Diriyah Company Awards $244 Million Contract For Grand Mosque Development In Second Phase

Diriyah Company has announced a significant joint venture contract valued at approximately $244 million (SAR917 million) for the Grand Mosque's development in Diriyah's second phase. This project involves collaboration with AlMajal AlArabi Group and MAN Enterprise AlSaudia LLC. The mosque, designed by X Architects, will accommodate 11,400 worshippers, with 5,240 indoors and 6,160 outdoors, spanning a total area of 12,320 square meters.

The Grand Mosque is set to become a central feature of Diriyah's urban development. It will serve as a venue for community prayers during important occasions like Eid and Ramadan. Additionally, it will host various community events such as book fairs, cultural activities, and local produce markets on Fridays and weekends. The mosque will include separate prayer halls for men and women, ablution areas, a library overlooking Wadi Hanifah, and facility management offices.

The mosque's architecture blends modern engineering with Najdi-inspired design elements. It features distinctive façades and an elegant interior. The design aims to achieve LEED Gold and Mostadam Gold certifications for green building standards. A 3D mesh system will allow natural sunlight into the building while minimizing heat impact to ensure comfort within the prayer hall.

Integration into Diriyah’s smart city infrastructure is another key aspect of the mosque's design. Systems for water supply, irrigation, power consumption, LEED and Mostadam monitoring, Fire and Life Safety (FLS), and security will be connected to the central Diriyah Operations Center. This integration ensures efficient management of resources and safety measures.

The Grand Mosque is part of a broader plan that includes 31 mosques across Diriyah. These mosques contribute to a total of 74,300 square meters dedicated to religious spaces. Located near Riyadh, Diriyah is one of Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The project aims to provide homes for around 100,000 people.

Diriyah's development is expected to create over 180,000 jobs and attract 50 million visits annually by 2030. It also aims to contribute nearly $18.6 billion directly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP. "The integrated urban development project aims to build homes for an estimated 100,000 people," stated the release.

Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Company Group, remarked on the significance of the Grand Mosque: "The Grand Mosque in Diriyah’s second phase will be a landmark place of worship through its serene Najdi-inspired design." This statement highlights the project's cultural importance alongside its architectural innovation.

With inputs from SPA