Qiddiya: Saudi Arabia’s Future Capital of Entertainment & Culture
Qiddiya is reshaping entertainment, sports, and cultural life in Saudi Arabia, quickly emerging as one of the country’s most talked-about new projects. Supporting the goals of Vision 2030, it promotes a more active lifestyle, attracts tourists, and drives job creation and business opportunities.
Located about 40 kilometres from Riyadh, Qiddiya will offer something for everyone: theme parks, racing tracks, sports stadiums, concert halls, and peaceful outdoor areas. It aims to become a top destination for both local residents and visitors from around the world.
In this blog, we’ll explore what Qiddiya is all about, why it’s important for Saudi Arabia’s future, and what opportunities it offers for people, tourists, and investors.
What Is Qiddiya
Qiddiya is a major development supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), designed to become the country’s leading destination for entertainment, sports, and the arts. Spanning over 360 square kilometres, it will bring together theme parks, stadiums, cultural centres, outdoor attractions, and world-class racing tracks, all in one location.
When finished, Qiddiya is expected to welcome millions of visitors each year from Saudi Arabia and abroad. With its wide range of activities and experiences, it aims to reshape how people enjoy leisure and tourism in the Kingdom.
Why Qiddiya’s Location Sets The Stage For Something Big
Qiddiya is located just 40 kilometres from Riyadh, placing it within convenient reach of more than 8 million residents across the capital region and central Saudi Arabia. Positioned along the edge of the striking Tuwaiq cliffs, the site offers a distinctive natural landscape that enhances its appeal as a destination for entertainment, sports, and cultural activities.
The location was selected with careful consideration to optimise accessibility, economic potential, and visual impact. Ongoing infrastructure developments, including new highways and a proposed high-speed rail link, further reinforce Qiddiya’s role as a future hub that connects both residents and visitors to world-class experiences with efficiency and ease.
More Than a Destination: The Impact of Qiddiya
Qiddiya is more than just an entertainment project. It plays an important role in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its Vision 2030 goals, supporting local tourism, encouraging cultural growth, creating jobs, and opening up new investment opportunities. Here’s why Qiddiya is seen as a major national milestone:
Boost to the Economy: The project is expected to add billions to the country’s economy and create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Cultural and Sports Growth: Qiddiya will help develop the creative, cultural, and sports sectors, providing new spaces for talent, events, and self-expression.
International Appeal: With its wide range of attractions, Qiddiya aims to compete with global destinations like Orlando and Dubai, drawing visitors from around the world.
Key Attractions Planned for Qiddiya
Qiddiya is being developed to appeal to a wide range of visitors, including those interested in entertainment, sports, family-friendly activities, and cultural experiences. With its variety of attractions, the project aims to establish itself as a leading destination in these areas.
Entertainment
Six Flags Qiddiya City
Six Flags Qiddiya City features 28 rides, including several record-breaking ones. Its main attraction, Falcon’s Flight, holds the title of the world’s longest, tallest, and fastest roller coaster. It’s expected to attract both thrill-seekers and families looking for fun.
Aquarabia Water Theme Park
Aquarabia offers over 20 water attractions across themed zones, along with private cabanas for those seeking comfort and relaxation. It combines excitement with leisure, making it ideal for family visits.
Dragon Ball Theme Park
This unique theme park celebrates the entire Dragon Ball series. With immersive zones and themed rides, it gives fans a chance to step into the world of their favorite characters, from the original episodes to Dragon Ball Super.
Sports
Qiddiya Speed Park Track
The Speed Park includes a world-class race circuit built to international standards. One of its standout features, The Blade, rises 20 stories high and gives the track a dramatic edge. The venue welcomes racing events and motorsport fans alike.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium
This large-scale stadium hosts global sports competitions and major events. Its cutting-edge design and size position it as a centerpiece for both local and international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.
Gaming and Esports District
Qiddiya houses the world’s first district fully dedicated to gaming and esports. It blends real-world spaces with virtual competition, offering areas for tournaments, training, and interactive events for gamers and fans.
Mercedes-AMG World of Performance
This interactive centre highlights the world of Mercedes-AMG motorsports. Visitors explore simulations, displays, and exhibits that showcase racing history, innovation, and the legacy of the Formula 1 Petronas team.
Culture
The Performing Arts Centre
Located on the edge of the Tuwaiq Mountains, this venue hosts concerts, live performances, and cultural festivals throughout the year. It supports both local talent and international artists, adding depth to Qiddiya’s creative scene.
Qiddiya’s Role in Shaping Local Economies
Qiddiya is set to play a key role in advancing the goals of Vision 2030, with benefits that extend beyond entertainment. Its long-term impact is expected to strengthen both the economy and local communities in several meaningful ways:
1. Encouraging Local Spending
With many residents traveling abroad for leisure, Qiddiya offers an alternative closer to home, helping to keep more entertainment spending within Saudi Arabia.
2. Expanding the Tourism Sector
By drawing visitors from across the country and abroad, Qiddiya will support the growth of a vibrant tourism industry and increase Saudi Arabia’s global appeal.
3. Empowering Local Enterprises
The development will open doors for small and medium-sized businesses, especially in retail, dining, and services, creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship in the surrounding area.
Investment Opportunities in Qiddiya
Qiddiya offers a promising opportunity for investors and business owners interested in the growing Saudi market. With strong government backing and long-term development plans, the project welcomes both local and international investment across key sectors, including:
Hospitality and Food Services
Arts, Culture, and Event Management
Health, Fitness, and Wellness
Digital Media and Gaming
Retail and Lifestyle Products
As Saudi Arabia continues to open more industries to global investors, Qiddiya stands out as a valuable chance to take part in the country’s expanding entertainment and tourism sector.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
Qiddiya is located just outside Riyadh and will be easy to reach through new road networks and a planned high-speed rail line. Future infrastructure plans include:
Housing and community facilities
Hotels and resorts
Office spaces and shared work areas
Public transport connections
The Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is leading the development to make sure everything is built to high international standards.
Be Part of Qiddiya’s Growth: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you're a business owner, investor, or creative professional, here’s a step-by-step outline to tap into Qiddiya’s potential:
1. Define Your Role or Interest Area
Decide whether you want to:
Invest in infrastructure or a themed attraction
Open a hospitality or retail business
Apply for employment in construction, operations, or management
Partner with Qiddiya as a brand, service provider, or content creator
2. Check Sector Eligibility
Qiddiya is open to a variety of sectors that support its focus on entertainment, culture, and tourism. These include:
Hospitality and Food & Beverage
Entertainment and Media Production
Fitness, Wellness, and Esports
Retail and Lifestyle
Education and Cultural Programming
3. Prepare a Business Proposal or Investor Pitch
For companies and entrepreneurs, prepare the following:
Business or investment proposal
Market research or feasibility study
Financial plans and projected ROI (Return on Investment)
Relevant licences and qualifications
4. Engage with Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC)
Submit your interest by visiting QIC’s official investor inquiry page. You can also register as a vendor through their vendor registration portal. Additionally, staying active at business forums and industry expos, where QIC frequently presents its latest opportunities, is a great way to make connections.
5. Register Your Business in Saudi Arabia (If Foreign)
If you’re a foreign investor, you’ll need to:
Get an investment licence from Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA)
Register with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC)
Open a Saudi bank account and register for tax and VAT
Comply with Saudi labor laws and Saudization requirements
6. Apply for Visas and Permits
Work with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) to bring in employees or consultants through investor and work visas.
7. Stay Updated on Construction Timelines
Qiddiya’s development is happening in phases, with some attractions set to open in late 2025 and additional projects continuing through 2030. To keep your plans aligned, follow the latest updates on the official Qiddiya News & Media page.
Opportunities for Professionals and Freelancers
Qiddiya will need professionals across a range of industries:
Event planners, lighting, and stage designers
Sports coaches, trainers, and facility managers
Engineers and architects
Digital marketers and content creators
Customer service and hospitality teams
Many of these roles will be advertised through local and international hiring platforms as the project ramps up.
The Big Picture: Qiddiya’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Tomorrow
Qiddiya is more than just a new city. It's a major step toward Saudi Arabia’s future. Built to entertain, inspire, and create opportunities, it supports the country’s Vision 2030 goals. From thrilling attractions to job openings and investment potential, Qiddiya has something for everyone. Whether you’re a tourist, business owner, or creative professional, Qiddiya is your chance to be part of something exciting and world-class. The future is being built, just outside Riyadh.