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.

Introduced as part of Riyadh Season, the attraction marks a milestone in immersive entertainment, blending advanced technology with storytelling rooted in Saudi Arabia’s geography and heritage.

The experience invites guests to embark on a visual journey across the Kingdom, soaring above deserts, mountains, valleys, coastlines, and rapidly evolving urban centers.

Through sweeping aerial views, visitors gain an appreciation of the scale and diversity that define Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural landscape.

One of the most powerful elements of the experience is its inclusion of aerial views of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, presented with reverence and cinematic precision.

The film is delivered in ultra-high 8K resolution, allowing fine details of terrain, architecture, and natural textures to appear vivid and lifelike.

Despite lasting only eight minutes, the journey feels expansive, condensing the Kingdom’s vast geography into a seamless and emotionally engaging visual narrative.

Multisensory effects such as wind, gentle water mist, and carefully designed natural scents enhance realism and deepen audience immersion.

Innovative seat motion technology synchronizes with the visuals, creating a convincing sensation of flight that heightens excitement and engagement.

The combination of motion, sound, and imagery ensures visitors feel fully present within each scene rather than simply watching it unfold.

From golden sand dunes to lush valleys and modern skylines, the experience highlights the contrasts that make Saudi Arabia geographically unique.

Flying Over Saudi reflects a growing emphasis on experiential tourism, where storytelling and technology work together to inspire curiosity and connection.

By showcasing landscapes from north to south and coast to city centers, the attraction reinforces the Kingdom’s image as a destination of remarkable diversity.

The project also underscores Riyadh Season’s commitment to introducing innovative, world-class entertainment that appeals to both local and international audiences.

Visitors from abroad are offered a compelling introduction to Saudi Arabia’s destinations, while residents rediscover familiar places through a fresh visual lens.

The attraction aligns with broader national efforts to promote tourism, culture, and creative industries through immersive and accessible experiences.

Flying Over Saudi demonstrates how technology can be used to celebrate national identity while meeting global standards of entertainment excellence.

As Riyadh Season continues to expand its offerings, experiences like this position the city as a regional hub for cutting-edge attractions.

The launch reinforces the idea that Saudi Arabia’s story can be told not only through history and tradition but also through innovation and imagination.

Flying Over Saudi stands as a vivid example of how modern entertainment can inspire pride, wonder, and a deeper appreciation of the Kingdom’s beauty.