SAR 1.84 Billion to Showcase Saudi Contemporary Art

Riyadh | B | بث

Diriyah continues to strengthen its position as one of the Kingdom’s leading cultural and urban development projects, following the announcement by Diriyah Company of awarding the construction contract for the “Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art” at a total value of SAR 1.84 billion, to a consortium comprising Al Bawani Co. Ltd. and Hassan Allam Saudi Construction.

The project represents one of the major cultural landmarks being developed by the Museums Commission, serving as a national platform embracing modern and contemporary Saudi art, within a broader vision aimed at transforming Diriyah into a global center for culture, knowledge, and the arts.

Presentation

The museum will span approximately 45,000 square meters, within a project exceeding 77,000 square meters in total area. The main building is being designed by the British architectural firm Godwin Austen Johnson, through a contemporary architectural approach inspired by local identity.

The project has also received the “Mostadam” Gold Certification during both the design and construction phases, reflecting the Kingdom’s direction toward urban and cultural developments that prioritize environmental sustainability and quality of life.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, stated that the museum will serve as a global platform for Saudi and international artists, while reinforcing Diriyah’s status as a center for culture and knowledge.

Meanwhile, Museums Commission CEO Eng. Abdullah Al-Hammad described the project as:
“the beating pulse of the Kingdom’s artistic movement,”
noting that the museum will celebrate Saudi creators from pioneering generations to emerging young talents, while opening wider spaces for international cultural dialogue.

B Reading

The project’s initial architectural vision reveals that Saudi Arabia is not merely building “a museum,”
but creating:
a new urban landmark.

The design moves away from the idea of a “traditional concrete structure,”
instead presenting a contemporary visual philosophy that blends:
Najdi depth,
architectural calmness,
visual prestige,
and open human-centered spaces.

The project appears closer to:
“a global cultural platform”
than merely a building for artistic exhibitions.

This reflects Saudi Arabia’s transition from:
building cities,
to:
building urban and cultural identity.

Beyond the Museum

What stands out about Diriyah as a whole
is that it does not move according to the logic of:
traditional urban competition,
but according to the philosophy of:
“creating meaning.”

Today, Diriyah is no longer presented merely as a historical destination,
but as an integrated destination combining:
culture,
arts,
tourism,
investment,
and modern urban life.

The total value of the Diriyah project stands at approximately SAR 236 billion,
while construction contracts awarded so far have exceeded USD 29 billion.

The project is also expected to contribute around SAR 70 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP,
create more than 180,000 jobs,
and attract nearly 50 million visits annually.

Diriyah no longer appears to be building merely “a project.”

It is reshaping the image of modern Saudi Arabia:
with a local identity,
and a global language.