Diriyah awards $1.4bn contract for Royal Opera House construction

Diriyah awards $1.4bn contract for Royal Opera House construction
A computer-generated image of the Royal Diriyah Opera House. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 17 April 2025
Follow

Diriyah awards $1.4bn contract for Royal Opera House construction

Diriyah awards $1.4bn contract for Royal Opera House construction
  • Three companies have been awarded the contract to develop the opera house: El-Seif Engineering Contracting, Midmac Contracting Company W.L.L., and the China State Construction Engineering Corp.
  • Agreement signed by Diriyah’s Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo in the presence of Khaled Al-Hazani, executive VP of the lifestyle sector at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and company representatives

RIYADH: The Diriyah Co. has announced the awarding of a SR5.1 billion ($1.4 billion) contract for the construction of the Royal Diriyah Opera House — one of the most prominent cultural assets of the firm’s development plan under Vision 2030.

Three companies have been awarded the contract to develop the opera house: El-Seif Engineering Contracting, Midmac Contracting Company W.L.L., and the China State Construction Engineering Corp.

This new contract is a major addition to the series of announcements made at the beginning of the second quarter of 2025. It is a part of Diriyah’s ongoing efforts to develop the historic area on the outskirts of Riyadh.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday by Diriyah’s Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo in the presence of Khaled Al-Hazani, executive vice president of the lifestyle sector at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and representatives of the three companies.

The opera house is set to become a primary center for the performing arts and an iconic architectural landmark that will redefine the Kingdom’s cultural landscape. It will feature a 2,000-seat main hall, making it the largest in the Kingdom.

The hall will serve as the centerpiece of this cultural complex, which will be managed by the RCRC. It will include a theater, studio, rooftop amphitheater, and several multipurpose halls, bringing the total seating capacity to 3,100.

The opera house was designed by the renowned Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta, and features a contemporary Najdi aesthetic, using natural materials sourced from palm trees, and stone.

The design prioritizes sustainability, incorporating water conservation, natural lighting, strategic building orientation, and thermal comfort measures.

Inzerillo said: “The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a defining asset in Diriyah, which reinforces Diriyah’s growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s artistic and cultural future, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals.”

He added: “This contract is an important step in our journey toward building a diverse range of assets across the Diriyah development area.

“This architectural gem plays a vital role in bringing people together in one of the world’s greatest gathering destinations, to experience unforgettable performances.”

Al-Hazani said that “this agreement marks a major milestone in building this world-class operatic venue.”

He said he was looking “forward to welcoming the world’s leading operatic and artistic talent in the future, and empowering the Kingdom’s outstanding local talents.”


UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing

UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing
Updated 05 May 2025
Follow

UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing

UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing
  • Destination showcases Kingdom’s natural and cultural diversity, UNESCO official says
  • In April, UNESCO listed North Riyadh Geopark and Salma as part of its Global Geoparks Network

RIYADH: UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, visited North Riyadh Geopark on Sunday, praising the destination for preserving both nature and history.

The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization designated North Riyadh Geopark in April as part of its Global Geoparks Network, which aims to protect geological heritage sites and promote sustainable development.

Hussam Zuhair Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, and Hamoud Alnughaymishi, director of the Science Sector at the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, accompanied Brito during her visit.

They explored significant geological features at the North Riyadh Geopark, including the Abu Shaddad Cave and the Edge of the World cliff. They also stopped to explore Ghamra Village, known for its natural adventure routes on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Brito said that the North Riyadh Geopark showcases the natural and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia, and will enhance eco-tourism in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In April, UNESCO designated North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its Global Geoparks Network. The Kingdom hopes to register 13 other sites on UNESCO’s network, the SPA added.


Riyadh’s latest group game spot encourages social connection

Pixel Games adds to the Kingdom’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)
Pixel Games adds to the Kingdom’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)
Updated 05 May 2025
Follow

Riyadh’s latest group game spot encourages social connection

Pixel Games adds to the Kingdom’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)
  • Center designed to engage people physically, mentally

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia encourages more active and social lifestyles, a group of young Saudi entrepreneurs in Riyadh has created a space that blends movement, mental challenges, and social connection.

Opened in 2024, Pixel Games is a locally developed gaming center designed to engage people both physically and mentally. It is also a testament to the vision and drive of young Saudis, who are shaping the Kingdom’s entertainment landscape.

Pixel Games adds to Saudi Arabia’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)

Riyadh has no shortage of entertainment options, and Pixel Games adds to the city’s growing roster of homegrown concepts.

While the founders would like to keep a low profile, they are working behind the scenes to address the local appetite for interactive social spaces that go beyond traditional arcades or seasonal pop-ups.

FASTFACTS

• Activities at Pixel Games range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together.

• Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.

The center features nine themed “moving rooms,” with more than 40 group-based physical and mental challenges.

Riyadh has no shortage of entertainment options, and Pixel Games adds to the city’s growing roster of homegrown concepts. (Supplied)

Activities range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together. Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.

Visitors have responded positively to the experience. Nawaf Aloggayel, a recent guest, said: “The place is beautiful, the games are different and fun, and the prices are reasonable.

Pixel Games adds to Saudi Arabia’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)

“I advise people to come … it’s the best entertainment place in Riyadh so far.”

Ahmed Al-Ahmed, marketing representative for Pixel Games, said: “Pixels is an entertainment center that gathers challenges and fun into a group of different movement activities.

“Groups can enjoy a private room, which makes it more exciting and comfortable.”

What sets it apart is its year-round availability, making it a go-to spot for spontaneous plans or scheduled outings. It provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can burn off energy, develop problem-solving skills, and socialize with their peers.

Whether you are looking for a quick group activity, a family outing, or a way to try something new with friends, Pixels offers a low-key alternative for playful competition and connection.

 


Biotech program to empower Saudi innovators

General view in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
General view in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
Updated 05 May 2025
Follow

Biotech program to empower Saudi innovators

General view in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
  • The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a biotechnology accelerator program to empower Saudi innovators in biotechnology and life sciences.

The initiative aims to enhance their scientific and commercial readiness, attract investment, and expand their global market reach, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also seeks to boost their contributions to healthcare quality, aligning with the National Biotechnology Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030, which envisions a thriving, innovation-driven economy and a vibrant society with sustainable health and quality of life.

The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts.

It includes workshops, seminars, individual consultations, and a chance to present innovations at the BIO 2025 Conference.

The application deadline is May 8. Interviews and initial selection will take place from May 15-20, with final acceptances announced on May 25.

The ministry continues to advance health innovation and accelerate the progress of promising national projects. It encourages all Saudi innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups to register for the program and inquire via [email protected]

 


Insan spends SR55m on beneficiary families in first quarter of 2025

The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food). (X @ensanorg)
The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food). (X @ensanorg)
Updated 05 May 2025
Follow

Insan spends SR55m on beneficiary families in first quarter of 2025

The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food). (X @ensanorg)
  • Programs aim to meet needs through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, direct assistance

RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh, also known as Insan, implemented several programs during the first quarter of 2025 aimed at meeting the needs of families through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, and direct assistance.

Total expenditure on services and initiatives provided during the first quarter amounted to SR55.09 million ($14.66 million), which included basic, seasonal, and other services.

The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food).

It also deposited SR2,790,600 for the Ramadan Basket Project, benefiting 9,251 families to meet their needs during the holy month of Ramadan, and SR1,060,800 for the Eid Gift Project, helping 5,304 through special gifts during Eid Al-Fitr.

There were more than 21,000 beneficiaries from the Zakat Al-Fitr project during the first quarter, covering their food needs before Eid Al-Fitr, at a cost of SR3.86 million.

The quarterly report issued by Insan highlighted the numerous programs and activities provided by it, including Imaniyat, Pioneers of the Future, Be a Human Compass, Mualham, and Medad.

These programs included developmental and empowerment paths, helping 2,853 beneficiaries.

In line with its commitment to meeting the needs of beneficiary families, Insan provided 7,725 diverse services during the first quarter, including emergency assistance, social and health support, bill payments, housing expenses, furnishing and maintenance, contributions to home purchases, healthcare, and other services. The society spent SR19,773,339 on these services.

It also conducted 1,469 visits to families in the first quarter. These assessed conditions, listened to needs, and identified requirements. The family satisfaction rate reached 93 percent.

In an effort to empower beneficiaries in various fields, the society conducted 436 applications for training, diploma, bachelor’s degree, employment, and project financing.

 


Saudi deputy minister receives newly appointed Spanish ambassador

Saud Al-Sati (R) holds talks with Javier Carbajosa Sanchez in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Saud Al-Sati (R) holds talks with Javier Carbajosa Sanchez in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 05 May 2025
Follow

Saudi deputy minister receives newly appointed Spanish ambassador

Saud Al-Sati (R) holds talks with Javier Carbajosa Sanchez in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • Al-Sati welcomed the Spanish ambassador and wished him success in his new duties

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received the new Ambassador of Spain to the Kingdom Javier Carbajosa Sanchez in Riyadh on Monday.

Al-Sati welcomed the Spanish ambassador and wished him success in his new duties, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

Separately, the Saudi deputy minister met with Ambassador of Iraq to the Kingdom Safia Taleb Al-Suhail and discussed bilateral relations and issues of common interest.