In the heart of Saudi Arabia, approximately 40 minutes from Riyadh, a transformative megaproject is taking shape—Qiddiya. Envisioned as the Kingdom’s future capital of entertainment, sports, and culture, Qiddiya is rapidly emerging as a beacon for global investors. This ambitious initiative aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy, reduce oil dependency, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
Strategic Alignment with Vision 2030
Qiddiya is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan to diversify the nation’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenues. By investing in sectors like entertainment, tourism, and sports, the Kingdom aims to create a sustainable economic ecosystem. Qiddiya’s development is expected to generate over 325,000 jobs and contribute approximately $36 billion annually to the national GDP.
What Is Qiddiya?
Announced in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Qiddiya is envisioned as a world-class destination encompassing over 360 square kilometers. The project aims to offer a diverse array of attractions, including theme parks, sports facilities, cultural venues, and residential communities. By 2030, Qiddiya is projected to attract 17 million visitors annually and contribute up to SR17 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, generating approximately 25,000 jobs.
Entertainment at Its Peak
Qiddiya’s entertainment offerings are set to be unparalleled. The Six Flags Qiddiya, under construction, will be the largest Six Flags theme park globally, featuring record-breaking attractions such as Falcons Flight—the world’s fastest, tallest, and longest roller coaster . Additionally, Aquaria, a groundbreaking waterpark, will introduce the world’s first underwater adventure ride with submersible cars, along with the tallest water slide and the largest drop body slide.
Further enhancing its appeal, Qiddiya is set to host the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park, developed in collaboration with Toei Animation. Spanning 500,000 square meters, this park will recreate iconic locations from the beloved anime series, including a 70-meter-high Shenron statue.
A Smart, Sustainable City
Beyond entertainment, Qiddiya is being developed as a smart city, integrating advanced technologies to enhance visitor experiences. In partnership with Globant, Qiddiya is implementing the PLAY LIFE Connected Experience framework, which leverages artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud technology to personalize interactions and streamline services.
The city will also prioritize sustainability, featuring eco-friendly infrastructure and green spaces. Plans include residential units, with 4,000 expected by 2025 and 11,000 by 2030, catering to both residents and tourists seeking weekend or vacation homes .
Economic and Social Impact
Qiddiya is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reduce its reliance on oil revenues and boost domestic spending on culture and entertainment. With Saudi citizens spending approximately $30 billion annually on tourism abroad, Qiddiya aims to recapture a significant portion of this expenditure by offering world-class attractions within the Kingdom.
The project is expected to create a self-sustaining ecosystem, with over 300 recreational and educational facilities across five key areas: Parks & Attractions, Sports & Wellness, Motion & Mobility, Nature & Environment, and Arts & Culture . This comprehensive approach ensures that Qiddiya caters to a wide range of interests and demographics, fostering a vibrant community.
Attracting Global Investment
Qiddiya’s scale and ambition have attracted significant interest from global investors. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, is leading the development, with strategic partnerships and collaborations enhancing the project’s global appeal. The Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh has seen participation from prominent global financiers, underscoring the international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.
Moreover, Qiddiya’s focus on innovation and technology positions it as a leader in the digital transformation of entertainment and tourism sectors, further attracting tech-savvy investors and companies seeking to be part of this groundbreaking venture.
Looking Ahead
As construction progresses, Qiddiya is set to become a beacon of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—a dynamic blend of culture, technology, and entertainment. Its development not only promises to enhance the Kingdom’s global standing but also offers investors a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative project that will influence the future of tourism and entertainment worldwide.
With its ambitious plans and strategic initiatives, Qiddiya is not just building a city; it is crafting a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.
