Diriyah Company announced the unveiling of a revolutionary 20,000-seat multipurpose venue in Diriyah - The Arena
14 Mar 2024
NewsThe Arena in Diriyah, a cutting-edge 20,000-seat multipurpose arena created by HKS Architects, was unveiled by Diriyah Company. The announcement, which focused on the venue's part in Diriyah's ambitious $63.2 billion masterplan to support cultural and economic growth in Saudi Arabia, was made during MIPIM in Cannes. The Arena, which is part of The City of Earth and is situated outside of Riyadh, aims to be the best place in the Middle East for sporting, entertainment, and cultural activities.
The Arena's design, which draws inspiration from the local geology and ancient Najdi architecture, captures centuries of history while utilising cutting-edge technology to guarantee flexibility, outstanding acoustics, and the best possible viewing experiences.
The location is anticipated to become a tourist and cultural icon that draws tourists from abroad and greatly enhances the activities calendar in the area. The Arena, according to Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, represents the union of history and innovation and is essential to making Diriyah a premier travel destination with a strong Saudi heritage.
The Arena's adaptable layout will make it possible for it to accommodate a variety of events in short succession, improving the area's entertainment options. There will be a bustling retail and eating area next to The Arena, along with the Plaza, an open-air venue for live events and community interaction.
This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to leverage tourism to drive economic growth and expand the entertainment industry. Lead architect Alex Thomas of HKS Architects expressed satisfaction with the project, pointing out that the design is reminiscent of historic Najdi forts and nearby geological formations.
'Digital waterfalls' are a feature of the Arena's architecture that illuminate the building to act as a beacon and draw visitors to the dynamic attractions housed inside. The Diriyah Arena is poised to become a landmark in the extraordinary vision of Diriyah, promoting a way of life that combines tradition and modernity and significantly elevating Saudi Arabia's image as a centre for world-class events and cultural tourism.