His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), unveiled the urban design and brand for Qiddiya City. He envisions it as a leading global hub for entertainment, sports, and culture, intending to bolster the Kingdom’s economy and international presence, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The project aims to elevate Riyadh’s strategic significance and contribute to its economic expansion, aspiring to position the city among the world’s top 10 economies.
This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, seeking to diversify the country’s economy and generate numerous job opportunities for Saudi youth. Grounded in research, Qiddiya’s philosophy centres on the importance of play for cognitive, emotional, and social development. It emphasises the positive impact of recreational activities on society, fostering empathy and social cohesion.
Qiddiya City, situated on Riyadh’s outskirts, is currently under construction, with contracts awarded worth SR10 billion. Spanning 360 square kilometres, it will eventually accommodate more than 600,000 residents, aiming to create over 325,000 job opportunities and yield an annual nominal GDP of SR 135 billion. The city anticipates attracting around 48 million annual visitors with its unique entertainment options.
Located 40 minutes from Riyadh centre, Qiddiya City will feature distinctive attractions such as the first gaming and e-sports district, a speed park track, golf courses, a significant water theme park, and Six Flags Qiddiya. Additionally, it will house a stadium hosting the world’s largest Olympic museum.
The project plans to roll out its initial assets within two years.
