Qiddiya City

Qiddiya City is an under-construction planned city and tourism megaproject situated along the Tuwaiq Escarpment in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia.

History The Qiddiya project was announced in April 2017 as part of Saudi Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy and increasing domestic tourism and entertainment spending. The project is supported by the Public Investment Fund and was envisioned as a large-scale entertainment, sports, and cultural destination near Riyadh.

Construction began in early 2019. Early projections estimated annual visitation of up to 17 million by 2030 and the creation of approximately 325,000 jobs. The first phase of development was initially scheduled for completion in 2023 but was later revised, with timelines extending into the mid-2020s.

The project includes major developments such as Six Flags Qiddiya City, the Aquarabia waterpark, a purpose-built Formula One circuit, and a planned Dragon Ball theme park, the first of its kind worldwide. These announcements prompted criticism from international observers and human rights organisations, who accused Saudi Arabia of attempting to sportswash its international image and raised concerns over the country’s human rights record, including issues affecting LGBT people.

Concerns have also been raised regarding labour conditions and human rights associated with the Qiddiya megaproject. In 2024, UK Export Finance classified the project as Category A under its social and environmental risk framework, citing the potential for significant adverse environmental and social impacts during construction and operation. Human Rights Watch reported risks linked to the Kafala system, wage theft, and heat stress affecting migrant workers involved in Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects, including Qiddiya City. The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) has additionally documented concerns over worker safety, including incidents involving vehicle strikes, falls from heights, and exposure to extreme heat at Qiddiya construction sites.

Six Flags Qiddiya City opened on 31 December 2025 as the first operational asset of Qiddiya City, marking the initial public opening of the wider development.

Qiddiya company Qiddiya Investment Company (Arabic: شركة القدية للاستثمار) is a private Saudi company responsible for developing Qiddiya City in Riyadh Province. Owned by the Public Investment Fund, the company manages the city’s projects and properties.

Sports complexes SportVenueAnnouncedOpenedDescriptionRefFormula OneQiddiya Speed Park Track5 March 2024Under constructionAn FIA Grade 1 circuit planned to host Formula One, WEC and MotoGP events.FootballPrince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium15 January 2024Under constructionA multi-purpose stadium planned as a venue for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and home ground for Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.Thoroughbred racingQiddiya Horse Racing Venue10 February 2026Under constructionA 70,000-capacity thoroughbred racing complex with dirt and turf tracks, planned as the venue for the Saudi Cup. The turf track features a straight-mile track. The project includes an equine hospital.TennisNational Tennis Centre17 June 2026Under constructionA tennis complex with 28 hard courts and two clay courts designed to host ATP, WTA and International Tennis Federation events.

Theme parks

ParkAnnounced OpenedDescriptionRefSix Flags Qiddiya City4 April 201831 December 2025The third Six Flags park located outside North America after Six Flags Belgium (now Walibi Belgium) and Six Flags Holland (now Walibi Holland), featuring Falcons Flight — the world's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster.Aquarabia Qiddiya City23 February 202223 April 2026A water park inspired by the Arabian Peninsula, and the largest in the Middle East and North Africa.Dragon Ball theme park22 March 2024Under constructionThe world's first theme park dedicated to the Dragon Ball franchise.Mercedes-AMG World of Performance19 February 2025Under construction The first Mercedes-AMG experience center worldwide, featuring exhibits, driving simulators, and on-track driving activities.

Transportation

Rail

On 21 September 2025, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced plans for the Qiddiya High Speed Railway. The railway will have three stations: one at King Salman International Airport, one in the King Abdullah Financial District, and one serving Qiddiya City.

Metro

On 22 December 2025, plans were announced for Riyadh Metro Line 7, with the first phase scheduled for implementation in 2026. The line is planned to extend from the northwestern Diriyah Governorate to Qiddiya City.

Qiddiya City

Bron en licentie