In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s sweeping transformation lies a singular ambition: to honor the Kingdom’s deep-rooted heritage while building a future shaped by innovation, culture, and sustainability. As part of the Vision 2030 framework, the Diriyah Gate Development represents one of the nation’s most ambitious and culturally significant projects.
Set against the historical backdrop of At-Turaif, the birthplace of the Saudi state, Diriyah is being revitalized not just as a symbol of national pride, but as a thriving cultural and lifestyle destination of global standing.
At the core of this development is Diriyah Gate Phase II (DGII), a key component of the broader Diriyah Gate initiative. Encompassing expansive infrastructure upgrades, heritage preservation, and vibrant mixed-use developments, DGII is an architectural and cultural statement that blends tradition with modernity. As the groundwork for this monumental phase progresses, precision, safety, and innovation are essential. This is where Tesmec Saudi plays a critical role.
Through their advanced subsurface surveying capabilities, the company is ensuring that the foundations of Diriyah Gate are mapped with unparalleled accuracy—laying the path for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable development.
The Diriyah gate project
Diriyah Gate Phase II (DGII) is a central component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to transform Diriyah—birthplace of the Saudi state and home to the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district—into a global cultural and lifestyle destination. Located just northwest of Riyadh, the project blends heritage preservation with modern urban development, restoring historic Najdi architecture while introducing luxury, education, and infrastructure enhancements.
The development features Diriyah Square, a mixed-use urban hub with over 400 commercial brands, more than 40 hotels, and 300 branded residences. It also includes major cultural and educational institutions like King Salman University and the House of Saud Museum, emphasizing heritage and future learning.
Sustainability is a core priority, with climate-resilient infrastructure, green spaces, and energy-efficient systems integrated into the design. The DGII project is backed by the Public Investment Fund and managed by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA).
Once completed, DGII is expected to host over 50 million visitors annually, accommodate 100,000 residents, and generate approximately 178,000 direct jobs. It represents a significant step in diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and positioning Diriyah as a world-class tourism and cultural hub.
Tesmec Saudi solution
Within this remarkable transformation, the company brings its unique expertise to the forefront. Specializing in technical services for infrastructure and environmental engineering, the company offers advanced surveying solutions that are crucial during the planning and construction phases of major developments. In October 2024, Tesmec Saudi entered into a strategic partnership with AICC to deliver comprehensive utility identification surveys for DGII. The objective of this partnership is to map and reconstruct the underground utility network of the DGII Infrapackage – 01, 02, 03 and KSU covering a total area of over 6.2 million square meters.
This task requires more than traditional surveying methods. Tesmec Saudi utilizes cutting-edge ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology to detect and document subsurface utilities with precision. Their advanced system, the Georadar Explorer 3.0, represents a new era in non-invasive surveying. This system allows to identify underground utilities accurately, reducing the risk of accidental damage during excavation and infrastructure installation.
By providing highly accurate underground mapping, Tesmec Saudi is supporting the integrity and efficiency of the entire development process. Their work ensures that the construction of roads, buildings, utilities, and green spaces can proceed safely and on schedule, without unforeseen interruptions caused by uncharted subsurface conditions. This level of foresight is particularly crucial in a project of DGII’s scale and cultural sensitivity.
Tesmec Explorer 3.0
The Explorer 3.0 represents the company’s most advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system to date. Designed for both pre-construction surveying and real-time utility detection, this system is a cornerstone of modern infrastructure safety and precision. Engineered for operational flexibility, the Explorer 3.0 supports both vehicle-pulled and hand-pushed configurations, making it adaptable to varying environments and project needs. With all electronics housed within the antenna box and stabilized via secure bracket locks, the system is highly durable and user-friendly in the field.
The Explorer 3.0 helps mitigate the risk of striking unknown underground assets, which not only ensures the safety of construction workers but also prevents costly project delays and service disruptions. This technology offers significant financial and environmental advantages by minimizing the need for invasive exploration digging. The result is a reduced environmental footprint, fewer traffic disruptions, and a smoother development process overall. Moreover, with digital interfaces, survey data can be visualized and analyzed in real time, enabling faster decision-making and coordination among project stakeholders.
By reducing the risk of costly mistakes and facilitating efficient planning, Tesmec Saudi’s GPR solution supports the larger goal of developing intelligent, connected cities. This is especially vital for developments like Diriyah Gate, where preserving heritage, minimizing disruptions, and meeting ambitious construction timelines are all imperative. Explorer 3.0 is not just a too l— it’s a technological partner in nation-building, and a key enabler of the sustainable infrastructure that Saudi Arabia envisions for its future.
Tesmec Saudi contributes to Saudi Arabia vision 2023
The work being done at Diriyah Gate Phase II is emblematic of Saudi Arabia’s future: bold, rooted in identity, and powered by innovation. As the Kingdom transforms its historic landscape into a dynamic urban marvel, Tesmec Saudi plays a vital role in making that vision a reality. Their efforts beneath the surface ensure that what rises above will stand strong, safe, and enduring. From the ancient walls of At-Turaif to the smart infrastructure of tomorrow, Tesmec Saudi is laying the invisible yet indispensable groundwork of progress.
As the Kingdom forges ahead on its journey of cultural and economic transformation, partnerships like these exemplify the power of collaboration between visionary governance and specialized private sector expertise. Tesmec Saudi is honored to be part of this national endeavor, contributing to a project that not only honors Saudi Arabia’s past but also shapes its future.
