Saudi to build Parisian-inspired Champs-Élysées Boulevard and Opera House

Paying tribute to Paris’ Champs-Élysées, the cultural hotspot will be called King Salman Boulevard.

Francophiles, this one’s for you. One of the world’s most famous shopping streets is coming to Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom will be très chic as there are plans to build a full-size Champs-Élysées Boulevard in Diriyah, known as the King Salman Boulevard.

Spanning an impressive size identical to the renowned French Boulevard, King Salman Boulevard will feature a series of cultural attractions, including museums, the exquisite Royal Diriyah Opera House, a mosque, a state-of-the-art convention center, and a dynamic performance arena. Mirroring the chic designer shops that line the streets of Paris, we anticipate the Diriyah version to house prestigious brands, offering an unparalleled shopping experience when it opens its doors to guests in 2024.

But the excitement doesn’t end there. This destination is set to become the epitome of luxury living, with plans for 42 hotels, over 100 restaurants, and a staggering 30,000 residential properties by 2030. The ceremonial ground-breaking for three of these highly anticipated hotels, Aman, Oberoi, and Six Senses at Wadi Safar, was recently announced, marking a significant step.

Adding to the allure, the Royal Diriyah Golf Club in Wadi Safar and the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club have also been unveiled, aligning seamlessly with the Kingdom’s commitment to excellence across all sporting domains. As this multifaceted project unfolds, it promises to redefine the landscape of luxury, culture, and sports in Diriyah.

Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Gate’s Group CEO, had earlier revealed that The King Salman Boulevard will pay homage to Paris’ Champs-Élysées. Paris’ Champs-Élysée is 1.2 miles and is filled with cafés, restaurants and shops. The street contains the Arc de Triomphe at one end, and the Place Charles de Gaulle at the other end. Plus, it celebrates big events in the French calendar, from the Tour de France to Bastille Day parades. 

Diriyah is located 14 minutes north of Riyadh, and is being transformed into a tourist destination. Built to be sustainable, it aims to attract 100,000 residents and 25 million visitors annually. As a cultural hotspot, it will be home to shops, restaurants and hotels, which include Anantara Diriyah, Armani Hotel Diriyah and LXR Hotels & Resorts. 

Diriyah is famous for being the original capital of Saudi Arabia, as it was once the seat of power for the Al Saud family. During the 18th and 19th century, it became a politically important site and was home to the founder of the first Saudi state, Mohammed bin Saud. Today, it is home to the kingdom’s megaproject that combines the past and future, and now Saudi and France. 

GO: Visit https://www.dgda.gov.sa for more information.