Diriyah Company, the dynamic Saudi mixed-use developer behind the transformation of The City of Earth, has awarded a SAR758.5 million ($202.2 million) contract to China Harbour Engineering Company to undertake bulk excavation works within Phase Two of the mega Diriyah project. 

 

The excavation works will cover most of the area of the second phase of the Diriyah project, which spans approximately 6.3 sq km, out of the total 14 sq km development area. 

 

This excavation contract marks another key milestone in the realization of the Diriyah masterplan, showcasing the rapid progress of the 14-sq km integrated urban development project. 

 

The Diriyah Company is responsible for the Diriyah and the Wadi Safar masterplans, encompassing more than 40 hotels, arts districts, museums and world-class sporting venues within a vibrant new global destination on the outskirts of Riyadh, the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

 

The excavation works will see more than 600 heavy machines deployed on-site to carry out the work, shaping the site according to design specifications and providing a foundation for the development of planned world-class assets in Diriyah. These include the Royal Diriyah Opera House and the 20,000 seat Diriyah Arena.

 

Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: "We are excited to begin bulk excavation works in the second phase of the Diriyah project, marking another key milestone in the development of ‘The City of Earth’."

 

"Progressing ahead of schedule, this excavation will enable smooth and efficient development of major cultural assets that will attract millions of visitors annually to Diriyah and inspire the world. As we move forward in creating a premier live-work-play destination, we encourage partners to join us on this journey," he stated.

 

Diriyah Company will embrace circular economy principles, as materials from the excavation site will be crushed and repurposed for uses such as road bases, landscaping, and backfill, according to international sustainability guidelines. 

 

By embedding international best practices, innovative technologies, and sustainability certification targets in all our projects, Diriyah Company aims to enhance environmental performance and sustainability credentials at the community and building levels.

 

Yang Zhiyuan, CEO of China Harbour Engineering Company (Middle East), said: "We are confident in the success of this project, integrating the advantages of global resources, technical strength, equipment resources and an experienced management team."

 

"We will focus on environmental protection awareness and sustainable development concepts during implementation, ensuring the timely delivery of the project, contributing to the preservation of Diriyah’s heritage, cultural exchange and the development goals of Saudi Vision 2030,” he noted. 

 

The large-scale contract is the latest awarded this year by Diriyah Company following a $1.5 billion joint venture for Qurain Cultural District, awarded last month in November; a $2.08 billion contract for the Northern District, awarded in July; and another contract worth $2.13 billion to build four luxury hotels and Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club in Wadi Safar, also in July.-TradeArabia News Service