Qiddiya Project

The Qiddiya Project is one of the largest Saudi entertainment, sports, and cultural projects in the Kingdom. It was announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chairman of the Public Investment Fund, on the 10th of Rajab, 1438 AH. The project is located 40 kilometers southwest of Riyadh and spans an area of more than 360 square kilometers, making it the largest practical entertainment project in terms of size.

The Qiddiya Project in Riyadh is expected to become the largest entertainment destination in the world. It aims to establish a city that serves as the capital of entertainment, sports, and arts, aligning with the ambitious Vision 2030. The project seeks to promote sustainable and distinguished investments within Saudi Arabia, diversify the Saudi economy, reduce reliance on oil, create more job opportunities, and enhance the quality of life.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore the key details related to this massive, sustainable project.

About Qiddiya Project

The Qiddiya Project in Riyadh is part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term sustainable programs. It is expected to be the entertainment and cultural capital of the future. In 2018, King Salman bin Abdulaziz laid the foundation stone for the project, and construction began in 2019.

The idea of building and establishing the Qiddiya Project is based on five key pillars:

Sports and health
Environment and nature
Arts and culture
Motion and excitement
Parks and entertainment destinations

The project also aims to make Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, a global tourist destination that attracts tourists and visitors from all over the world. The project includes hundreds of world-class entertainment, cultural, and sports facilities designed to host global events and competitions, as well as residential units, five-star luxury hotels, retail outlets, and upscale restaurants and family parks.

The Qiddiya Investment Company, in collaboration with leading companies in the Middle East, is responsible for implementing the project. Partners include the UAE-based engineering company ALEC and the Canadian firm Bjarke Ingels Group, along with the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Location of the Qiddiya Project

The Qiddiya Project is strategically and centrally located 45 km from downtown Riyadh, specifically in the historical Qiddiya region in the heart of the Tuwaiq Mountains Nature Reserve. It is also close to major areas and key roads:

70 km from King Khalid International Airport
10 km from the last station of the Riyadh Metro Project

Size of the Qiddiya Project in Riyadh

The total area of the Qiddiya Project in Riyadh exceeds 360 square kilometers, making it three times the size of Disneyland in the United States. The planned development area is approximately 223 square kilometers, with 30% of the total area designated for buildings and the majority allocated for natural landmarks.

Project name and logo

The Qiddiya Project reflects the authenticity and history of its location—the Qiddiya region. This area has historical significance, as it was once a village extending along a trade and pilgrimage route that passed through the Arabian Peninsula.

As for the project’s logo, it was designed to highlight the region’s attractive and stunning nature, characterized by mountains and geographical terrains. The colors of the logo symbolize the recreational nature of the area.

Project objectives

The Qiddiya Project in Riyadh aims to achieve several goals, including making Riyadh a global tourism hub and placing it on the world tourism map. Additional objectives include:

Providing a world-class entertainment destination and building an advanced, prosperous society based on innovation and development
Helping young people gain more job opportunities in various sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and hospitality. The project has already created approximately 325 direct and indirect job opportunities, fulfilling aspirations and increasing investment opportunities
Diversifying and enhancing the local economy. The Qiddiya Project is expected to boost the local economy by attracting foreign investments and increasing tourism spending
Encouraging sports activities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and enhancing participation in cultural and artistic events
Capturing the attention of global markets and drawing international interest to the Kingdom

Qiddiya Project and Vision 2030

The Qiddiya Project in Riyadh is a core part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030. It aligns with its objectives to develop the Kingdom’s tourism and entertainment sectors, diversify its economy, reduce dependency on oil, and improve the quality of life for residents and expatriates.

Additionally, the Qiddiya Project takes into account environmental sustainability by designing eco-friendly facilities and utilizing modern technologies to minimize environmental impact.

Qiddiya Project Master Plan

The Qiddiya Project’s master plan was developed in collaboration with the Danish company Bjarke Ingels Group, renowned for its global expertise in developing entertainment, cultural, and heritage projects. The plan is designed to be comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the natural beauty of the site.

The master plan is divided into five primary districts:

Entertainment District:
- Features four closed tourist zones in a central area dedicated to entertainment attractions, restaurants, and retail outlets
- Includes luxury five-star hotel facilities offering stunning views from 200 meters above the entertainment area
- Hosts open-air entertainment spaces capable of accommodating 5,000–40,000 visitors
- Includes facilities for ice skating
Qiddiya Village:
- A central area located on the slopes of the Tuwaiq Mountains, blending work, relaxation, tranquility, and entertainment
- Contains residential complexes and retail shops
- Offers a variety of sports facilities, including a large multi-purpose indoor stadium with an 18,000-seat capacity
- Includes a massive outdoor sports stadium on the Tuwaiq Mountain slope with a 20,000-seat capacity
- Features a water sports center and a state-of-the-art fitness center for individual activities and events
Motion and Excitement Zone:
- A perfect destination for motorsport enthusiasts
- Includes a speed circuit and a primary learning area for fans of high-speed activities
- Houses a resort dedicated to private racing events, making it ideal for hosting global competitions
Environmental Zone:
- Provides opportunities to explore desert ecosystems through unique experiences in the heart of nature
- Features breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures that leave visitors with unforgettable experiences
- Allows visitors to view wildlife in its natural habitat
- Includes mountain biking trails, a camping resort, and an eco-lodge
Golf Complex Area:
- Located in the heart of Qiddiya City, extending from the city’s edge to the metro hub and transit center
- Offers panoramic views of the project’s entertainment and residential facilities
- Includes an 18-hole championship golf course, a luxurious resort, a spa, and specialized equestrian facilities

Ongoing Projects at Qiddiya

The Qiddiya Project in Riyadh includes numerous entertainment, cultural, and sports projects such as:

Jack Nicklaus Championship Golf Course: A premier destination for global professional golfers, just a 40-minute drive from Riyadh, offering stunning views of Qiddiya City and the Tuwaiq Mountains
Six Flags Qiddiya Theme Park: Designed on 320,000 square meters (equivalent to 43 football fields), featuring six zones with around 28 attractions, making it a key family and friends gathering point
Aquaria Park: The first and largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia, with eight zones and 81 luxury world-class chalets, as well as a surfing school
Speed Park: This park will include unique car racing circuits designed to host international competitions and championships.
Sports Complex: A multi-purpose sports facility that will host a variety of local and global sports events and competitions.
Performing Arts Center: A center dedicated to theater and live performances, showcasing local and international talent in the arts.
Retail and Dining Hubs: A variety of upscale retail outlets and restaurants offering diverse dining experiences to cater to different tastes.

Phases of the Qiddiya Project

The Qiddiya Project in Riyadh consists of three main phases:

First Phase

April 7, 2017: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched and announced the project.
April 28, 2018: The project’s foundation stone was laid.
Establishment of Qiddiya Investment Company: A closed joint-stock company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
2019: The project’s master plan was approved, marking its official launch. This included initiating the design and planning stages, infrastructure development, and essential preparations.
2020: Qiddiya transitioned from the planning stage to the construction phase, with ongoing site preparations for building activities.

Second Phase

This phase involves:

Construction of key facilities such as theme parks, sports venues, and hotels.
Development of internal transportation systems.
2023: The project was partially inaugurated, with some facilities expected to open by the end of this phase to begin offering services and welcoming visitors.

Third Phase

2026 onwards: This phase includes future expansions with the addition of more entertainment, sports, and cultural facilities. It also focuses on improving and expanding public amenities and developing new technologies to enhance the visitor experience.

When will the Qiddiya Project be completed?

There is no specific date for the full completion of the Qiddiya Project in Riyadh. The project is being executed in phases, with the second and third phases expected to conclude by 2030, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.

Companies involved in the Qiddiya Project

The Qiddiya Investment Company is a closed joint-stock company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). It is the lead developer and parent brand for the entire Qiddiya Project. Supported by PIF, the company collaborates with leading firms in the construction and development sectors, including:

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG): A Danish company renowned for its pioneering work in developing heritage and cultural entertainment projects globally. BIG designed the Qiddiya master plan to harmonize with the natural environment of the site.
ALEC Engineering and Contracting: A subsidiary of Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), operating across GCC and African countries in construction and related fields. ALEC is collaborating with Qiddiya to execute Saudi Arabia’s first and largest water-themed amusement park.

Bouygues Bâtiment International: A French company specializing in complex construction projects globally for over 50 years. It has been awarded the contract to develop the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park.

About SCAVO Platform

The SCAVO Platform is your comprehensive guide and gateway to the Saudi construction sector. This platform was established by the Saudi Contractors Authority in partnership with Ventures Onsite. It aims to provide the most extensive and accurate database of all types of projects in Saudi Arabia under the framework of the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative.

The platform enables contractors, suppliers, and consultants to identify optimal and profitable opportunities while connecting with construction companies and decision-makers.

Unique Services Offered by SCAVO Platform

Project Search: Discover ongoing and future projects across various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, and more. Searches can be refined by location, value, type, and other criteria.
Project Tracking: Keep track of project stages and stay updated on the latest developments, regardless of the project’s scale.
Access to News and Events: Stay informed about the latest news and events in the Saudi construction and building sector.
Collaboration Opportunities: Enhance cooperation and communication between suppliers, consultants, and contractors.
Find New Clients: The platform helps suppliers discover new clients in the construction sector.
Enhanced Project Management: SCAVO increases the efficiency of contractors and suppliers by providing the necessary information for sound and fruitful decision-making.
Showcase Products and Services: Suppliers can present their products and services to contractors in their vicinity.

The platform also provides insights into the Saudi construction sector’s 2025 forecasts, an overview of 2024, and a future project map for 2030.

The SCAVO Platform is an excellent tool for contractors and suppliers in Saudi Arabia, driving growth and development in the Saudi construction market. Don’t hesitate to subscribe to the platform here.