Qiddiya City has been awarded the DMAP Accreditation with Distinction by Destinations International, placing it among an elite group of accredited destinations worldwide to achieve the programme's highest possible recognition.

DMAP (Destination Marketing Accreditation Program) is an independent global accreditation programme administered by Destinations International, the world's largest and most trusted resource for destination organisations. It defines and benchmarks excellence across governance, finance, operations, human resources, technology, visitor services, sales, brand management, destination development, stakeholder relationships, and advocacy. 

Of the nearly 200 organisations worldwide to achieve DMAP recognition, fewer than 20 percent have received the Accreditation with Distinction designation. It is the programme's highest possible award, reserved for organisations that exceed all minimum standards with no identified areas for improvement.

Muhammad Bassrawi, Chief Marketing & Destination Officer at Qiddiya Investment Company, said: "Achieving DMAP Accreditation with Distinction places Qiddiya City among a select group of destinations worldwide to reach this standard. It’s a powerful signal to the global tourism community that Qiddiya City is being built to the highest international benchmarks. This recognition reflects our commitment to operational excellence across every dimension of destination management and reinforces our belief that the Power of Play has the potential to transform lives."

As the first destination management organisation (DMO) in the Middle East to achieve DMAP Accreditation with Distinction, and only the second DMO in the region to receive DMAP accreditation overall, this milestone reflects Qiddiya City’s commitment to setting a new benchmark for destination excellence. The distinction recognizes organisations that go beyond meeting the required standards to truly showcase the breadth of their operation and their commitment to advancing the destination they serve.

Saudi Arabia’s capital of sports, entertainment, and culture

Qiddiya City is Saudi Arabia's city of entertainment, sports, and culture. Developed by Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), it is a destination of global scale being built 45 kilometres west of Riyadh under the vision of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). 

Spanning approximately 360 square kilometres, Qiddiya City is one of the most ambitious destination development projects in the world and a central pillar of Saudi Vision 2030.

The city is built around the philosophy of the Power of Play; the belief that play is a fundamental human need that drives creativity, wellbeing, community, and economic vitality. Qiddiya City is designed to be a fully livable city where play is woven into the fabric of everyday life, offering world-class experiences for residents and visitors alike. 

Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International, said: “We are pleased to have Qiddiya City join our distinguished group of accredited organisations. This achievement defines quality and performance standards for destination organisations, and Qiddiya City is a valued member of Destinations International and the DMAP community.” 

Open to the public 

Qiddiya City is already welcoming visitors. Six Flags Qiddiya City is open and operating, delivering thrilling, record-breaking rides and entertainment experiences to guests from across Saudi Arabia and the region; Aquarabia, the largest waterpark in the country, provides a year-round aquatic destination for families; and PlayMaker Studios is Saudi Arabia’s first purpose-built film production hub, designed to service international and regional high-end productions.

A city taking shape

Qiddiya City's portfolio of landmark venues currently under development includes the National Tennis Centre, the region's largest tennis facility; a Sir Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course; the Speed Park Track motorsport circuit; the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, future home of Al Nassr and Al Hilal and a 2034 FIFA World Cup venue; the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre; a world-first Gaming and Esports District; and the Horse Racing Venue, future home of the prestigious Saudi Cup.

A livable city 

Qiddiya City is being built as a fully integrated urban destination; a livable city designed for long-term residents and short-term visitors alike. It will include hotels, residential neighbourhoods, high-speed rail connectivity linking Qiddiya City to central Riyadh, retail and dining districts, public parks and open spaces, and a comprehensive civic infrastructure befitting a city of international stature.  

By combining landmark entertainment and sporting assets with a genuine residential and community fabric, this integrated approach is central to what distinguishes Qiddiya City within the global destination landscape and helped inform its DMAP evaluation. 

The DMAP Accreditation with Distinction places Qiddiya City among fewer than two dozen destination organisations globally to have achieved this level of recognition.

The achievement will be formally recognised at the Destinations International 2026 Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon.