Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia’s Future Disruptive Entertainment, Sports & Arts Giga-Project
As well as a record-breaking Six Flags theme park, the sprawling destination set to capture the world’s imagination will host a Formula 1 racing track, sports stadiums and a plethora of cultural, creative and artistic activities.
Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya is set to be a regional and global hub of entertainment, culture and sport. The vast, fully integrated destination is another giga-project, just like NEOM, Amaala and The Red Sea Project that is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Spanning 367 km2 (with a 223 km2 planned developed area), Qiddiya, which is located about 40 minutes from Riyadh, aims to offer one-of-a-kind elevated, immersive and fun experiences. Spread over a lower plateau and on top of a majestic cliff face, the unique project will be home to hundreds of recreational and educational facilities designed around five sections: Parks & Attractions, Sports & Wellness, Motion & Mobility, Nature & Environment and Arts & Culture.
The city is to provide families a way to enjoy quality time together, subsequently bringing more moments of happiness into their lives The large young population in Saudi Arabia will particularly benefit as Qiddiya’s wide range of entertainment will be a way for them to expend all that high-energy.
“Entertainment is something that has grown in terms of importance everywhere. We have this growing realisation in the world that time passes very fast and people need to enjoy time together, and do things together — not just work, go to bed and go back to work,” Phillipe Gas, the CEO of the Qiddiya Investment Company, told sister organisation Asharq News.
Of course, as well as the wellness aspect, the destination will have a direct contribution to the creation of jobs, with tens of thousands of people primed to start working when the gates open. In addition to unlocking new professional pathways, Qiddiya will boost the development of creative industries.
Construction on the entertainment mega-project started in 2019 and the first phase, which involves over 45 ventures, is due to be delivered in 2023. Work is being done is such a way that it complements and enhances the amazing natural landscape of the epic site. Sustainability and a wish to minimise Qiddiya’s environmental impact are also major factors in the development of the project. A transport network that allows guests to easily move around from attraction to attraction and the hotels of different levels, soaking up the atmosphere, is a highlight of the master plan too.
Here’s what guests can look forward to:
