Saudi Arabia Withdraws from $200 Million Met Opera Deal
On April 23, 2026, The New York Times reported that the Saudi government has withdrawn from a $200 million contract with the Metropolitan Opera. This arrangement would have seen Saudi Arabia supplying essential financial support in return for the Met staging a three-week performance season at the Royal Diriyah Opera House, located near Riyadh, every February for three consecutive years.
Key facts
- Saudi government withdrew from a $200 million deal with the Metropolitan Opera.
- The deal involved the Met performing at the Royal Diriyah Opera House near Riyadh.
- Performances were scheduled for three weeks each February over three years.
- The funding was described as badly needed by the Met.
- The announcement was made in a New York Times article on April 23, 2026.
Entities
Institutions
- Metropolitan Opera
- Royal Diriyah Opera House
- The New York Times
Locations
- Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh