Diriyah To Build Saudi Arabia’s First Opera House
Diriyah has announced plans for Saudi Arabia’s first opera house.
Diriyah Company and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced the Royal Diriyah Opera House, which will be built in the heart of Diriyah, the Saudi capital city’s 300-year-old heritage quarters and the birthplace of the Kingdom.
The announcement was made during Diriyah Company’s celebrated Bashayer 2023 Event that also witnessed the unveiling of a strategic partnership with the world-renowned architectural firm Snøhetta to design the Royal Diriyah Opera House.
The Riyadh-based Syn Architects also contributed to the design, infusing the project with local expertise and a deep understanding of the region’s architectural heritage.
The Royal Diriyah Opera House, first of its kind in the Kingdom and located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At Turaif in Diriyah, will be built by Diriyah Company and operated by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), the entity leading growth and development efforts in the Saudi capital city.
The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a key element of the second phase of the Diriyah masterplan.
Encompassing 45,000sq m, the opera house will be a beacon of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, showcasing Diriyah as a global hub of culture and creativity.
Informed by Najdi-style architecture, characterised by its intricate details and mudbrick-inspired construction method, the opera house’s design will create a seamless blend of heritage and innovation.
This design vernacular paves the way for a vibrant future of culture-driven developments in Diriyah, anchored on the city’s rich historical legacy.
The Royal Diriyah Opera House will serve as a platform for a diverse program of cultural performances, reinforcing Diriyah’s mission to catalyse cultural exchange and engagement.
The project also supports RCRC’s endeavour to transform Riyadh into one of the world’s best cities to live, work, and visit.
Announced alongside a plethora of sector-leading assets and cultural offerings, Diriyah Company’s strategic collaborations such as this one with Snøhetta, continue to set a precedent for architectural and urban cultural development excellence.
