The Metropolitan Opera is heading to Saudi Arabia with a brand-new winter residency in Riyadh. Thanks to a collaboration between the Saudi Music Commission, the Royal Diriyah Opera House, and the Met Opera itself, the partnership is set to bring world-class productions to the Kingdom every year.
For five years, the Met will make The Royal Diriyah Opera House its winter stage. Each season, the company will present a full-scale opera alongside a lineup of concerts, all spread over three weeks. Beyond the performances, the project is designed to highlight local talent and nurture careers, from singers and musicians to stage designers and artisans.
The venue itself is a landmark in the making. Designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, the Royal Diriyah Opera House draws inspiration from traditional Najd architecture while housing a modern 20,000-seat auditorium. It’s set to be finished by 2028.
Diriyah, located just 14 minutes north of Riyadh, is also transforming into a hub for visitors. Alongside the opera house, the district will be filled with restaurants, shops, and high-end hotels, including The Chedi Wadi Safar, Armani Hotel Diriyah, and Amansamar Residences. With these plans taking shape, Diriyah is well on its way to becoming one of the Kingdom’s most exciting cultural hotspots.
