Diriyah Square Project Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Mega Development
Introduction: Diriyah Square – Where Heritage Meets Future Infrastructure
Diriyah Square Project located in Riyadh is one of the most important Cultural mega project that will help protect the heritage of the Kingdom while providing world class modern infrastructure. It is the original location of the First Saudi State which helped provide the Kingdom with its rich history and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under the Saudi Vision 2030 project, Diriyah is being re-developed into an internationally recognised Cultural, Tourism, and Lifestyle destination. It will maintain and provide the Saudi national identity; while providing innovation and sustainability within a global context.
Diriyah square encompasses a very large area adjacent to Wadi Hanifah; It will include several Heritage Districts; Museums; Hospitality; Residential; Retail; Public Plazas and Smart Urban Infrastructure that will all work together as one beautiful cultural representation of the history of the Saudi nation.
Underneath the architectural beauty and cultural tradition of Diriyah Square lies a vast network of underground pipes, ducts, and utilitiy systems, enabling seamless operability, digital connectivity and long-term resiliency.
The piping infrastructure at Diriyah Square consists of many different types of materials including; HDPE Telecom Ducts to house High-Speed Fibre Networks; PVC Conduits to support Electrical Systems; and Corrugated and Utility Pipes to support Drainage, Water and Smart City Services and will therefore be one of the primary components of the successful delivery of Diriyah Square.
1. Strategic Importance of Diriyah Square in Saudi Vision 2030
Diriyah Square is much more than a piece of real estate; it is part of a national heritage revival project that supports the Vision 2030 objectives to:
– Promote cultural tourism
– Diversify the Saudi economy
– Preserve architectural history
– Create sustainable urban areas
To support this vision, the infrastructure for Diriyah must be:
– Discrete and preserve the look of the heritage site
– Highly durable and provide long-lived performance
– Future ready and assist in transforming digitally
As a result, underground pipe and duct systems support modern infrastructures to operate under traditional Najdi architectural designs.
2. Role of Pipes & Duct Infrastructure in Diriyah Square
2.1 Telecom & Digital Connectivity
Diriyah Square has been built with the connections needed to deliver:
- Fiber optic connectivity at very high speeds.
- Smart tourism services.
- Digital museums and interactive type experiences.
- CCTV, Access Control, and Security Systems.
All these services are dependent on a medium (HDPE duct network) to protect the fiber optic cable, support the installation of air blown fiber, and allow for future upgrades without disturbing the surface area.
Heritage Sensitive Areas (HSA) have a very broad application of HDPE Microducts, Mini-Ducts, and Main Ducts for applications where there is minimal excavation.
2.2 Electrical & Low-Voltage Infrastructure
The electrical components throughout Diriyah Square consist of:
• Distribution of Electrical Power to Heritage Buildings and Museums.
• Architectural and Landscape Lighting.
• Smart City Monitoring Systems.
The Utilization of PVC and HDPE Conduits In Routing:
• Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Cable Runs.
• Control/Communications Wiring.
• Emergency/Backup Power Systems.
PVC Is The Best Material For Internal Electrical Ways Due To Its Insulation Characteristics, Along With The Ease Of Installation.
2.3 Water Supply, Drainage & Utilities
As a mixed-use cultural site, utilities are required throughout Diriyah Square for:
- Drinking Water
- Sewage/Wastewater
- Storm Water Drainage
- Landscape Irrigation
Due to their corrosion resistant nature, no leaks and ability to be installed underground for the long term in Saudi Arabia soil conditions, HDPE and PVC pipe types are ideal for the utilities mentioned.
3. Pipe & Duct Materials Used in Diriyah Square Project
3.1 HDPE Pipes & Duct Systems
Diriyah Square’s infrastructure relies on high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
Reasons for using HDPE
- Strong yet lightweight
- Corrosion resistant, chemical resistant, and UV resistant
- Flexible to be used around curved paths – trenchless
- Lasts longer than 50 years
Examples of HDPE use in Diriyah
- Communication line fibres (fibre optic backbone)
- FTTx and smart city multi-duct system
- Utility tunnels (utility corridors)
- Roads and plaza crossings
Common HDPE Products
- 110 to 315 mm HDPE Ducts (multiple sizes)
- HDPE Microducts and Mini Ducts
- Multiple HDPE Ducts in one HDPE Duct (type not specified)
- Commonly used types of HDPE Products
Saudi Ducts provides technical visibility into these HDPE solutions across Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
3.2 PVC Pipes & Conduits
PVC pipe and conduit plays an essential role in the heritage and mixed-use development of Diriyah Square.
PVC Applications
• Electrical conduit in buildings
• Drainage systems
• Utility sleeves and service paths
• Low pressure water applications
Advantages
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Electrical insulation
• Economical
• Corrosion resistant
PVC systems provide Contractors the opportunity for efficiency while adhering to architectural restrictions.
3.3 Corrugated Pipes & Ducts
HDPE Corrugated Ducts Will Be Used Under Circumstances Such As:
1. When Higher Mechanical Strength is Needed
2. Where Soil Movement and/or Settlement Will Occur
3. Where There Is A Road Surface With A Pedestrian Plaza Separate From The Road
HDPE Corrugated Ducts Are Designed With A Ribbed Outer Wall Which Allows for high crush resistance while remaining flexible.
4. Construction Companies & EPC Contractors in Diriyah Square
In connection with the Diriyah Square development, some of the most prominent construction firms in both Saudi Arabia and across the globe will contribute their expertise including:
- Major Saudi Arabia based EPC contractors
- Specialists with knowledge in international heritage restoration
- Infrastructure/utilities contractors
- Telecom and Smart City system integration contractors
Firms listed above would each require:
- A comprehensive standard for pipe systems
- Complete documentation on all materials used
- Reliable suppliers with demonstrated ability to deliver on time
Selecting the proper ducting and piping materials can affect project timelines, inspection procedures and long-term costs associated with maintaining those systems.
5. Specifications & Standards Followed in Diriyah Square Construction
5.1 Standards for HDPE ducts and Telecom
- HDPE Plain and Corrugated Duct Standards as per Synthetics Technical Compatibility (STC) – VD-101 & VD-102
- ISO Standards based on PE100 Material
- Fibre Blow-ability and Crush Resistance Testing
5.2 Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
References on some widely used projects:
- SAMSS – 051 HDPE material and performance
- SAES – S – 070 Non-metallic piping systems
- SAES – T – 007 Telecom Duct Installation and Testing
5.3 – Civil and Utilty Requirements
- Duct mandrel tests
- Minimum Bend Radius Complianced
- Utility Separation & Prober Depth Standards
- Traceability / Material Certification
Compliance ensures the safety, regulatory approval, and continuing life expectancy of a structure; this is particularly important for culturally sensitive projects, such as Diriyah.
6. How SaudiDucts Supports Diriyah Square Infrastructure Milestones
Saudi Ducts (saudiducts.com) is a specialized B2B technical information and supplier-discovery platform serving Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
6.1 Connecting Buyers with Certified Suppliers
Saudi Ducts enables:
EPC contractors
Utilities
Telecom operators
Infrastructure developers
to identify registered, certified, and approved manufacturers of HDPE ducts, PVC conduits, microducts, corrugated pipes, and accessories.
6.2 Product Knowledge & Standards Guidance
Saudi Ducts provides:
- Product categorization by application
- Insights into Saudi and GCC standards
- Guidance for FTTx, electrical, and utility projects
The process minimizes technical risks while maintaining compliance with required specifications.
6.3 Supporting Faster Procurement & Execution
Saudi Ducts makes it easier for you to discover suppliers and be clear about the specifications of your project, which helps to:
- Reduce delays in procurement processes
- Avoid mismatches between your company’s specifications and the suppliers’
- Speed up milestones in your project
All commercial discussions, pricing, logistics, contracts, etc., will be handled directly between the buyer and supplier, so you can be assured of complete transparency and flexibility.
7. Why Saudi Ducts Is Critical for Vision 2030 Heritage Projects
Why do projects such as Diriyah Square need:
• Accuracy
• Adherence to code
• Consideration for the local culture
• Future-proofing
Saudi Ducts connects traditional heritage construction with current infrastructure requirements by ensuring that the unseen systems under Diriyah can carry as much strength as the legacy of Diriyah itself.
Conclusion: Building Diriyah Square on Strong, Invisible Foundations
The Saudi government has made a commitment to preserve the history of Diriyah and continue to build upon this for future generations through its Diriyah Square Development project. Underneath the building’s exterior are state-of-the-art utilities consisting of HDPE, PVC ducting, corrugated drainage pipe, and other materials which provide the project with connectivity between facilities, sustainability, and smart operational capabilities.
Utilizing Saudi standards, appropriate materials, and using SaudiDucts as an online resource, all infrastructure components will be able to achieve operational efficiency, compliance, and ultimately, long-term success.
The success of the Diriyah Square has demonstrated the ability to create world class infrastructure that functions without having to be visible.
FAQs: Diriyah Square Project, Riyadh
1. What is the Diriyah Square Project in Saudi Arabia?
The Diriyah Square Project is a heritage mega development in Riyadh that transforms the historic Diriyah area into a global cultural, tourism, and lifestyle destination under Saudi Vision 2030.
2. Why is Diriyah Square important for Saudi Vision 2030?
Diriyah Square supports Saudi Vision 2030 by preserving national heritage, boosting cultural tourism, diversifying the economy, and creating sustainable, world-class urban infrastructure.
3. What role do pipes and ducts play in the Diriyah Square Project?
Pipes and ducts enable underground telecom networks, electrical systems, water supply, drainage, and smart-city infrastructure while preserving Diriyah’s heritage architecture above ground.
4. Which types of pipes are used in Diriyah Square construction?
The project uses HDPE ducts, PVC conduits, corrugated HDPE pipes, microducts, and utility piping systems for telecom, electrical, water, drainage, and smart infrastructure networks.
5. Why are HDPE ducts used for telecom infrastructure in Diriyah Square?
HDPE ducts are used because they offer high strength, flexibility, UV resistance, long service life, and compatibility with fibre-blowing technology, making them ideal for FTTx and smart-city networks.
6. Where are PVC pipes and conduits used in Diriyah Square?
PVC pipes and conduits are used for electrical wiring, building services, drainage systems, utility sleeves, and low-pressure water applications due to their insulation and corrosion resistance.
7. What standards are followed for pipes and ducts in Diriyah Square?
Diriyah Square follows STC VD-101 & VD-102, Saudi Aramco standards (SAMSS & SAES), ISO standards, and Saudi municipal specifications for HDPE, PVC, and utility piping systems.
8. Which construction companies work on the Diriyah Square Project?
The project involves major Saudi and international EPC contractors, heritage restoration specialists, civil infrastructure firms, and telecom system integrators.
9. How does SaudiDucts support Diriyah Square infrastructure development?
SaudiDucts helps EPC contractors and developers by connecting them with certified manufacturers, offering product knowledge, standards guidance, and application insights for HDPE, PVC, and telecom duct systems.
10. Is Saudi Ducts involved in selling or supplying materials directly?
No. Saudi Ducts is a B2B technical information and supplier-discovery platform. All pricing, procurement, logistics, and contracts are handled directly between buyers and suppliers.