DYNAMIC CULTURAL HOTSPOT

CHARGED with revitalising Saudi Arabia's historic birthplace in Riyadh, Diriyah Company is driving forward its $63.2-billion transformation. This year promises major milestones, with new details expected on the recently announced Boulevard District - a dynamic cultural hotspot envisioned as the kingdom's own Champs-Élysées.

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Located just 15 minutes from the heart of Riyadh, this ancient city (also known as "The City of Earth") has already seen the opening of Bujairi Terrace opposite the Unesco World Heritage Site of At-Turaif which has now become a premium dining and events destination.

The ambitious project has seen impressive progress on key infrastructure projects over the past year including the completion in November of the super-basement of Diriyah Square, on which will rise six luxury hotels. The three-level underground structure features parking for 10,500 vehicles, 5.7 sq km of tunnels, and two metro tracks. This work involved the excavation to a depth of 40 m and of 10 million cu m of rock which was reused elsewhere on site. Diriyah Square, a lifestyle hub in the heart of Diriyah, will host ultra-luxury collection of exclusive retail and hotels.

Diriyah Company also marked the completion last month of a 1,707 MVA-capacity Bulk Substation and a 200 MVA-capacity Primary Substation. The SAR682 million ($181.7 million) substations, operated by Saudi Electricity Company and designed in the authentic Najdi architectural style, will power key developments including Diriyah Square, the Qurain Cultural District and Wadi Safar.