Diriyah Company Awards $1.53 B Arena Contract to China Harbour Engineering

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - July 18, 2025 - Diriyah Company has awarded a USD 1.53 billion (SAR 5.62 billion) contract to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the construction of the new Diriyah Arena, as part of the flagship Diriyah Gate development.

The contract includes the construction of the state-of-the-art Diriyah Arena, an entertainment and cultural venue designed to host international concerts, sporting events, and public gatherings. CHEC will oversee all aspects of the build, from foundational works to finishing details.

According to Diriyah Company officials, the arena will become a flagship facility central to the Diriyah Gate project, reinforcing the site's position as a global destination for heritage, culture, and hospitality.

Strategic Collaboration with CHEC

In awarding the contract to China Harbour Engineering, Diriyah Company is reinforcing its strategic alignment with world-leading construction partners. The choice of CHEC highlights the project's scale and ambition, requiring technical expertise in large-scale event infrastructure.

The Diriyah Arena forms a key component of the larger Diriyah Gate development, which blends urban amenities, cultural heritage, and luxury lifestyle offerings. With its central location within the masterplan, the arena will serve as a vibrant focal point that draws visitors and events from the region and beyond.

Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo stated, “The Diriyah Arena will be a landmark entertainment complex in Diriyah that reinforces the City of Earth’s growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s artistic and cultural future, in alignment with Vision 2030. By attracting both residents and global visitors to experience world-class sports and performances, the Diriyah Arena firmly demonstrates our commitment to creating a world-leading gathering place.”

General manager of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (Middle East) Yang Zhiyuan said, “This award marks a significant milestone for CHEC in the Kingdom. CHEC will bring to the project a wealth of global experience, technical expertise, and a proven track record of delivering successful projects. We will mobilize the best resources and talents from across our international network and strive for excellence to ensure the successful and timely delivery of this world-class Arena. We will continue to deliver excellence in support of Vision 2030. We are deeply proud to be part of this initiative.”

A Boost for Cultural and Event Tourism

The Diriyah Gate vision places culture and entertainment at its core, aiming to position the site as a leading regional hub in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. The Diriyah Arena is expected to:

• Host concerts, festivals, and sports matches
• Attract international audience segments
• Activate daily activity through public events and community use

This major contract signifies a foundational step in realising Diriyah Gate’s mission to blend cultural authenticity with modern leisure. As construction ramps up, the arena promises to become a symbol of Diriyah’s evolving identity, from UNESCO heritage site to a world-class event destination.