Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - July 15, 2025: Salini Saudi Arabia, a subsidiary of Italy’s Webuild Group, has been awarded a $600 million contract by Diriyah Company to construct the main retail zone of Diriyah Square, a central component of one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant cultural and commercial developments.
The project involves building 73 structures and preparing 400 retail units across more than 365,000 square meters. The retail district is designed to be a pedestrian-first environment, inspired by traditional Najdi architecture, and will feature a mix of global brands and local artisans. It forms the commercial heart of Diriyah, the so-called "City of Earth," envisioned as a modern community deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s historical legacy.
“Diriyah Square is one of our most exciting, anticipated and prestigious districts,” said Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company. “We are extremely pleased to have signed with Salini to deliver it, bringing their immense global experience to the table.”
Salini’s role in Diriyah is not new. The company is already constructing one of the world’s largest underground parking facilities beneath Diriyah Square, with space for 10,500 vehicles. That structure includes bus terminals, taxi bays, VIP access points, and a four-lane underground loop designed to streamline traffic flow across the broader master plan. Salini is also handling the structural work for many of the district’s key buildings, including hotels, office towers, branded residences, and a prominent mosque.
According to the company, each building within the retail zone will adhere to Najdi design principles, creating an immersive pedestrian experience that pays homage to the region’s 300-year heritage.
“We are proud to contribute to a project of such symbolic and strategic importance to Saudi Arabia,” said Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild. “This will further strengthen our presence in the Kingdom and positively impact both the area and the local community.”
The retail precinct is expected to play a vital role in Diriyah’s emergence as a cultural and economic hub. It will eventually host 400 of the 1,000 retail and hospitality outlets planned across the entire 14-square-kilometer site, which is part of a $63.2 billion master plan to revitalize the birthplace of the Saudi state.
To date, Diriyah Company has awarded contracts totaling more than SAR 100 billion, or roughly $26 billion. That figure includes SAR 20 billion in new agreements signed during the first half of 2025 alone.
Once completed, Diriyah is projected to generate nearly $18.6 billion for Saudi Arabia’s GDP, support the creation of approximately 180,000 jobs, and house over 100,000 residents. It will also include museums, a university, modern office campuses, the Royal Diriyah Opera House, an arena, and leisure destinations such as the Royal Golf Club and a championship course designed by Greg Norman. The area aims to draw both domestic and international visitors while becoming a vibrant, livable center for professionals across a range of sectors.
