Life meets play in Saudi Arabia's upcoming entertainment and leisure district which will soon become one of the world's biggest largest tourism destinations.
A modern city that is being built on the principles of 'Play. Work. Live.', Qiddiya is poised to transform the entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia when it opens later this decade. With a dedicated focus on sports, leisure and entertainment, this exciting new destination, which is currently taking shape outside of Riyadh, is located just 40 minutes away from the heart of the Saudi capital.
Set to offer a new dimension of experiences, the Qiddiya master plan envisions the creation of 25 distinct districts, each featuring venues dedicated to culture, sports and entertainment as well as mixed-use areas. Against the backdrop of the majestic Tuwaiq Mountains, the development will showcase breathtaking natural landscapes, enhancing the destination's overall appeal.
Upon completion, Qiddiya will feature over 400 tourist attractions across its 360-square-kilometre expanse. It is designed to accommodate 600,000 residents and attract an estimated 48 million visits annually. Additionally, it is expected to generate more than 325,000 jobs and contribute US$36 billion to the country’s GDP each year once fully operational.
Theme park fun
At the heart of Qiddiya's proposition lies a world-class collection of 12 theme parks, including several firsts for the region, featuring a total of 275 thrilling rides. The biggest highlight is Six Flags Qiddiya – the first Six Flags destination outside North America – boasting 28 rides and attractions across 320,000 square metres. It will feature Falcon's Flight, a world-first that will break the record for the longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster.
Other record-breaking attractions include Sirocco Tower, the world’s tallest, free-standing shot tower ride, Gyrospin, the world’s tallest pendulum ride, Spitfire, the world’s tallest triple launch roller coaster and Iron Rattler, the world’s tallest tilt coaster.
No entertainment destination is complete without a water park, and Qiddiya will introduce Aquarabia - a first-of-its-kind in the kingdom and also the largest in the region. Spanning eight zones, the park will offer 81 private luxury cabanas, the region's first surf school and a range of record-breaking attractions. A destination of many firsts, visitors to Aquarabia will be able to experience the world's tallest double aqua loop, the tallest and longest water coaster with the highest body drop, the tallest and longest mat racers, the longest start drop, the longest slide wheel and the first underwater adventure ride.
Moving on to the world's only Dragon Ball Theme Park, this famed Japanese media franchise finds a new home in the kingdom. Visitors will be able to explore iconic landmarks from the series, including Kame House Island, Capsule Corporation and Beerus Planet, allowing them to experience live adventures as they journey across the park's fantastical zones.
Sporting venues
Set to become the world’s premier sporting destination, Qiddiya will feature 43 sporting facilities and is projected to attract 1.8 million football fans annually, thanks to its FIFA-compliant 45,000-seat Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium. This iconic venue will serve as the new home for Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr and Al Hilal football clubs.
Additionally, visitors can explore a dedicated motorsport precinct, featuring the Speed Park Track – another world-first with both open track and street configurations. Completing the offering are two championship golf courses that will elevate Saudi Arabia to the international golf stage.
Qiddiya has also announced the launch of the world’s first neighbourhood dedicated to gaming and esports. Set to become the regional headquarters of global gaming companies, it will feature multiple innovative esports arenas, esports team facilities and boot camps.
Culture fix
As Saudi Arabia embraces its modern future, it remains deeply rooted in its past. Qiddiya will, therefore, provide a unique cultural experience, featuring over 40 offerings that celebrate the kingdom’s rich heritage. A standout is the Performing Arts Centre, which will serve as a platform for global creatives, showcasing a diverse array of performances and artistic expressions.
Comments