor venue designed for a wide range of events. Complementing the arena are three mixed-use office buildings, collectively covering 114,000 square metres and designed by the architectural firm John McAslan + Partners.
To ensure accessibility and convenience, a multi-level parking facility with over 4,000 spaces will support both the arena and the office buildings. The entire development integrates smart infrastructure with advanced design and sustainability features.
This significant contract award marks another milestone in Diriyah Company’s fast-paced development in 2025. It follows a USD 202.2 million (SAR 758.5 million) excavation contract, also granted to China Harbour Engineering in December 2024. Together, these contracts reflect the Kingdom’s growing collaboration with prominent international partners as it accelerates its transformation agenda.
