Saudi Arabia is getting its first-ever opera house
The Royal Diriyah Opera House forms part of the second phase of the dazzling Diriyah masterplan…
Another day, another world first in the city of Riyadh: the capital is getting Saudi Arabia’s first ever opera house. Announced as a joint megaproject by Diriyah Company and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), the Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a first-of-its-kind venue for the creative arts in the Kingdom.
The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be built near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At Turaif in Diriyah. Designed by world-renowned architectural firm Snøhetta with local expertise from Riyadh -based Syn Architects, it’s a lesson in show-stopping design, with its Nadji-influenced architectural elements making it a befitting icon within the Diriyah development. the mudbrick inspired construction method will be the foundation for the Royal Diriyah Opera House design, ensuring the new cultural icon fits into its traditional surroundings. Intricate design details will add the level of grandeur you’d expect from a capital city’s opera house.
Encompassing 45,000 square metres, it will be a key anchor of the second phase of Diriyah’s dazzling master plan.
“A demonstration of Diriyah’s mission to attract the finest talents in the design world, we are committed to raising the bar of architectural excellence and celebrating our rich heritage through innovative design,” explained Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Company.
On the programming, visitors will be able to look forward to diverse cultural and globally-influenced performances, all part of Diriyah’s wider vision to create cultural exchange and engagement as the destination continues to build on the areas rich historical legacy.
The development of Diriyah
The news was announced as part of the inaugural Bashayer 2023, a new event to showcase the progress of Diriyah Company. The same event saw the ground breaking of three hotels at Wadi Safar: the Aman, Oberoi, and Six Senses, plus shared new details on upcoming sporting venues the Royal Diriyah Golf Club and the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, both of which form part of Diriyah’s phase 1.