Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as the world’s most iconic tourist destination. With attractions like the world’s first gaming and esports district, the world’s largest Six Flags amusement park, an entertainment center nestled amidst picturesque mountains, and a collection of luxurious hotels, it’s redefining the perfect holiday experience. Now, the Kingdom is all set to unveil its first Opera House.
The Diriyah Company, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, has opened the doors to the nation’s inaugural Opera House in the Diriyah district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ambitious development will span 45,000 square meters and will be brought to life according to the visionary plans of the architectural firm Snøhetta. The design concept emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the environment while drawing inspiration from traditional Najdi architecture.
The blend of mudbrick ambiance, rich heritage, and modern innovation promises to create a one-of-a-kind cultural hub. Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, co-founder of Snøhetta, explains, ‘This project aims to connect the area’s rich history with contemporary culture, highlighting the importance and integrity of the arts when building future communities. The concept is built on the idea of earth from the riverbeds, which crack when exposed to the hot sun, is molded by wind and rain, and then finds a new shape as separate forms. This idea formed the cluster of buildings, which appears to be rising from the ground with open passages throughout.’
The Royal Diriyah Opera House will feature a 2,000-seat performance arena and a contemporary art museum, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Mr. Khan, a spokesperson, stated, ‘What you can expect to see is something that truly belongs to this place, you cannot take it out or replicate it in another place; it belongs to Diriyah. It’s inspired very much by the Wadi and Najdi values—the same basic materials of mud, stone, and palm used throughout history in this region.’
In total, the opera house will comprise four venues: a world-class, 2,000-seat opera venue, an adaptable theatre with movable seating, an experimental venue, and a multi-purpose hall with an outdoor terrace that can accommodate 450 people. What sets this opera house apart is its fourth venue at the very top—an outdoor amphitheater provides a unique cultural experience.
Jasper Hope, an adviser for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said, “It’s going to be a destination. It will be a place where talent from across the kingdom can be nurtured, invested in and celebrated. And it will be a place where the best of the rest of the world can come to perform to new audiences here in Riyadh. If this were an opera production, we would be somewhere in the overture phase, before act one. There is a long way to go but it’s a very exciting production we’re involved in.”
