QiddiyaThe Emerging Capital of Entertainment, Sports, and Culture in Saudi Arabia

Envisioned as a dynamic, liveable city, Qiddiya is poised to become a magnet for tourists and residents alike. With a focus on immersive experiences and a diverse real estate market, this mega-project presents unparalleled opportunities for businesses across multiple sectors.

Key Highlights About Qiddiya

Qiddiya At a Glance

Launched in 2018 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz as part of Vision 2030, Qiddiya City is set to become a world-class nexus of entertainment, sports, and culture.

As the flagship project of Qiddiya, the organization behind the “power of play,” this ambitious development is set to redefine leisure and recreation in Saudi Arabia, attracting Saudi nationals, residents, and tourists alike.

Moreover, the project is a strategic move to leverage the energy of Saudi Arabia's youthful population. Since approximately 67% of Saudis are under 35, the Kingdom is ripe for innovation and new experiences.

Qiddiya is designed to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of this energetic generation. By providing cutting-edge facilities and innovative attractions, the development aims to inspire, empower, and entertain, fostering a new era of cultural and economic growth within the Kingdom.

Six Flags Qiddiya: A Thrilling Addition to Saudi Arabia's Entertainment Landscape

Six Flags Qiddiya, the largest Six Flags theme park globally, is scheduled to open in 2025 as part of the expansive Qiddiya entertainment project.

Situated just 40 minutes from Riyadh, this 79-acre park will showcase 28 rides and attractions across six themed lands, providing a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

Record-Breaking Attractions in Qiddiya

Some of the attractions in the theme park will include the world’s first double water loop, the tallest water coaster with the highest jump, the longest and highest water racing track, and the tallest water slide.

Six Flags Qiddiya’s record-breaking rides include:

  • Falcon's Flight: The world's longest, tallest, and fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 250 km/h (160 mph) and heights of 195 m (640 ft).
  • Sirocco Tower: The world's tallest free-standing shot tower ride.
  • Gyrospin: The world's tallest pendulum ride.
  • Spitfire: The world's tallest inverted top hat launch coaster.
  • Iron Rattler: The world's tallest tilt coaster.

Themed Lands in Qiddiya

Six Flags Qiddiya will be divided into six themed lands, each promising a one-of-a-kind adventure for visitors. The themed lands include:

Steam Town

A steampunk wonderland featuring the Iron Rattler, a hydraulic lift ride through a narrow mineshaft, and other attractions like Saw Mill Falls and the Steel Stampede.

Twilight Gardens

A hidden secret garden that transforms into an illuminated enchanted forest at night, with rides like the Twilight Express and Amirat Al Buhayra.

Discovery Springs

An ancient oasis-inspired land with attractions such as the Spitfire triple-launch coaster and Skywatch hydraulic ride.

City Thrills

Home to the Falcon's Flight and other record-breaking rides, this zone will offer an unparalleled thrill experience.

Valley of Fortune

An Indiana Jones-style adventure land with rides like Treasure Trail and Canyon Charters.

Grand Exposition

The park's main thoroughfare features a canopy design inspired by traditional Bedouin tents and housing cafes, retail, and shows.

Qiddiya Sports District

Qiddiya City will feature a comprehensive sports district designed to host major events and attract a significant number of visitors.

The sports district will include a multipurpose stadium, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, which will be a hub for various sports and cultural events. This stadium will be a key component of the city's sports infrastructure, enhancing the overall sports experience for visitors and residents alike.

Key Attractions in the Sports District

The Sports District in Qiddiya is designed to be a comprehensive area that will host major sports events and provide many different sports facilities.

Multipurpose Stadium

Being the centerpiece of Qiddiya’s Sports District, the stadium will host a variety of sports and cultural events, offering an enhanced experience for visitors and residents alike.

Sports Precinct

A comprehensive area housing several state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated arena, multi-sports hall, central sports hub, aquatic center, female sports center, and kids sports center.

FIA Grade 1 Racetrack

The Speed Park will feature a Formula 1-ready track for all motorsports fans and thrill-seekers looking for adrenaline-fueled activities.

Aquarabia: Water Theme Park

Qiddiya City will be home to Aquarabia, a massive water theme park promising exhilarating experiences for all ages.

The park will have immersive, narrative-based design features and attractions inspired by ancient desert wellsprings and Qiddiya’s wildlife, making it perfect for those searching for an oasis.

At the same time, the park will be a commitment to sustainability. Aquarabia will use recycled water for irrigation and cooling, reducing water waste by up to 90% through specialized filters.

Key Attractions of Aquarabia

Aquarabia’s signature rides and experiences push the boundaries of water park entertainment.

  • World-First Rides: Aquarabia will boast four world-record-breaking rides, including the world's tallest water coaster, largest drop body slide, tallest water slide, and longest mat racer.
  • Underwater Adventure Ride: This ride will include fully submersible cars, providing a unique underwater experience.
  • Surf Pool: Aquarabia will feature Saudi Arabia's first surf pool, offering a new type of water-based activity.
  • Extreme Watersports Zone: The zone will offer a variety of extreme activities, such as rafting, kayaking, canyoneering, free solo climbing, and cliff jumping.
  • Beach Bay with Giant Wave Pool: The park will include a beach bay with a giant wave pool, providing a relaxing and fun environment.

Recent Announcements about Qiddiya

  • Tenders and Contracts: In December 2023, Saudi Arabia awarded contracts worth SAR27 billion for Qiddiya City, further solidifying the project's progress. These contracts include piling works for the stadium and other infrastructure components.
  • Mergers and Partnerships: Seven companies merged with Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) to boost the leisure industry in the Kingdom. This strategic move underscores the confidence of international companies in the potential of Qiddiya.
  • Alstom: Alstom, a global leader in the rail industry, has won a contract to supply signaling systems for the Qiddiya Speed Park, a Formula 1-ready track. This contract is part of the project's infrastructure development and highlights the international companies already benefiting from Qiddiya.
  • Mott MacDonald: Mott MacDonald, a global engineering and infrastructure consultancy, has been awarded a contract to provide design and project management services for the Qiddiya City project. This contract underscores the confidence of international companies in the potential of Qiddiya.
  • AECOM: AECOM, a global leader in engineering and construction services, has won a contract to provide design and project management services for the Qiddiya City project. This contract is part of the project's extensive infrastructure development and highlights the international companies already benefiting from Qiddiya.

Unlocking Qiddiya’s Business Potential Across Sectors

Qiddiya City presents a lucrative opportunity for global companies seeking to expand their footprint in Saudi Arabia. The megaproject's emphasis on entertainment, sports, and culture creates a unique platform for businesses to invest and prosper.

Tourism

The tourism sector stands to gain significantly from Qiddiya's projected 48 million annual visitors. International hospitality and tourism companies can capitalize on this influx by establishing hotels, resorts, and other tourism-related services. The project's focus on delivering world-class experiences promises a robust market for tourism businesses.

Construction

The construction sector is another key beneficiary. With billions of riyals already allocated for construction contracts, there is a substantial pipeline of work for international construction firms. From building massive theme parks to developing essential infrastructure, the project offers ample opportunities for construction companies to participate.

IT and Technology

The IT and technology sectors have a pivotal role in Qiddiya's success. The project's commitment to immersive experiences and digital entertainment necessitates cutting-edge technological solutions. Companies specializing in digital entertainment, gaming, and esports can find a thriving ecosystem within Qiddiya.

Entertainment

Lastly, the entertainment industry is at the heart of Qiddiya. Companies involved in theme park development, event management, and live entertainment can leverage the project's extensive entertainment offerings. The successful partnership with Six Flags underscores the immense potential for international entertainment companies to flourish in this dynamic environment.

Opportunities for Foreign Business Expansion in Qiddiya

In the future, Qiddiya is expected to have a big economic impact. With over 325,000 projected jobs and an estimated annual GDP of SAR135 billion, the project will drive Saudi Arabia's economic diversification strategy forward.

As a catalyst for economic growth and international collaboration, the project is already attracting global interest and investment, with several companies actively contributing to its realization.

Six Flags Qiddiya serves as a prime example of this international partnership. This groundbreaking theme park is set to redefine entertainment in the region, offering unprecedented rides and experiences. The collaboration highlights the confidence international companies have in Qiddiya's potential.

The project presents a wealth of opportunities for foreign businesses across various sectors. From tourism and construction to IT and entertainment, there's a place for international companies to thrive.

Looking forward, with Qiddiya's infrastructure continuing to expand and its theme parks taking shape, the demand for international expertise and investment will continue to grow.

Latest Articles

Set Up and Scale Your Business in Saudi Arabia

Join 600+ Companies Who Expanded to the Kingdom with AstroLabs

Chat Icon