Charged with revitalising Saudi Arabia’s historic birthplace in Riyadh, Diriyah Company is driving forward its $63.2-billion transformation. This year promises major milestones, with new details expected on the recently announced Boulevard District – a dynamic cultural hotspot envisioned as the kingdom’s own Champs-Élysées.

 

Located just 15 minutes from the heart of Riyadh, this ancient city (also known as “The City of Earth”) has already seen the opening of Bujairi Terrace – opposite the Unesco World Heritage Site of At-Turaif – which has now become a premium dining and events destination.

 

The ambitious project has seen impressive progress on key infrastructure projects over the past year including the completion in November of the super-basement of Diriyah Square, on which will rise six luxury hotels. 

 

The three-level underground structure features parking for 10,500 vehicles, 5.7 sq km of tunnels, and two metro tracks. 

 

This work involved the excavation to a depth of 40 m and of 10 million cu m of rock which was reused elsewhere on site. Diriyah Square, a lifestyle hub in the heart of Diriyah, will host ultra-luxury collection of exclusive retail and hotels.

 

Diriyah Company also marked the completion last month of a 1,707 MVA-capacity Bulk Substation and a 200 MVA-capacity Primary Substation. 

 

The SAR682 million ($181.7 million) substations, operated by Saudi Electricity Company and designed in the authentic Najdi architectural style, will power key developments including Diriyah Square, the Qurain Cultural District and Wadi Safar.

 

Over the past year, the developer has significantly accelerated its programme having signed major contracts for large-scale projects within the 14-sq km development area. 

 

Its latest contract awards include a SAR5.8-billion deal inked in November last year to a joint venture between Nesma & Partners Contracting Company and MAN Enterprise Al Saudia for the development of Qurain Cultural District; a SAR7.8-billion contract to China State Construction Engineering Co-operation (CSCEC) and El Seif Engineering Contracting Company awarded in July for the design and construction of assets in Diriyah’s Northern District; and another SAR8-billion deal to Urbacon Saudi and Al Bawani for the construction of four luxury hotels and the Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club in Wadi Safar.

 

Diriyah Company is expected to reveal details of the “iconic assets that will sit on the 1.9-km Boulevard” that will extend from the Hero’s Park to King Saud University on King Khaled Road, Mohammed Saad, President of the Diriyah Development Company (DevCo), had announced at the second edition of the Bashayer Al-Diriyah (Bashayer – Delivering our Future) late last year.

 

This was followed early last month by the award of a consultancy contract worth SAR426 million to Omrania, a subsidiary of Egis Group, for the Boulevard District project. The firm will oversee the multidisciplinary design of buildings in three community zones along the 70-m-wide boulevard, encompassing concept and detailed designs, as well as construction supervision.

 

Omrania’s work will integrate with Diriyah’s masterplan, connecting the Boulevard District to cultural, retail, residential, and commercial assets across the development.

 

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