Plans have been unveiled for what aspires to be the premier arena in the Middle East, with HKS Architects appointed to deliver the project in Saudi Arabia.
The Arena in Diriyah was presented today (Wednesday) at the MIPIM real estate exhibition, conference and networking event in Cannes, France. Located on the outskirts of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the 20,000-seat multipurpose sports, entertainment, and cultural venue aims to be a key milestone in Diriyah’s transformation as a key driver in the Kingdom’s vision for cultural and economic growth.
The announcement is part of the broader $63.2bn (£49.4bn/€57.7bn) masterplan that underpins Diriyah’s development, as it seeks to redefine cultural and lifestyle offerings within Riyadh.
The project is being driven by Diriyah Company, which was established last year and is part of the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) portfolio of ‘giga projects’. Diriyah, Saudi Arabia’s premier historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination, is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision to diversify the Kingdom’s economy.
A 15-minute drive from Riyadh’s city centre, the 14-square-kilometre development holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Kingdom, dating back to 1727. Currently being developed by Diriyah Company, Diriyah is undergoing a transformation into an authentic Najdi-style mixed-use urban community.
Located in the heart of Diriyah, the 76,000 square metre arena intends to become a tourism hallmark, drawing visitors from across the globe and completely transforming the region’s events landscape.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “The Arena in Diriyah is a cornerstone element of our mission to blend tradition with innovation. It exemplifies Diriyah’s unique lifestyle offering that harmonises community, culture, and natural connection, setting a new standard for world-class destinations rooted in Saudi heritage.”
Inspired by the natural geology surrounding Diriyah and aiming to capture the traditional Najdi architecture motif spanning centuries of heritage, the venue will possess the ability to transition between different configurations within hours, offering the flexibility to host various events in quick succession. The project’s backers said its state-of-the-art design will ensure exceptional acoustics and optimal viewing angles from every seat.
The venue promises an extended entertainment experience, with direct access to a shopping and dining district in Diriyah’s greater community. Adjacent to the Arena in Diriyah will be the Plaza; an outdoor venue for live performances, pop-up shows, and an urban park.
HKS Architects lead architect, Alex Thomas, said: “The architecture rises from the landscape as a series of monoliths, evoking local geological formations and alluding to ancient Nadji forts and palaces that have animated and lit ‘digital waterfalls’. The visual energy of the waterfalls serves as a beacon, drawing guests to the dynamic experience inside.”
The Arena in Diriyah is one of an array of high-profile sports and entertainment venue projects being planned in Saudi. Qiddiya, another of the ‘giga-projects’ under Vision 2030, last week unveiled more details of its Speed Track motorsport facility, which is set to become the future home of Formula 1’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
In January, Populous said the new Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium being developed as part of the Qiddiya project represents a “quantum leap” in stadium design. The Board of Directors of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) earlier revealed the vision for the multi-use venue.
Located in Qiddiya City, atop the 200m-high Tuwaiq cliff and 40 minutes from Riyadh, the venue aims to revolutionise the traditional stadium experience with its immersive design and unique technological features. The 45,000-seat stadium is fully compliant with FIFA requirements for club and international football. Once open, it will serve as the home ground of Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
In December, Qiddiya also teamed up with Populous to unveil plans for what it claims will be a pioneering new gaming and esports district.
