Qiddiya

Qiddiya
القدية
ProductsEntertainment, tourism, smart city
LocationRiyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
OwnerPublic Investment Fund
FounderSalman bin Abdulaziz
Key peopleMohammed bin Salman (Chairman)
Yasir Al-Rumayyan (Secretary General)
Established7 April 2017 (2017-04-07)
Launched2026 (proposed opening)
Budget$9.8 billion[1]
Websitewww.qiddiya.com

Qiddiya also known as Qiddiya City (Arabic: القِدِّية, romanized: al-qiddiyya / al-giddiyya, pronounced [ə- alɡɪdːijːa]) is a planned entertainment and tourism megaproject and planned community in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia.[2]

Construction started at the beginning of 2019.[2] It was planned to open in 2023,[3] though as of 2024, major projects including Six Flags Qiddiya City, the Aquarabia waterpark, and the Formula One racetrack are under construction and incomplete (with the racetrack now being scheduled to open in 2027).[4][5] It is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy.[6]

History

The project, which was announced in April 2017, is part of a goal to increase local spending and diversify the Saudi economy under Saudi Vision 2030.[7] The project is supported by the Public Investment Fund.[8] According to the organizers, the total number of annual visitors will by 2030 reach 17 million, and be the "largest tourism destination worldwide".[9][7][10] It is expected to create 325,000 jobs.[11]

The first phase of the project was planned to be completed by 2023, though it was later pushed back to 2025. Upon the completion of this phase, 45 individual projects are to be completed.[3] There is a partnership agreement between Qiddiya and the University of Central Florida to train young Saudis on hospitality, tourism and sports management.[3]

Sports

Formula One

Qiddiya Speed Park is an FIA Grade 1 motor racing circuit that is expected to host a Formula One or MotoGP race, with the first event currently planned for 2027.[12][13]

Construction delays to the circuit have caused several issues. The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was originally scheduled to be held at Qiddiya in December 2021, but because construction was unfinished, the event instead took place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Following the Formula One Group's announcement in November 2020 that a Grand Prix would be held at the circuit in 2021,[14] the Saudi government allegedly paid tens of millions of dollars to retain hosting rights after the project's completion was delayed until 2027.[15][16] The announcement drew criticism from human rights organizations, which accused the country of attempting to sportswash its international image.

Football

Qiddiya is home to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium,[17][18] which is planned as one of the venues for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The stadium will also serve as the home ground for Riyadh’s two major rival clubs, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.

Parks

Major Qiddiya Attractions
Park Announced Opening Description Ref
Six Flags Qiddiya City April 4, 2018 December 31, 2025 The first Six Flags park located outside North America, featuring Falcons Flight — the world's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. [19][20][21][22]
Dragon Ball Theme Park March 22, 2024 Under Construction The first theme park in the world based on the Dragon Ball franchise. [23][24]
Aquarabia May 6, 2024 Under Construction A water park inspired by the Arabian Peninsula, and the largest in the Middle East and North Africa. [25]
Mercedes-AMG World of Performance February 19, 2025 Under Construction The first Mercedes-AMG experience center in the world, featuring immersive exhibits, simulators, and real-world driving experiences. [26]

Transportation

Rail

On 21 September 2025, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced plans for the Qiddiya High Speed Railway.[27] The railway will have three stations: one at King Salman International Airport, one in the King Abdullah Financial District, and one serving Qiddiya City.

See also

References

  1. ^ Halligan, Neil. "Saudi Arabia megaprojects 2024: From Neom to AlUla, 17 developments shaping its future". The National.
  2. ^ a b "Construction at Saudi entertainment megaproject Qiddiya to begin this year". Arab News. 9 January 2019. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  3. ^ a b c "Developers reveal more details about Qiddiya, the Saudi entertainment supercity". Arab News. 25 July 2019. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  4. ^ "Jeddah expects to host F1 race until Qiddiya circuit is ready in 2027". RACER. 19 January 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  5. ^ Corder, Josh (8 December 2023). "Qiddiya Project Relaunched By Saudi Crown Prince Without Opening Date". Skift. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Qiddiya Project, Red Sea Project, can Saudi Arabia turn into a tourist destination?". Weetas Real Estate Blog, Market Stats, Real Estate Analysis. 5 February 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  7. ^ a b "Construction at Saudi entertainment megaproject Qiddiya to begin this year". Arab News. 9 January 2019. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  8. ^ "Qiddiya to create a self-sustaining ecosystem". Saudigazette. 23 September 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  9. ^ "Al-Qiddiya: A futuristic mega city". Saudigazette. 24 April 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  10. ^ "MiSK, Qiddiya team up for internship program". Arab News. 25 March 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  11. ^ Takahashi, Dean (6 September 2024). "Will Saudi Arabia's big bet on the Qiddiya gaming and esports city pay off? | The DeanBeat". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  12. ^ Andrew Benson (17 January 2020). "Formula 1: Saudi Arabia unveils plans for race in 2023". BBC News. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  13. ^ "Saudi Arabia showcases details of new Qiddiya F1 track". Motorsport Week. 5 March 2024.
  14. ^ "F1 adds Saudi Arabian Grand Prix night race to 2021 calendar | Formula 1®". www.formula1.com. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  15. ^ "Jeddah expects to host F1 race until Qiddiya circuit is ready in 2027". RACER. 19 January 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  16. ^ "F1 risks human rights wrath over first Saudi Arabian race". The Times. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  17. ^ "Saudi Arabia unveils stunning new Prince Mohammad bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya". Goal.com. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  18. ^ "Populous unveils three-sided stadium overlooking cliffside in Saudi Arabia". Dezeen. 19 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  19. ^ "Largest Six Flags theme park in the world to open in Qiddiya". Arab News. 27 August 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
  20. ^ Sansens, Jonathan (13 April 2023). "First track installed for the fastest, tallest and longest roller coaster". Themeparkfreaks (in Dutch).
  21. ^ Stilwell, Andrew (14 November 2023). "Intamin Reveals Falcon's Flight Details". Coaster101.
  22. ^ "Buckle up, the world's fastest roller coaster is coming to Saudi Arabia". Arab News. 27 August 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
  23. ^ "Construction to Commence for the World's Only Dragon Ball Theme Park!". Dragon Ball Official Site. 22 March 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  24. ^ "Dragon Ball: First theme park to be built in Saudi Arabia". BBC News. 25 March 2024. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  25. ^ "Qiddiya to open largest water theme park in the region". Public Investment Fund. 6 May 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  26. ^ "Introducing Mercedes-AMG World of Performance in Qiddiya". Mercedes-AMG F1. 27 November 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
  27. ^ "Royal Commission for Riyadh City Announces Bidding for Qiddiya High‑Speed Rail Project". Qiddiya Investment Company. 21 September 2025.

24°35′N 46°19′E / 24.58°N 46.32°E / 24.58; 46.32

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