The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pre-eminent entertainment, sports and cultural destination
It’s time to have some fun.
Qiddiya will become the place to go, a prominent landmark and an important hub to meet and satisfy the recreational, social and cultural needs of the country’s current and future generations.
Visitors will have access to more than 300 recreational and educational facilities designed around five cornerstones of development that drive our strategy. These are: Parks & Attractions with amusement, theme and water parks and feature attractions; Sports & Wellness introducing sports programs and facilities for all kinds of sports from hobbyists to professional athletes, including infrastructure capable of hosting international competitions and world-class training facilities and academies; Motion & Mobility providing adrenaline induced motor and sky sports, on road, off road and in the air; Nature & Environment exploring the great outdoors with environmental, nature and adventure activities; Arts & Culture offering facilities and programmes that expose visitors to an array of traditional and modern arts, exhibitions, cultural and educational opportunities.
There will also be a range of real estate options and community services to fulfil the vision of Qiddiya to be a 24-hour destination resort community, with everything in one place.
Vision 2030
Qiddiya is one of the Giga-projects under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
In 2016 His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud mandated the development of a long-term model of prosperity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The result was Vision 2030, an ambitious yet attainable blueprint to ensure Saudi Arabia is a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation.
In response to multiple societal challenges including limited entertainment options, demographic and social change, careers in a world beyond oil, and public health, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has been tasked with developing a series of ‘Giga-projects’. The Qiddiya project will meet these challenges by providing a place where Saudis find excitement, inspiration, creative communities and career and investment opportunities.
It's about the Economy
The Qiddiya project presents a strong economic case, helping to stem the $30bn a year which Saudis currently spend abroad on tourism. Investors will note Qiddiya’s backing by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, political support at the highest level.
Operators will note Qiddiya’s predeveloped infrastructure and innovative partnership models. Saudi citizens will reap the benefits of new, diversified and cutting-edge career opportunities.
It's about the People
Qiddiya’s social case is equally as strong. Two thirds of Saudi citizens are under the age of 35 and they seek a greater quality of life. Qiddiya will provide world-leading entertainment and leisure options, while simultaneously contributing to empowering youth and women, lifting public health outcomes, and supporting environmental conservation.
The Ground-breaking Ceremony
On 28th April, 2018, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, led the Qiddiya Ground-breaking Ceremony in front of a global audience.
After the national anthem and opening address, Aa’ed Yousef, a rising Saudi star, performed a song with lyrics written by HRH Prince Bader bin Abdulmohsen, highlighting the opportunity that Qiddiya will present to develop the abilities of talented young Saudis.
The ceremony included a three-act show that took the audience on a journey through time, examining Saudi Arabia’s past, present and future growth.The first act began with a story about an elderly man’s memories of Saudi Arabia as he reflected on what life was like for him as the country developed. It then moved to his thoughts on the present day and to the future, as the Kingdom realizes its potential and works to realize the goals of Vision 2030.
The second act featured a video focusing on the attractions that visitors will find at Qiddiya. The final act came to a close as King Salman placed the last baton into the Qiddiya logo, triggering a spectacular firework show that lit up the sky, dramatically illuminating the Tuwaiq Mountain cliffs overlooking the site.
Timeline
Phase One of Qiddiya will open in 2022. Until then, keep visiting our site to check for the latest announcements and pre-opening activities.