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QIDDIYA SAUDI ARABIA'S VISIONARY MEGA-PROJECT
Qiddiya is an ambitious project launched by King Salman bin Abdulaziz in 2018, poised to become Saudi Arabia’s premier destination for entertainment, sports, and culture. This mega-project, a pivotal part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, is strategically located southwest of Riyadh, overlooking the cliffs of the Tuwaiq mountains. The vision behind Qiddiya is to establish a global capital of entertainment and leisure, contributing significantly to the Kingdom's economy and societal progress.
A Hub for Entertainment, Sports, and Culture Qiddiya aims to offer five core experiences: Sports & Wellness, Nature & Environment, Parks & Attractions, Motion & Mobility, and Arts & Culture. This project is set to redefine the entertainment landscape with family-friendly theme parks, state-of-the-art sports arenas, and a variety of cultural venues. The city plans to host a multitude of attractions, including a gaming and esports district, a speed park track, golf courses, and the Six Flags Qiddiya – a massive theme park promising rides and experiences unparalleled globally. Additionally, a water theme park featuring 23 rides, some
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being world-firsts, will add to the allure of this mega-project.
Economic and Societal Impact Qiddiya is not just a leisure destination but a significant economic catalyst. It's expected to create over 325,000 job opportunities and contribute approximately $36 billion to the GDP once fully operational. The project aligns with the Kingdom's objectives of economic diversification and job creation, and it emphasizes play and recreation's importance for human development and societal well-being.
Project Development and Launch The development of Qiddiya is progressing steadily, with contracts worth SR10 billion ($2.7 billion) already awarded. The project covers an overall area of 360 square km and is anticipated to host over 600,000 residents. Qiddiya City is expected to attract around 48 million visits per year. The first of the 82 entertainment locations, including the waterpark and Six Flags amusement park, is due to open soon. These attractions, along with others, are part of the plan to expand the city’s offerings in response to Riyadh’s projected population growth.
