The opportunities that Qiddiya will create are endless!
10 May 2018
| Last updated on 10 May 2018
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman al Saud announced on Saturday, April 28th, 2018 that the Kingdom’s first entertainment, sports and cultural destination will soon be built 40km outside Riyadh. The city is called Qiddiya and is expected to open in 2022.
We’ve heard some of the details for this entertainment city and it sounds absolutely amazing!
Just to help tame your curiosity for a while, and make you extra excited for the opening, here are 11 facts about our soon to be new favourite destination in Saudi Arabia:
1. It’s the first of its kind in the world
This is the first entertainment city in the world with this unique offering. Al Qiddiya is expected to become the most popular cultural, sports and entertainment destination in the Kingdom.
2. The project will stretch over 334km
The total entertainment city is going to stretch over 334km. 34 km2 of the total area will be developed while the rest will be allocated to the safari area and for future developments.
3. Qiddiya will have six main clusters
These clusters are:
- Theme Parks
- Sports Arena
- Wheel & Wings
- Water & Snow
- Scenic & Animal Encounters
- Event Culture & Education
4. The first phase will be finished by 2022 and the whole project by 2035
The proposed timeline for the project is as follows:
- Phase One: 2016 – 2022 Building distinctanchors
- Phase Two: 2023 - 2025 Development of the Clusters
- Phase Three: 2026 – 2035 Growing Capacity
5. It will create over 57,000 jobs
Qiddiya will need people to run the city and assist visitors. There will be approximately 57,000 job opportunities for both men and women by 2030.
6. Al-Qiddiyah will host the US-based Six Flags theme park
The Chief Executive of Qiddiya, Michael Reininger, said in a press release: “Our goal is to create an exciting one-of-a-kind destination that will draw visitors from throughout Saudi Arabia to experience record-breaking roller coasters, innovative rides and attractions, as well as the sporting and cultural facilities that Qiddiya will offer. By partnering with a global leader, we know that we are going to deliver something exceptional.” Saudi Arabia will partner with the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to create a world-class entertainment destination for all Saudi residents.
7. It is really close!
Qiddiya is approximately 20 minutes away from downtown Riyahd and 1 hour from the King Khaled International Airport.
8. And it can accommodate A LOT of people
Over two million people are expected to be accommodated in the hotels in Qiddiya while 12 million people will benefit from the project’s commercial sector. These figures are expected to rise as time edges closer to 2030.
9. It is going to be breath-taking
Not only is Qiddiya situated in a beautiful scenic location with unique geographical and natural characteristics, but it will also have the finest architectural buildings and hotels.
Image Credit: @qiddiya via Twitter
10. The economy and Vision 2030 will benefit from it
It is expected that Qiddiya will contribute up to SR 17billion of GDP to the economy. A number which is also expected to rise over time.
11. There is something for everyone
The designers of Qiddiya ensured that they catered for everyone’s interests. Whether you are looking for a day out shopping, want to treat your inner foodie, or get an adrenaline rush – you can find it all here! No matter your age, there will be something for you to enjoy.
