Construction work is advancing rapidly at Qiddiya City, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as it evolves into the world’s first city centered around entertainment, sports, and culture, located 40 minutes from Riyadh. The 360-sq-km development – featuring more than 400 world-class attractions across 27 assets alongside residential, retail, offices, hospitality and community assets – has achieved significant construction milestones this year.

Key infrastructure, including internal roads, bridges, and utilities, as well as landmark attractions are nearing completion, positioning Qiddiya as a soon-to-be global destination. These comprise Six Flags, which will host record-breaking rides, including Falcon’s Flight, the tallest, fastest, and longest rollercoaster in the world; and the adjacent Aquarabia, set to be the largest water park in the region, offering immersive aquatic experiences for visitors of all ages.

Construction is also under way on Speed Park, a 21-km motorsports track featuring “The Blade”, the world’s first cantilevered track section. These developments not only showcase engineering excellence but also reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to setting new global benchmarks in entertainment and sports infrastructure, according to Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), a PIF company, which is spearheading the unique development.

Among key announcements, in March this year, QIC, in collaboration with Mercedes AMG and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, announced plans for a Mercedes AMG World of Performance experience centre. The 45,000-sq-m facility, supported by Juffali Automotive Company (JACO), aims to attract millions of visitors annually with its nine floors of immersive attractions dedicated to the performance car brand and its Formula One racing team. The centre will be strategically located alongside the Speed Park Track.

Aquarabia ... set to be the largest water park in the region.

Beyond traditional entertainment, Qiddiya will house the 46,000-seat Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium for international sports events and more than 53 other sports facilities. QIC had awarded a SAR4 billion ($1.1 billion) contract in November last year to a consortium of Spain’s FCC Construcción and Saudi contractor Nesma & Partners for the construction of the Populous-designed stadium. 

The world’s largest gaming and esports district, covering more than 500,000 sq m, is also under development, designed to attracting global developers and competitive gaming leagues.

Qiddiya’s cultural offerings will also include the Performing Arts Centre, which aims to attract over 800,000 visitors each year and host more than 260 indoor and outdoor performances across three theatres. 

The masterplan integrates cultural districts, theatres, museums, and creative hubs, ensuring that Qiddiya becomes a centre for artistic expression and cultural exchange.

Qiddiya ... home to a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Environmental stewardship is embedded within Qiddiya’s development strategy. Green building practices, extensive parklands, walking trails, and eco-friendly transport solutions are being implemented to promote sustainable urban living. Qiddiya’s design prioritises energy efficiency, water conservation, and the integration of renewable energy sources, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental goals, says QIC.

Large-scale projects inevitably face challenges, from supply chain disruptions to adapting construction schedules, the company points out. Qiddiya has leveraged advanced construction technologies, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) and modular construction techniques, to streamline operations and mitigate delays. Operational readiness is also a priority, with recruitment and training programmes under way, to ensure that facilities, once launched, deliver exceptional visitor experiences. The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality, recently launched in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and UNWTO, will play a critical role in developing talent to support Qiddiya’s operations and the wider Saudi tourism ecosystem, according to Qiddiya.

Six Flags, which will host record-breaking rides, is fast nearing completion.

Upon completion, Qiddiya is projected to attract millions of visits annually, contributing SAR135 billion to the national GDP each year. The city will generate more than 325,000 jobs across tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and supporting sectors, significantly advancing Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification objectives.

The development anticipates over SAR1.3 trillion in investment in the coming decades, catalysing growth across industries such as construction, logistics, IT, and hospitality.

While the first landmark attractions are set to open in 2025, Qiddiya’s phased development will continue to introduce new experiences. As a member of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Qiddiya aims to uphold international standards in tourism and sustainability.

“Qiddiya City is more than a construction project – it is a bold statement of Saudi Arabia’s future. By blending visionary design, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a deep commitment to community and sustainability, Qiddiya is set to become a beacon of modern tourism and urban living,” says a spokesman for Qiddiya City.