Diriyah Company has announced the signing of a joint venture contract worth approximately US$244 million (SAR 917 million) with Al-Majal El-Arabi Group and MAN Enterprise AlSaudia LLC to develop the Grand Mosque as part of Diriyah’s second phase. The landmark project, designed by the award-winning architectural firm X Architects, will accommodate 11,400 worshippers across a total floor area of 12,320 square metres.
Set to host 5,240 worshippers indoors and 6,160 in outdoor areas, the Grand Mosque will stand as one of Diriyah’s most significant spiritual landmarks. It will be an enduring symbol of faith and heritage within the historic birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The mosque’s plaza will also be used for large community gatherings during religious occasions such as Eid and Ramadan, while its open spaces will host cultural events, book fairs, and local markets throughout the week. Facilities will include dedicated male and female prayer halls, ablution areas, a library overlooking Wadi Hanifah, and offices for facility management.
Architecturally, the Grand Mosque will combine modern engineering precision with traditional Najdi-inspired design elements. Its distinctive façades and elegant interiors will reflect the rich cultural identity of the region, while showcasing timeless craftsmanship in a contemporary context.
Aligned with Diriyah’s sustainability strategy, the Grand Mosque is targeting both LEED Gold and Mostadam Gold certification. Sustainable features include a 3D mesh structure that allows natural daylight to illuminate the interior while minimising heat gain, ensuring a comfortable environment for worshippers.
The mosque will also integrate seamlessly with Diriyah’s smart city infrastructure, with water systems, power consumption, fire safety, security, and environmental monitoring all managed via the central Diriyah Operations Centre.
Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Company Group CEO, said: “The Grand Mosque in Diriyah’s second phase will be a landmark place of worship through its serene Najdi-inspired design, and is a beautiful monument that will further enrich The City of Earth’s spiritual and cultural landscape, as we build one of the world’s greatest gathering places. We look forward to seeing it come to life.”
The Grand Mosque forms part of Diriyah’s masterplan, which includes 31 mosques covering a combined religious space of 74,300 square metres. Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah is among Saudi Arabia’s five major giga-projects supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The development aims to provide homes for over 100,000 residents, create more than 180,000 jobs, attract 50 million annual visitors by 2030, and contribute around US$18.6 billion directly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP.
