Diriyah Company and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced that it is set to welcome Saudi Arabia’s inaugural opera house – the Royal Diriyah Opera House.
Situated at the heart of Diriyah, the capital city’s 300-year-old heritage quarters and birthplace of the Kingdom, the Royal Diriyah Opera House will stand as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to celebrating its rich culture and heritage. Covering a sprawling 45,000 square metres near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At Turaif, this architectural masterpiece will be the focal point of the second phase of the Diriyah masterplan, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The plans were unveiled during Diriyah Company’s celebrated Bashayer 2023 event earlier this month, where it also revealed its strategic partnership with the globally acclaimed architectural firm Snøhetta, known for its imaginative and sustainable design ethos. Local expertise from Riyadh-based Syn Architects will also play a vital role, infusing the project with a deep understanding of the region’s architectural heritage.
The Royal Diriyah Opera House, inspired by the traditional Najdi architectural style, will seamlessly blend heritage and innovation. Kjetil Thorsen, Co-Founder and Architect of Snøhetta, emphasised the goal to create a timeless cultural symbol that weaves Najdi motifs into a contemporary architectural narrative.
The Royal Diriyah Opera House will not only be a visual spectacle but also a platform for diverse cultural performances, reinforcing Diriyah’s mission to catalyse cultural exchange and engagement within the Kingdom and beyond.