The landscape of entertainment and culture in Saudi Arabia is about to change dramatically with the unveiling of Qiddiya City‘s urban plan as well as details of the city’s branding for the coming years. Spearheaded by HRH the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the driving force behind the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), this ambitious project promises to reshape the Kingdom’s economic and cultural landscape.
In his statement, the Crown Prince envisioned Qiddiya City becoming the premier global destination in the fields of sports, entertainment and culture, positively impacting the Kingdom’s economy and international stature. The project aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and create thousands of job opportunities, particularly for the ambitious Saudi youth.
Qiddiya’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the concept of “Play”, recognising its critical role in human development, emotional expression, social skills, and physical health.
Qiddiya City, located on the outskirts of Riyadh and spanning an area of 360 sq km, is set to offer a unique blend of entertainment, sports, culture, and urban living. The city promises endless fun and excitement for both residents and visitors, featuring attractions like a gaming and esports district, a speed park track, golf courses, a large water theme park, and Six Flags Qiddiya, along with a multipurpose stadium. Overlooking the majestic Tuwaiq mountains, the city is expected to create over 325,000 jobs and generate a nominal GDP of SAR 135 billion annually. With a goal of attracting 48 million visits per year, the city’s proximity to Riyadh centre, only 40 minutes away, adds to its appeal.
Further enhancing its offerings, Qiddiya announces an innovative Gaming & Esports district, aiming to establish Saudi Arabia as the global epicenter of these growing industries. This vibrant district in Qiddiya City will house four dedicated esports venues capable of hosting major global events. The district is expected to draw up to 10 million visits a year.
Qiddiya City will be home to the world’s first mixed-use gaming and esports district, featuring four esports venues and a year-round calendar of major events. The district will include one of the world’s largest indoor LED screens in an esports arena, with 5,300 seats. Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, expressed pride in hosting this groundbreaking district, which promises a unique, engaging experience for visitors and residents alike.
This district is not only a venue for tournaments but also a living and training hub for up to 25 esports clubs. It will also host regional headquarters for over 30 leading video game companies. Spanning over 500,000 square metres, the district will include gaming spaces, retail, dining, and entertainment venues, along with gaming-themed apartments and hotels.
As a core pillar of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, the district aligns with the vision to position Saudi Arabia, with its significant gaming-enthusiast population, as a central player in the global gaming and esports sector by 2030.
This announcement comes on the heels of the unveiling of a new vision for Qiddiya, focused on the power of play. Qiddiya City is set to offer unparalleled experiences across entertainment, sports, and culture, with more attractions to be announced soon.
Furthermore, Qiddiya is aiming to be a world-leader in green mobility, leveraging innovative multi-modal transportation. Qiddiya will offer residents a year-round destination with an extensive network of cycle and walking trails.
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