Diriyah Company Secures Major Construction Partner for Diriyah Square Retail Zone

Diriyah, Saudi Arabia | Development & Infrastructure Update

Diriyah Company has awarded a construction contract valued at approximately USD 600 million (SAR 2.249 billion) to Salini Saudi Arabia, part of the Webuild Group, to deliver a large-scale retail district within Diriyah Square.

The agreement advances one of the most prominent components of Diriyah, the City of Earth, a heritage-led destination being developed on the outskirts of Riyadh as part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term urban and cultural transformation strategy.

Retail-Led District Designed for Pedestrian Experience

The awarded scope covers the construction of 73 low-rise buildings accommodating around 400 retail units across a built-up area of more than 365,000 square metres. The district is planned as a fully walkable environment, prioritising pedestrian movement and integrating retail, dining, and leisure uses into a cohesive urban setting.

Diriyah Square is envisioned as the retail nucleus of the wider Diriyah masterplan, serving residents, office workers, and visitors drawn to the destination’s cultural and lifestyle offerings.

Najdi Architecture as a Defining Feature

All buildings within the retail precinct will follow traditional Najdi architectural principles, reflecting the historical character of Diriyah while supporting contemporary retail operations. The design language focuses on shaded streets, textured façades, and human-scale proportions, reinforcing the district’s identity as a place rooted in more than three centuries of heritage.

Expanded Role for Webuild Group

This latest contract builds on Webuild Group’s ongoing involvement in Diriyah Square. Salini Saudi Arabia is already delivering extensive underground infrastructure beneath the district, including a multi-level parking facility designed to accommodate over 10,500 vehicles.

The underground network incorporates transport interfaces, VIP and taxi access zones, and internal road systems connecting different elements of the masterplan. In parallel, structural works for above-ground components—such as hospitality, residential, office, and civic buildings—are also being advanced.

Scale and Economic Impact of the Diriyah Project

Diriyah Square will ultimately host 400 of the roughly 1,000 commercial outlets planned across the wider 14-square-kilometre Diriyah development. The overall project carries an estimated value of SAR 237 billion (USD 63.2 billion) and is expected to play a significant role in job creation, tourism growth, and economic diversification.

To date, Diriyah Company has surpassed SAR 100 billion in awarded contracts, underlining the pace and scale of delivery across the development.

Shaping a Global Cultural Destination

Beyond retail, Diriyah is planned to include museums, educational institutions, performance venues, hotels, branded residences, office districts, and leisure assets such as golf and equestrian facilities. The retail district at Diriyah Square is intended to connect international brands with Saudi craftsmanship, positioning the destination as both globally relevant and culturally authentic.