What Is Qiddiya?

Qiddiya is Saudi Arabia’s entertainment, sports, and cultural mega-project located approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Riyadh. Spanning 334 square kilometres (more than twice the size of Walt Disney World), Qiddiya aims to become the Kingdom’s capital of entertainment, sports, and the arts. Developed by Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), a PIF-backed entity, the project represents a cornerstone of Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Programme.

Vision and Scale

Announced in 2017, Qiddiya is designed to address the massive pent-up demand for entertainment and recreation among Saudi Arabia’s young population. With over 70 percent of the population under 35 and historical limitations on entertainment options, Saudis have spent an estimated USD 30 billion annually on entertainment tourism abroad. Qiddiya aims to recapture this spending domestically.

The project is structured around five pillars: parks and attractions, sports and wellness, nature and environment, arts and culture, and motion and mobility (motorsport and automotive experiences).

Key Components

Six Flags Qiddiya. The centrepiece theme park, developed in partnership with Six Flags, will feature a record-breaking roller coaster designed to be the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest. The park is expected to include multiple themed zones with rides, shows, and attractions.

Speed Park. A motorsport facility designed to host international racing events, including potential Formula 1 and Formula E races. The facility will include a high-performance track, driving experiences, and an automotive museum.

Water Theme Park. A major water park designed for year-round operation, complementing the dry theme park attractions.

Golf Courses. Championship golf courses designed by leading course architects, positioned to attract international golf tourism and events.

Performing Arts Theatre. A state-of-the-art performance venue for concerts, theatrical productions, and cultural events, designed to host world-class performers and productions.

Esports and Gaming District. Reflecting Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading gaming market, Qiddiya includes dedicated esports arenas and gaming facilities, aligned with Savvy Games Group’s broader gaming strategy.

Residential Communities. Qiddiya plans mixed-use residential communities integrated with the entertainment and leisure assets, creating a live-work-play destination.

FIFA 2034 World Cup

Qiddiya has been designated as a key venue for the FIFA 2034 World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host. A major stadium within Qiddiya is planned to serve as one of the tournament’s premier venues, providing a significant catalyst for accelerated development.

Construction Progress

Construction is actively underway across multiple zones. Infrastructure works including roads, utilities, and grading have progressed significantly. The Six Flags park and initial resort facilities are among the early-phase priorities. The project has awarded billions of dollars in construction and development contracts.

Investment Opportunities

Qiddiya Investment Company actively seeks private sector partners for hotel and resort development, restaurant and retail operations, entertainment content and attractions, technology solutions, and construction services. The project’s procurement portal accepts registrations from international companies.

Economic Impact

Qiddiya targets generating significant economic output and creating tens of thousands of permanent jobs. The project’s proximity to Riyadh (population approximately 7.5 million and growing) provides a massive captive market. Qiddiya is expected to attract over 17 million visitors annually at full build-out.

Challenges

The project’s scale and timeline present execution challenges. Competition for construction resources with other Saudi mega-projects can create labour and material cost pressures. Establishing Saudi Arabia as a global entertainment destination requires sustained marketing and content investment. Seasonal heat during summer months (temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius) requires design solutions for year-round visitor comfort.

Qiddiya represents Saudi Arabia’s bet that entertainment, sport, and culture can form the backbone of a vibrant, diversified economy. Its success would demonstrate that a post-oil Saudi Arabia can attract and retain residents and visitors through quality of life, not merely economic opportunity.

See our Qiddiya Project Tracker and Entertainment in Saudi Arabia 2025.