Saudi Arabia’s heritage and tourism developer has moved ahead with a major cultural project after awarding the Diriyah contemporary art museum contract for the construction of the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA). Diriyah Company confirmed the agreement is valued at $490 million, equivalent to SAR1.84 billion, marking another significant development within the Kingdom’s expanding cultural and tourism sector.
The contract was awarded to a joint venture between Hassan Allam Construction, Saudi Arabia, and AlBawani Co. Ltd, two established regional construction groups. The project will rise in Diriyah, northwest of Riyadh, where a large-scale transformation is underway to create a global destination focused on heritage, hospitality, residential communities, and entertainment.
Museum Set to Strengthen Saudi Cultural Sector
The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art is expected to become a flagship venue for modern and contemporary creative work in the Kingdom. According to official project details, the museum will be located on Grand Avenue, one of the central zones within the wider Diriyah master development.
The project will span a total built-up area of 77,428 square metres, with a gross floor area of 45,252 square metres. Officials said the facility will host exhibitions, cultural programs, and public events designed to support the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s arts ecosystem.
The Diriyah contemporary art museum contract reflects rising investment across the Gulf region in museums, creative institutions, and public cultural assets as governments diversify their economies and expand tourism offerings.
Focus on Design and Sustainability
Diriyah Company said the museum has achieved Mostadam Gold certification for both design and construction phases. Mostadam is Saudi Arabia’s national sustainability rating system for buildings and infrastructure projects.
The museum was designed by the architecture firm Godwin Austen Johnson, with Rafaat Miller Consulting supporting project delivery.
Part of Wider Diriyah Development
Diriyah is one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent development projects and is closely linked to the country’s Vision 2030 economic strategy. The area includes the UNESCO World Heritage-linked At-Turaif district and is being developed with hotels, residences, retail areas, office space, and cultural attractions.
The $500m contract has attracted attention across regional markets, although the officially confirmed contract value remains $490 million.
Regional Significance
The Diriyah contemporary art museum contract highlights continued momentum in Saudi Arabia’s project pipeline, particularly in developments tied to culture, tourism, and urban expansion. For contractors, investors, and regional businesses, it also underlines the scale of opportunities still emerging from the Kingdom’s long-term transformation plans.
Diriyah Company has not yet publicly announced a construction completion date for the museum project.
