Mega Projects and SAR 18.75 billion in Investments Following the Start of 2025 Drive Diriyah’s Global Rise

·      15 new agreements and partnerships signed; two major power plants inaugurated

·      SAR 18.75 billion worth of mega projects launched in H1 2025

·      Royal Diriyah Opera House awarded, Diriyah Arena developed, and Diriyah Square construction commenced

·      19 international and local participations; launch of the exclusive Diriyah Tan color, Diriyah’s signature color, in partnership with Pantone

·      Historic visit by the U.S. President with a strong international media presence

·      Guinness World Record recognition for safety achievements

·      Multiple certifications in sustainability and quality; awards in HR, event design, and local content excellence resources management, event design, and excellence in local content

Diriyah welcomed more than 3.6 million visits by mid-2025, strengthening its status as a premier global destination since the opening of Bujairi Terrace and the historic At-Turaif District in December 2022. The city continues to advance toward its ambitious goal of attracting 50 million visits by 2030. At the same time, the value of mega projects signed in the first half of the year exceeded SAR 19 billion across 15 major agreements, underscoring the accelerating pace of progress in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030. 

Quality Investments

Total investments from signed contracts and projects exceeded SAR 19 billion, covering 15 agreements in total, six memoranda of cooperation and nine contracts. Among the most significant were the inauguration of two main electric power stations valued at SAR 1.166 billion, and the awarding of a SAR 5.1 billion contract for the development of the Royal Diriyah Opera House, an initiative that reinforces Diriyah’s ambition to become a global cultural and artistic hub. In addition, infrastructure development works worth SAR 4.225 billion were launched in the King Saud University area, aimed at strengthening educational facilities and supporting surrounding residential communities.

Among the major achievements was the signing of a SAR 2.249 billion construction contract to develop Diriyah Square, a landmark project that will feature 400 leading retail, entertainment, and dining brands within an expansive, pedestrian-friendly commercial district. In parallel, construction has commenced on Diriyah Arena, a SAR 5.75 billion multi-purpose venue designed to accommodate 20,000 spectators. Inspired by the architectural heritage of Najd, the arena will serve as a stage for world-class music, sports, and innovation events.

A landmark investment agreement was signed with Salini Company to develop 400 commercial units and 73 buildings within a fully pedestrianized environment. This project reimagines the traditional marketplace, transforming it into a vibrant destination for art, shopping, and cultural exchange, all infused with the authentic spirit of Najd.

Expanding its portfolio of luxury residences, Diriyah has announced the launch of sales for the Amansamar Residences Wadi Safar, an exclusive collection of 34 villas. Designed with 5- and 6-bedroom layouts, the villas span areas starting from 9,000 square meters, ensuring complete privacy, expansive living spaces, and world-class amenities. The project will provide access to a number of other exclusive assets, including a championship golf course designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman, the Royal Equestrian & Polo Club, the Aman Spa resort with a fully integrated health club, as well as a racquet club, swimming pools, and a selection of fine dining restaurants offering international cuisine.

 Impactful Presence

Beyond construction and development, Diriyah has also established a strong footprint on the global stage, showcasing its vision at leading international events and forums. With more than 25,000 visitors engaged across multiple exhibitions, Diriyah’s presence was highlighted at the STF Exhibition in Riyadh, ITB Berlin, ATM Dubai, ITB China, and the ILTM Travel & Tourism Exhibition in Singapore. Complementing these efforts, Diriyah organized successful sales missions in Paris, Rome, and London, further strengthening its international visibility, with unique experiences such as the Diriyah pop up showroom in Harrods and the opening of Diriyah House Experience Center at One Hyde Park in London.

In parallel, Diriyah launched a series of initiatives and campaigns to promote national identity and drive innovation. Among the most notable were the fifth edition of the Diriyah Graduate Development Program, empowering young national talent, and the Smart City Initiative, aimed at enhancing quality of life through advanced infrastructure, operational efficiency, and real-time data. This initiative is designed to optimize management, improve user interaction, and deliver a seamless experience for both residents and visitors of Diriyah.

To further strengthen its visual identity, Diriyah introduced its signature color, Diriyah Tan, developed in collaboration with the global Pantone Institute to reflect the city’s historical and cultural heritage. During the same period, Diriyah also announced the exclusive launch of Armani Residences Diriyah, reinforcing its position as a premier luxury residential destination. In line with its commitment to nurturing national talent, Diriyah launched the third edition of the Engineers Development Program, empowering local professionals and creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Exceptional Visit

In a historic moment, HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman accompanied U.S. President Donald Trump on a tour of Diriyah. Their visit included the historic At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Saudi state, the first capital of the original Saudi dynasty.

This landmark occasion, the first-ever visit by an American president to Diriyah, carried both political significance and cultural symbolism. It reflected the depth of longstanding relations between the two nations and resonated widely at the local and international levels.

During the same period, Diriyah also welcomed the guests of the Saudi Media Forum 2025, offering them an immersive journey through the Kingdom’s ancient history, rich culture, and the heritage of Diriyah, the foundation of the Saudi state’s establishment.

 Leadership and Excellence

In the first half of 2025, Diriyah Company further strengthened its global profile with recognition from some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. The company was named to TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025, becoming only the second Saudi company after Aramco to achieve this honor. This acknowledgment underscores Diriyah’s vision, scale of investments, and its emergence as a global player in culture, economy, and innovation.

Adding to its achievements, Diriyah FC’s football team captured the Saudi Second Division League title with a 1-0 victory over AlUla FC in the final. The team is now preparing to compete in the First Division League, determined to continue its ascent in domestic football.

Several of Diriyah’s landmarks, including Bujairi Terrace, Wadi Hanifah, and Zallal, have been featured in the global edition of Monopoly, underscoring the city’s cultural and historical prominence on the world stage.

Reinforcing its leadership across multiple fields, Diriyah has earned a series of prestigious awards since January 2025. Among the most notable are the Best Sustainable Tourism Development Project Award, the Excellence in Sustainability Award, and the Innovation in Urban Design Award. The city was also added to the World’s Travel Green List 2025, published annually by the British platform Wanderlust.

Diriyah has further consolidated its institutional and professional standing with multiple accolades and certifications. These include the SAP Award for Human Resources Management Modernization, the Excellence in Local Content Award, and, at the close of Diriyah Season 24/25, the Best Design and Décor Award for Layali Diriyah. The Wadi Safar project received three certifications from the Mostadam program after meeting all sustainability criteria. Beyond this, Diriyah set a world safety record recognized by Guinness World Records, while its adherence to international standards was affirmed through two ISO certifications in sustainable practices and Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS).

Diriyah Company is preparing to welcome visitors of Riyadh Expo 2030 across its portfolio of 40 hotels, as part of its steady progress toward the goal of becoming a global destination attracting 50 million annual visits by 2030. Positioned as Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage gateway to the world, Diriyah continues to advance toward this ambitious vision.

In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, Diriyah’s projects are expected to contribute more than SAR 70 billion annually to the national GDP and create 180,000 job opportunities, reinforcing the Kingdom’s economic growth and transformation.