Latest news with #DiriyahCo.
Arab News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Diriyah Co. awards $1.13bn contract for King Saud University relocation
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Co. has awarded a SR4.22 billion ($1.13 billion) construction contract to relocate King Saud University's utilities and administration offices, advancing infrastructure development in one of the Kingdom's flagship urban projects. The project was given to a joint venture between China Railway Construction Corp.'s Saudi branch and China Railway Construction Group Central Plain Construction Co., according to a press release. Part of the Public Investment Fund's giga-project portfolio, the Diriyah development is a 14 sq. km mixed-use district poised to house nearly 100,000 residents and provide office space for tens of thousands of professionals across the technology, media, arts, and education sectors. Once complete, it is expected to generate 178,000 jobs, attract nearly 50 million annual visitors, and contribute SR70 billion to Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product. Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., said: 'We are delighted to announce this major contract to support King Saud University, whose campus adjoins the Diriyah development area.' He emphasized that the agreement represents a significant step in furthering efforts to enhance both educational and infrastructural excellence in the Kingdom. 'We are proud to support one of the Kingdom's leading academic institutions in delivering enhanced infrastructure services that will benefit both its students and the broader university community,' Inzerillo said. The contract includes the design and construction of several critical infrastructure components. These include a district cooling plant, water storage facilities, and a sewage treatment plant, as well as an LPG/SNG plant and a diesel pumping station. The scope also covers a utility tunnel, irrigation tanks, office buildings, warehouses, and maintenance workshops. Li Chongyang, chairman of China Railway Construction International Group, said the project reflects the firm's commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure to the highest standards. 'We look forward to contributing to the success of this iconic project and supporting the continued growth of King Saud University,' he said. This latest award brings the total value of contracts issued by Diriyah Co. in 2025 to over $2.9 billion, as the area undergoes rapid transformation into a global destination aligned with Vision 2030.
Arab News
17-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Diriyah awards $1.4bn contract for Royal Opera House construction
RIYADH: The Diriyah Co. has announced the awarding of a SR5.1 billion ($1.4 billion) contract for the construction of the Royal Diriyah Opera House — one of the most prominent cultural assets of the firm's development plan under Vision 2030. Three companies have been awarded the contract to develop the opera house: El-Seif Engineering Contracting, Midmac Contracting Company W.L.L., and the China State Construction Engineering Corp. This new contract is a major addition to the series of announcements made at the beginning of the second quarter of 2025. It is a part of Diriyah's ongoing efforts to develop the historic area on the outskirts of Riyadh. The agreement was signed on Wednesday by Diriyah's Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo in the presence of Khaled Al-Hazani, executive vice president of the lifestyle sector at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and representatives of the three companies. The opera house is set to become a primary center for the performing arts and an iconic architectural landmark that will redefine the Kingdom's cultural landscape. It will feature a 2,000-seat main hall, making it the largest in the Kingdom. The hall will serve as the centerpiece of this cultural complex, which will be managed by the RCRC. It will include a theater, studio, rooftop amphitheater, and several multipurpose halls, bringing the total seating capacity to 3,100. The opera house was designed by the renowned Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta, and features a contemporary Najdi aesthetic, using natural materials sourced from palm trees, and stone. The design prioritizes sustainability, incorporating water conservation, natural lighting, strategic building orientation, and thermal comfort measures. Inzerillo said: 'The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a defining asset in Diriyah, which reinforces Diriyah's growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia's artistic and cultural future, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals.' He added: 'This contract is an important step in our journey toward building a diverse range of assets across the Diriyah development area. 'This architectural gem plays a vital role in bringing people together in one of the world's greatest gathering destinations, to experience unforgettable performances.' Al-Hazani said that 'this agreement marks a major milestone in building this world-class operatic venue.' He said he was looking 'forward to welcoming the world's leading operatic and artistic talent in the future, and empowering the Kingdom's outstanding local talents.'
Argaam
16-04-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Diriyah awards Royal Opera House contract worth SAR 5.1B
Diriyah Co. announced awarding the contract for the development of the Royal Diriyah Opera House to a consortium of contractors, at an investment cost of SAR 5.1 billion. The contract was granted to a consortium of three companies, namely El-Seif Engineering & Contracting, Midmac Contracting and China State Construction Engineering (CSCEC), the world's largest construction firm. The Royal Opera House project includes an opera theater with a capacity of 2,000 seats, an air-conditioned theater, a number of multipurpose halls and a rooftop amphitheater, thus bringing the total capacity to 3,100 seats. It will be managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. According to data available with Argaam, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, in collaboration with Diriyah, announced in January 2024 the establishment of the Royal Diriyah Opera House.
Arab News
14-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Diriyah Co. sets Guinness World Record for largest construction safety lesson
RIYADH: Diriyah Co. secured a Guinness World Record for hosting the largest construction safety lesson, with 2,864 workers participating at its Wadi Safar development. The company said in a statement that the record-breaking lesson, conducted in partnership with Al-Rashid Trading & Contracting Co., underscores its commitment to workplace safety standards. The record was officially certified during a ceremony at the company's headquarters on Monday, attended by Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo and representatives from Guinness World Records. The 30-minute session, led by a single instructor, focused on the 'Top Five Critical Safety Hazards in Construction,' emphasizing risk mitigation and personal accountability. To accommodate the record attempt, a custom outdoor venue with a special stage was constructed. A gated entry-exit system ensured precise attendance tracking, adhering to Guinness guidelines. Inzerillo said: 'This new world record, in which Diriyah's project staff gathered in Wadi Safar, one of Diriyah Company's masterplans covering an area of over 62 sq. kilomters demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety and our goal of ensuring everyone returns home safely to their families.' He said that their health and safety protocols exceed industry standards to safeguard the wellbeing of all workers, contractors, and teams involved in the Diriyah development. Diriyah Co. reports a total recordable incident rate of 0.015 for its infrastructure projects, far below global averages. The company regularly trains staff and contractors to maintain its safety culture. Wadi Safar, part of Diriyah's urban expansion, features luxury homes as well as hospitality and leisure destinations. In July 2024, a $2.13 billion contract was awarded to develop the Royal Equestrian and Polo Club, four high-end hotels (Aman, Six Senses, The Chedi, Faena), and a Greg Norman-designed 27-hole golf course. As a Public Investment Fund-backed giga-project, Diriyah aims to house 100,000 residents, generate 178,000 jobs, attract 50 million annual visitors, and contribute $18.6 billion to Saudi GDP upon completion. Located near Riyadh, it epitomizes the Kingdom's transformation into a global cultural and economic hub.
Arab News
09-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Diriyah Co. debuts Diriyah Tan with Pantone to celebrate Saudi heritage
RIYADH: Diriyah Co. announced today the launch of Diriyah Tan, a custom Pantone color inspired by the iconic mudbrick architecture of the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, in collaboration with the Pantone Color Institute. According to the statement, the golden tan shade, derived from traditional Najdi building materials, will serve as a cornerstone of branding for Diriyah's City of Earth initiative, symbolizing its historical roots and aspirational future. 'Diriyah Tan is a timeless tribute to At-Turaif and our new landmarks like Bujairi Terrace and Bab Samhan Hotel. It instantly connects people to Saudi Arabia's cultural soul,' said Diriyah Co. Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo. He emphasized that the color encapsulates Diriyah's dual identity as a guardian of heritage and a global hub for community and innovation. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, highlighted the shade's symbolic depth, stating: 'Diriyah Tan bridges history and progress. Its earthy warmth mirrors the textures of At-Turaif's structures, reinforcing Diriyah's role as a beacon of learning and youth empowerment.' Kiran Haslam, chief marketing officer of Diriyah Co., revealed to Arab News the future collaborations and community involvement in shaping the city's visual identity. 'The launch of Diriyah Tan — our collaboration with the Pantone Color Institute — was not simply about identifying a hue; it was about capturing the soul of a place,' said Haslam. He added that future color explorations could draw inspiration from Wadi Hanifah's lush landscapes, traditional Najdi craftsmanship, or Saudi Arabia's contemporary art scene. These initiatives, he noted, would deepen Diriyah's narrative as a global cultural destination where heritage fuels innovation. 'Diriyah Tan is, in many ways, the truest representation of The City of Earth. It is one brushstroke among many, but one that evokes the majesty of what Diriyah is,' Haslam remarked. While formal plans remain unannounced, he emphasized that evolving the city's palette would naturally involve collaboration with Saudi artists and cultural custodians. Diriyah's legacy as a hub for exchange, he explained, makes local voices essential to crafting a visual identity that honors authenticity while embracing a dynamic future. Since 2022, Diriyah has drawn over 3 million visitors to its historic and modern attractions. Current projects include luxury hotels, residential communities, and cultural venues like the Diriyah Arena and Royal Opera House. The company ensures retail offerings, fine-dining experiences, and leading hospitality brands complement Diriyah's cultural landmarks. Upon completion, Diriyah will host more than 100,000 residents, workers, students, and visitors, offering a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, and residential spaces. The first of those spaces include Bujairi Terrace, Riyadh's new premium dining hub with over 20 global and local restaurants and cafes.
