Diriyah project masterplan/Image: Supplied
Parsons Corporation announced that it has been awarded a SAR210m ($56m) contract for Phase 2 of the Diriyah project by Diriyah Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The five-year contract, secured in the first half of 2025, represents new work for the company and further strengthens its long-standing partnership with the Kingdom.
Under the contract, Parsons will lead the design and delivery of a series of iconic and neighborhood parks, open spaces, and over 55 kilometers of streetscape. The company’s scope also includes design and construction supervision for the Diriyah Phase 2 Public Realm, which encompasses streets, footpaths, accessible open spaces, and civic buildings and facilities. The objective is to create a vibrant, inclusive environment that enhances livability, accessibility, and community well-being.
“It is an honor to work with Diriyah Company on creating this iconic mixed-use destination that celebrates Saudi’s rich culture and heritage. This unique urban development program will use the latest technology and urban planning practices blended with the city’s traditional Najdi architecture design, which dates back 300 years,” said Pierre Santoni, president, infrastructure EMEA at Parsons. “Our team is committed to leveraging our nearly seven decades of experience in the Kingdom combined with our expertise in innovation to advance Diriyah Company’s important program goals.”
Diriyah, home to the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the ancestral home of the House of Al Saud. The Diriyah Company is developing the destination into a fully integrated mixed-use urban community located just 15 minutes from central Riyadh. The project combines traditional Najdi architectural styles with modern urban design principles, aiming to make the area 100 per cent walkable while offering residential, retail, hospitality, and cultural experiences that pay tribute to the Kingdom’s heritage.
Commenting on the partnership, Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “We are delighted to be working with such a world-class firm as Parsons as we accelerate the development of Diriyah’s $63.2bn development. This contract will play an important role in ensuring we achieve our goal of delivering a human-centric walkable city for approximately 100,000 residents, a contemporary working environment for tens of thousands and a place to welcome nearly 50 million visits a year in the future.”
Parsons first began working with the Public Investment Fund in 2017 and has since played a key role in advancing the Kingdom’s giga-project ecosystem. Its portfolio includes major developments such as NEOM THE LINE, NEOM Oxagon, Soudah Peaks, and Rua Al Madina, among others—all of which contribute to Saudi Vision 2030, the national strategy aimed at economic diversification and global leadership in urban development.
With over 65 years of experience in Saudi Arabia and more than 50 active projects across the country, Parsons continues to be a trusted partner in shaping the Kingdom’s future cities. The company’s expertise spans urban and destination development, transport infrastructure, smart mobility, asset management, sustainability, and resilience, reinforcing its position as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s transformation journey.
