Playing to Win as Qiddiya City Opens Its Gates and Positions Saudi Arabia as a Global Entertainment Powerhouse

Riyadh – Qiddiya City is emerging as one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious urban developments, blending entertainment, sports and culture into a single destination designed around the idea of play.

Located near Riyadh in the Tuwaiq Mountains, the city represents a major pillar of the Kingdom’s long term economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030.

The project is scaling up rapidly, with plans to contribute SR44 billion to national gross domestic product and create nearly 85,000 jobs by the end of the decade.

Momentum increased sharply with the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City on New Year’s Eve, marking the first completed attraction in a lineup of seventy major destinations.

Covering more than 360 square kilometers, Qiddiya City is designed as a fully integrated environment where entertainment, hospitality, sports and culture function in harmony.

The city’s economic model is rooted in experiential tourism, a fast growing global segment that emphasizes immersive, activity driven travel experiences.

As attractions begin opening this year, Qiddiya City is expected to generate SR2.5 billion in economic output and provide employment for around 7,000 people.

The project’s leadership describes it as a long term national investment shaped by extensive market research and guided by the vision of Saudi Arabia’s leadership.

Thousands of surveys and discussions revealed strong demand among residents for family friendly recreation and world class leisure options within the Kingdom.

Developers aim to blend global best practices with a distinct Saudi identity, positioning Qiddiya as a landmark that resonates locally while appealing internationally.

Following Six Flags, Aquarabia will open as a Saudi designed water park featuring record breaking rides and culturally sensitive offerings such as women only days.

Another headline attraction is the world’s first theme park dedicated entirely to the Dragon Ball franchise, tapping into a global fan base of more than two billion people.

Gaming and esports play a central role in Qiddiya’s vision, reflecting the fact that a majority of Saudi youth identify as gamers.

Dedicated esports arenas, gaming company headquarters and tailored accommodation are planned to capture a share of the rapidly expanding global gaming economy.

Motorsports will also feature prominently through a partnership with Mercedes AMG, including a unique track designed to host premier international racing events.

Football infrastructure is being developed with new headquarters for leading Saudi Pro League clubs, supported by long term sponsorship and commercial strategies.

Additional sports facilities include a national tennis center, an equestrian zone for elite competitions, and a landmark stadium scheduled to open later this decade.

Golf is another pillar, with an internationally designed championship course and partnerships aimed at nurturing young talent and hosting global tournaments.

Residential life is integrated into the master plan, with space for half a million residents across car free neighborhoods supported by advanced public transport systems.

The city will feature parks, hotels and mobility options such as monorails and gondolas, reinforcing its identity as a sustainable and people centric destination.

Development is structured in phases, with new attractions launching every three months until full completion ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

Major investments in transport connectivity, including metro expansion and potential high speed rail links, are expected to enhance accessibility from Riyadh.

Developers have emphasized social responsibility, pledging a share of revenues toward community initiatives to ensure inclusive access to recreation.

Safety standards have been treated as a core priority, with attractions undergoing extensive testing and international certification before opening.

Qiddiya City is not only reshaping Saudi Arabia’s entertainment landscape but also redefining how large scale developments contribute to national identity and economic resilience.

As it begins welcoming visitors from around the world, the city stands as a symbol of transformation, ambition and confidence in the Kingdom’s future.