The Diriyah Company and Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) have inaugurated two Najdi-inspired substations—a 1707 MVA Bulk Substation and a 200 MVA Primary Substation—to power Diriyah and Wadi Safar's developments, blending modern infrastructure with cultural heritage.
Diriyah, January 7, 2025 – The Diriyah Company has announced the opening of two state-of-the-art electricity substations operated by the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). These projects—the 1707 MVA-capacity Bulk Substation and the 200 MVA-capacity Primary Substation—mark significant milestones in accelerating the development of Diriyah and Wadi Safar, two major hubs of cultural and economic activity in Saudi Arabia.
The two substations, designed with inspiration from the Najdi architectural style, are the first urban infrastructure projects to blend modern functionality with Diriyah’s rich cultural heritage. Their completion underscores the Kingdom's commitment to preserving its historical identity while building advanced infrastructure to meet future needs.
The 1707 MVA 380/132/13.8 kV Bulk Substation, built at a cost of SAR605 million, will power assets in the first phase of Diriyah’s development. This project, implemented by the SEC in partnership with Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works (SSEM), will support a diverse range of developments, including Diriyah Square, the Qurain Cultural District, and the Northern District. These areas will feature cultural landmarks, educational institutions, retail outlets, office spaces, residential neighborhoods, and luxury hotels.
To ensure the substation’s full functionality, the SEC will execute a major cabling project valued at SAR316 million, carried out by the Civil and Electrical Projects Contracting Company (CEPCO). This infrastructure is expected to play a crucial role in enabling the growth of Diriyah as a global destination.
The 200 MVA 132/33 kV Primary Substation, with an investment of SAR77 million, is another key component of this initiative. Implemented by the SEC through MAETEL contracting company, it will serve as the main power source for the prestigious Wadi Safar development. Wadi Safar is envisioned as a destination that harmonizes natural beauty with world-class amenities, featuring hospitality assets and recreational venues. Highlights include the Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club and the Greg Norman-designed Wadi Safar Golf Course.
To enable this substation, the SEC will execute a cabling project worth SAR168 million, managed by the DELTA contracting company. These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to creating integrated, high-quality infrastructure that complements the unique character of its developments.
Diriyah, one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship giga-projects under the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is poised to become a global cultural and economic hub. The project aims to provide residences for 100,000 people and create 178,000 job opportunities. By 2030, Diriyah is projected to welcome 50 million visitors annually, contributing $18.6 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP.
The Diriyah Company emphasized that these substations are a testament to the vision of integrating Saudi Arabia’s historical heritage with cutting-edge infrastructure. Their Najdi-inspired designs seamlessly blend with the surrounding developments, preserving the region's cultural identity while addressing the needs of a modern and sustainable future.
These projects reinforce Diriyah’s status as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, reflecting a harmonious balance between honoring the Kingdom’s past and embracing its ambitions for a thriving, globally connected future.