The town of Diriyah, the original home of the Saudi Royal family, is about to gain a new cultural attraction – The Arena, a massive, technologically-advanced event space that aims to become one of the Middle East’s most sought-after venues. The planners behind this 20,000 seat arena hope that it will place Diriyah at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and entertainment sector.

The plans for this theatre were unveiled by Diriyah Co. at the global real estate exhibition MIPIM in Cannes. This group is a Public Investment Fund entity that has the goal of transforming Diriyah into a global cultural, historical, and lifestyle hub that blends tradition with innovation. The Arena is one part of that SAR 236 billion master plan.

The design of The Arena draws inspiration from its natural surroundings as well as traditional Najdi architecture. Designed by London-based HKS Architects, this venue’s plans see it rising out of the earth like the majestic stone monoliths that shape the surrounding landscape. In addition, digital waterfalls on the outside of the building set the stage for whatever experience guests are about to have within.

The design of this massive event space is practical as well as aesthetic. This 76,000 square-metre arena boasts a versatile design that allows the venue to host multiple events in rapid succession. Additionally, the building’s design prioritises the experience of attendees, with state-of-the-art technology enhancing the space’s acoustics and special attention paid to optimising the viewing angles of every seat. The outdoor plaza will serve as a venue for live performances and pop-up shows in addition to its everyday function as an urban park for residents and visitors to enjoy.