Diriyah Company Awards $490 Million Construction Contract for Iconic Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art

In a significant stride towards establishing itself as a global cultural hub, Saudi Arabia, through Diriyah Company, has awarded a substantial $490 million construction contract for the new Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA). This landmark project, situated in the historic Diriyah area, is a testament to the Kingdom's ambitious vision for cultural development and its commitment to showcasing Saudi artistic talent on an international stage.

The contract, secured by a joint venture between Hassan Allam Construction Saudi L.L.C. and Albawani Company Ltd., signifies a major investment in the arts and culture sector. SAMoCA is envisioned not just as a museum, but as a dynamic center for artistic exploration, dedicated to documenting, researching, exhibiting, and championing the evolution of Saudi modern and contemporary art. This initiative is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Kingdom's rich artistic heritage and its burgeoning creative future.

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The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art will provide Saudi and international artists with a truly world-class platform – one that invites global voices to engage with the Kingdom as it is today. This iconic asset will further elevate Diriyah’s reputation as the Kingdom’s capital of culture – and underscores our unwavering commitment to developing a vibrant city that serves our community, and the nation at large.

Diriyah Company's CEO, Jerry Inzerillo, emphasized that SAMoCA will provide a world-class platform for both Saudi and international artists, inviting global dialogue and further elevating Diriyah's status as the Kingdom's cultural capital. Echoing this sentiment, Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Hammad, CEO of the Museums Commission, highlighted the museum's role as the epicenter of Saudi art, connecting pioneering and emerging Saudi artists with international perspectives.

This development is part of the larger $63.2 billion Diriyah integrated urban development project. To date, over $29 billion in construction contracts have been awarded, underscoring the scale of this transformative undertaking. Upon completion, Diriyah is projected to contribute significantly to the Kingdom's GDP, create over 180,000 jobs, and become home to a substantial population, attracting millions of annual visitors. The inclusion of museums, shopping districts, a university, and hospitality venues points to a comprehensive vision for a vibrant, culturally rich, and economically prosperous future for Saudi Arabia.

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The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art will be the epicenter of Saudi modern and contemporary art. Set against the historic legacy of Diriyah, it is designed to document and champion generations of Saudi artists, from pioneers to emerging voices, while inviting international dialogue into that story. We are committed to ensuring this dynamic platform remains accessible and inspiring for all.