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King Salman Park starts building new Royal Arts Complex

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king salman park royal arts complex

Covering more than 500,000 square metres, the Royal Arts Complex is designed by architect Ricardo Bofill.

Saudi Arabia‘s King Salman Park has started construction on its Royal Arts Complex, which includes a museum, theatre, outdoor amphitheatre, artist studios and cinema halls.

Covering more than 500,000 square metres, the Royal Arts Complex in Riyadh is designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. It will offer “immersive experiences catering to culture and art in all its forms”, according to a news release.

The complex’s National Theater will seat 2,300 people, while another theatre will be able to seat 650 guests. The Royal Arts Complex will also include three cinema halls, and a museum reaching up to 106 metres in height.

In addition, it will feature a library and dedicated artist studios, as well as an institute that includes three academies with its own 600-seat capacity auditorium.

“Providing visitors with one-of-a-kind experiences, the Royal Arts Complex will be the center of Riyadh’s art and culture scene, contributing to the creation of a rich and varied cultural legacy,” said the release.

World’s largest urban park in Riyadh

“Setting a striking balance between modern and traditional architectural values, the Royal Arts Complex embraces Salmani architectural design, which honors the traditions of Saudi Arabia.”

Once completed, King Salman Park will be the largest urban park in the world, covering more than 16 square kilometres. It will be a global hub for culture, arts and nature, with vast green spaces, sports facilities and immersive cultural and entertainment venues.

The development is part of Vision 2030, which aims to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil by diversifying its economy. Saudi is creating a host of attractions and giga-projects as part of Vision 2030.

These include Saudi Arabia’s first water park at Qiddiya, a multibillion-dollar entertainment destination in Riyadh. Qiddiya’s water park will include 22 rides across nine themed zones. 

Images: King Salman Park Foundation

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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