Riyadh, July 17, 2025 – In a bold move to accelerate its cultural and tourism ambitions, Saudi Arabia has awarded a $1.53 billion contract to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the construction of a landmark entertainment complex near Riyadh.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company, which is spearheading the Kingdom’s transformation of the historic Diriyah region.
The mega-contract will see CHEC build the Diriyah Arena block—an expansive multi-functional entertainment hub featuring a massive indoor arena, three mixed-use office buildings, and a large-scale parking facility. The Diriyah Arena, with a gross floor area of around 74,000 square meters, is set to become one of the largest and most flexible entertainment venues in Saudi Arabia, boasting a seating capacity of 20,000.
The arena is designed to host a wide array of global and regional events, including concerts, sporting tournaments, e-sports battles, exhibitions, and live performances. The project reflects Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy beyond oil and elevate its status as a global entertainment and cultural powerhouse.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, hailed the project as a transformative step in reinforcing Diriyah’s cultural significance. “The Diriyah Arena will be a global entertainment destination that symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation, heritage, and cultural expression,” he stated.
CHEC’s regional CEO, Yang Zhiyuan, expressed pride in the partnership. “This is a landmark achievement for China Harbour Engineering Company in Saudi Arabia. We are honored to contribute to one of the Kingdom’s most ambitious developments,” he said.
The latest agreement follows a previous $202.2 million contract awarded to CHEC in December 2024 for bulk excavation work in Diriyah, underscoring the deepening collaboration between Saudi Arabia and China in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
With the Diriyah project rapidly gaining momentum, Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a global hub for culture, entertainment, and investment, drawing attention from around the world.