Qiddiya Awards Multibillion-Riyal Contract for Performing Arts Centre

Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has awarded an estimated SAR 5.4 billion ($1.4 billion) contract to local firm Nesma & Partners for the construction of a major performing arts centre at Qiddiya Entertainment City near Riyadh. This landmark project forms a central part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to boost leisure tourism and establish Qiddiya as a premier entertainment and cultural destination.

Conceptual render of the Qiddiya performing arts centre showcasing the cantilevered amphitheatre and theatre complex

Project Overview

• Location: Qiddiya Entertainment City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Contract value: SAR 5.4 billion ($1.4 billion)

• Developer: Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC)

• Main contractor: Nesma & Partners (local firm)

• Capacity: Over 3,000 seats across three theatres, including a cantilevered amphitheatre with 500 seats suspended above the lower plateau of Qiddiya City

• Design architect: Tom Wiscombe Architecture (US-headquartered)

• Design consultant: Brewer Smith Brewer Gulf (Dubai-based)

• Tender issued: September 2024

• Stage two bids submitted: May 2025

Delivery Partners and Key Stakeholders

The project benefits from a blend of international expertise and local construction capacity:

• QIC oversees the master development and funding

• Nesma & Partners leads construction delivery, a top-tier Saudi contracting firm

• Tom Wiscombe Architecture responsible for design vision and architectural innovation

• Brewer Smith Brewer Gulf provides specialist design consulting expertise

• Riyadh municipality supports infrastructure and regulatory approvals

Construction and Technical Details

The performing arts centre combines innovative architectural design with technical sophistication to create world-class cultural facilities:

• Three main theatres boasting cutting-edge acoustics, seating, and stage technologies

• Cantilevered amphitheatre suspended above Qiddiya’s natural landscape to blend built form with environment

• Sustainable building systems incorporating energy-efficient lighting, HVAC, and materials

• Integration with the broader Qiddiya infrastructure including transport links, parking, and public spaces

Artistic representation of construction site activity featuring heavy machinery and workforce coordination at a large-scale cultural project

Timeline

• Tender invitation: September 2024

• Stage two bid submissions: 22 May 2025

• Contract award: October 2025

• Construction commencement: Late 2025 or early 2026 (anticipated)

• Expected completion: 2028 to 2029 (based on building scale and complexity)

Strategic Importance

The performing arts centre is a keystone in Qiddiya’s ambition to diversify Riyadh’s economy and shift towards leisure tourism under Saudi Vision 2030.

• According to GlobalData, domestic leisure tourism trips nearly doubled to 33.76 million in 2023 from 16.74 million in 2018

• International tourist arrivals for recreational purposes soared 600% between 2018 and 2023

• The cultural hub will complement other Qiddiya attractions such as themed parks (Dragon Ball and Six Flags), stadiums, and motorsport tracks

• Enhances Riyadh’s credentials as a growing international destination for entertainment and tourism events

Visualisation of the performing arts centre integrated into Qiddiya Entertainment City, highlighting sustainable building and urban connections

Construction Opportunities

The large-scale project opens extensive opportunities for construction and specialist contractors:

• Civil and structural works for theatres and amphitheatre foundations

• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) installations with focus on theatrical stage requirements

• Acoustical engineering and specialist fit-out contractors

• Sustainable building consultants and environmental technology providers

• Landscaping and external works connecting performing arts centre to Qiddiya’s urban fabric

• Transport and logistics services managing equipment delivery and site coordination

Writer’s Opinion

While the megaproject embodies impressive ambition to elevate Saudi Arabia’s leisure tourism sector, the challenge lies in translating design innovation into quality delivery within budget and schedule constraints. Saudi contracting firms like Nesma & Partners have shown capability but will face the complexities inherent in large-scale cultural infrastructure involving intricate acoustic and technical systems.

Furthermore, rapid infrastructure expansion must be accompanied by equally robust skills development and supply chain readiness to avoid delays. Public-private partnerships can accelerate progress but risk falling prey to cost escalation if project management is not rigorous.

The construction industry should see this contract as both an opportunity and a test, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s ability to develop world-class cultural landmarks while building sustainable building capability that supports Vision 2030’s broader economic diversification goals.