Qiddiya City, conceived in 2018 under the vision of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, is emerging as Saudi Arabia's epicenter for entertainment, sports, and culture. Developed by Qiddiya, an organisation dedicated to harnessing the "power of play," the city is poised to become a global hub for diverse experiences that enhance the quality of life for visitors and residents alike. With a commitment to play at its core, Qiddiya City aims to provide unparalleled entertainment options for the Kingdom's youthful population, with 67% of Saudis under the age of 35.
The ambitious project encompasses international sports arenas, concert venues, academies for sports and the arts, racetracks, outdoor activities, and family-friendly theme parks. Notable among these is the inclusion of Six Flags Qiddiya, offering rides and experiences never seen before, and a water theme park.
Qiddiya City aligns with broader goals of economic development in Saudi Arabia, seeking to position the country as a thriving and ambitious nation. By providing world-class entertainment within the heart of the Kingdom, the project is expected to create numerous job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and offer Saudis the chance to enjoy high-quality entertainment without the need to travel abroad. With a site area of over 334 square kilometers, Qiddiya City is poised to host 48 million annual visits, accommodate 600,000 residents when fully operational, and contribute significantly to the GDP with a projected $36 billion-dollar impact.
Subprojects like Six Flags Qiddiya, Jack Nicklaus championship Golf Course, Water Theme Park, Speedpark Track, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, and the Gaming and Esports District are integral components contributing to the overall vision of Qiddiya City.
Positioned as a transformative project, it is backed by the Public Investment Fund, aligning with the broader vision to reshape Saudi Arabia's economy. With an ambitious goal to become the "largest tourism destination worldwide," the project envisions drawing 17 million visitors annually by 2030.
Structured for phased development, the first phase of Project Qiddiya is slated for completion by 2023, introducing 45 distinct projects upon its culmination. The endeavor extends beyond infrastructure and leisure offerings, encompassing a comprehensive partnership with the University of Central Florida. This collaboration is designed to impart specialised training to young Saudis in the fields of hospitality, tourism, and sports management, reinforcing the project's commitment to skill development and knowledge exchange.
Project Qiddiyah has a high-profile board with the Chairman being Prime Minister H.R.H. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Qiddiya Investment Co. (QIC) has spearheaded the development of Qiddiya, an expansive entertainment city on the outskirts of Riyadh, in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda.
Under the leadership of its CEO, Phillipe Gas, Qiddiya Investment Company aims to transform Riyadh into a global destination for entertainment, sports, and culture. With a comprehensive master plan created in collaboration with Bjarke Ingles Group, the project encompasses a gaming and e-sports district, a speed park, golf courses, a multipurpose stadium, a water theme park, and the renowned Six Flags Qiddiya.
“Resort Core” is a dynamic hub where four gated attractions encircle a central district adorned with specialty retail, dining, and entertainment options, complemented by a range of distinctive resort hotels. This central area is enhanced by a major outdoor entertainment venue capable of hosting events for thousands, featuring active skating and skiing facilities. The inaugural phase, inaugurated in 2022, introduces "Six Flags Qiddiya," a family-centric park with themed areas, alongside a water-oriented sports and entertainment attraction and an integrated resort hotel.
Speed Park:
The third feature, "Speed Park," amalgamates elements from the world of motor sports, creating a venue that caters equally to spectators and drivers. This section incorporates tracks, showrooms, retail spaces, a driver’s club, and an exclusive hotel, fostering an immersive motor sports experience.
City Center:
Dedicated to sports and the arts, the "City Center" is a mixed-use village housing a 20,000-seat cliff-top stadium, an 18,000-seat multi-purpose indoor arena, an aquatic center, and a versatile sports hub. Art and entertainment come to life in this district through an innovative arts center, a signature 2,000-seat performing arts theater, and a premier multiplex cinema, creating vibrant focal points. The composition is enriched by a private school, a sports medicine hospital, and private villas along the Cliff’s Edge.
Eco Core:
Situated to the northwest of the "Resort Core," the "Eco Core" is conceived around nature and wildlife encounters, featuring an ecologically sensitive golf course, outdoor sporting adventures, and unique hospitality offerings within the scenic desert environment. A residential neighborhood with panoramic vistas houses residential and resort offerings, including a championship 18-hole golf course, club house facilities, a luxurious resort hotel, spa, and equestrian facilities.
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