Qiddiya
Saudi Arabia's entertainment, sports, and cultural mega-destination under development southwest of Riyadh, spanning 366 square kilometres.
Definition
Qiddiya is a PIF-backed entertainment, sports, and cultural gigaproject under construction approximately 45 kilometres southwest of Riyadh, designed to become the Kingdom’s capital of entertainment and a top global destination for recreation and leisure.
Overview
Unveiled in April 2018, Qiddiya spans approximately 366 square kilometres on the edge of the Tuwaiq Escarpment, an area roughly the size of Las Vegas. The project is structured around five pillars: Parks and Attractions, Sports and Wellness, Nature and Environment, Arts and Culture, and Community and Residential. At its heart is Six Flags Qiddiya, which is planned to feature the world’s tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster.
Qiddiya is developed by the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), a PIF portfolio company, and is positioned as the primary entertainment destination for Riyadh’s rapidly growing population of over 8 million people. Beyond theme parks, the masterplan includes a speed park with a motorsport circuit, a water park, performance venues, a golf course, and a nature preserve along the escarpment edge.
The project reflects a fundamental shift in Saudi social policy, which has progressively relaxed restrictions on entertainment, mixed-gender events, cinemas, and live performances since 2016. Qiddiya represents the physical infrastructure required to support this cultural transformation, providing Saudi families with domestic leisure options that previously required travel abroad.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Announced | April 2018 |
| Location | 45 km southwest of Riyadh |
| Area | ~366 km² |
| Developer | Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) |
| Owner | Public Investment Fund |
| Pillars | 5 (Parks, Sports, Nature, Arts, Community) |
| Flagship Attraction | Six Flags Qiddiya |
| Motorsport | Speed Park and racing circuit |
| Target Audience | Riyadh residents and regional visitors |
Role in Vision 2030
Qiddiya is a direct expression of Vision 2030’s Quality of Life pillar, which aims to create a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle for Saudi citizens that reduces the estimated USD 20 billion spent annually by Saudis on entertainment and leisure travel abroad. By building world-class attractions within the Kingdom, the project aims to capture a significant portion of this spending domestically while generating tens of thousands of jobs.
The project also supports Vision 2030’s sports ambitions, with facilities designed to host international competitions and develop Saudi athletic talent. Qiddiya’s blend of entertainment, culture, and residential development reflects the Vision’s integrated approach to building complete communities rather than isolated attractions.