Qiddiya: The World’s First City Built for Play

Saudi Arabia is building one of the most ambitious projects in the world. Qiddiya is a
megacity designed entirely around entertainment, sports, and leisure. Located just 45
kilometers from Riyadh, this $9.8 billion development will span an impressive 91,000
acres, making it three times the size of Walt Disney World in Florida.

Unlike any other city on earth, Qiddiya is positioned as the world’s first city built
specifically for play. Its attractions, facilities, and infrastructure have been carefully
planned to create a hub where residents and visitors can immerse themselves in
experiences that blend fun, sport, and culture. With an expected capacity to host
600,000 residents and attract 48 million visitors annually, Qiddiya is set to transform
Saudi Arabia’s global image as a destination for entertainment and tourism.

By 2030, Qiddiya will not only be a city but also a symbol of innovation, creativity,
and forward-thinking. Its scope and ambition reflect Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,
which aims to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on oil, and create new
opportunities for global engagement.

Attractions That Redefine Entertainment

The attractions at Qiddiya are designed to be record-breaking and headline-worthy.
The centerpiece will be Six Flags Qiddiya, a theme park featuring 12 different parks
and rides, including the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. This
landmark alone positions Qiddiya as a competitor to the most iconic entertainment
destinations in the world.

But Six Flags is only the beginning. Qiddiya will also feature:

• A $500 million Formula One racetrack, designed to meet international standards and capable of hosting major global motorsport events.
• A 47,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof, suitable for football matches, concerts, and global entertainment spectacles.
• Multiple cultural venues, including theaters, cinemas, and exhibition spaces, blend Saudi heritage with modern global art.

Qiddiya’s attractions are not only about leisure but also about setting new global
standards. Every project within the city is being built to capture international attention
while creating lasting value for residents and visitors alike.

The Golf Course Designed by a Legend

Among Qiddiya’s most remarkable developments is its championship golf course,
designed by six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo. Set against the dramatic backdrop
of the Tuwaiq Mountains, this 18-hole course is scheduled to open in 2026 and will be
one of the most striking golf destinations in the world.

The facility will include a Patterson Design clubhouse, an academy to support
grassroots development, and training facilities designed to attract both beginners and
professionals. Its innovative “3-hole return” routing system offers flexibility for
players at different levels, while floodlights for night play create an entirely new
dimension for the sport.

By hosting Faldo Series events, the golf course will play a crucial role in nurturing
young talent while also serving as a venue for international tournaments. Combined
with the surrounding attractions of Qiddiya, it will position Saudi Arabia as a serious
contender in the global golfing world.

Qiddiya as a Lifestyle Destination

Beyond its rides and stadiums, Qiddiya is envisioned as a complete lifestyle city.
Plans include:

• Residential communities that integrate housing with entertainment and leisure.
• Educational institutions focused on creative industries, sports sciences, and hospitality.
• Healthcare centers are designed to support both residents and international visitors.
• Green spaces and parks ensure the city balances urban design with natural beauty.

With entertainment woven into the fabric of daily life, Qiddiya will redefine what it
means to live in a modern city. Residents won’t just live near attractions; they will live
inside a destination.

Economic and Social Impact

Beyond entertainment, Qiddiya is designed to generate long-lasting economic and
social impact. The city is projected to create 325,000 jobs and inject $36 billion into
Saudi Arabia’s GDP every year. This aligns directly with Vision 2030’s goal of
diversifying income streams and developing sustainable industries.

With its scale and ambition, Qiddiya will also serve as a magnet for talent, attracting
professionals from around the world to contribute to its development. The city will be
a hub for creativity, technology, and hospitality, creating opportunities for both local
and global communities.

On a social level, Qiddiya will reshape the lifestyle of Saudi residents. It will
introduce a culture of recreation, entertainment, and active living, encouraging
families and individuals to embrace experiences that were previously unavailable in
the region. By blending global entertainment standards with local culture, Qiddiya
aims to enrich the lives of its citizens while also welcoming international visitors.

The Ultimate Playground by 2030

The first phase of Qiddiya is scheduled to open in 2025, but its ultimate vision extends
far beyond. By 2030, the city will be home to theme parks, sporting arenas, cultural
venues, and residential communities. It will stand as the ultimate playground a place
where work and play merge seamlessly, and where Saudi Arabia’s boldest dreams
come to life.

Qiddiya is not just a megaproject; it is a declaration of ambition. It represents Saudi
Arabia’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure, diversifying its economy,
and creating opportunities for generations to come. As the world watches, Qiddiya is
poised to redefine what a city can be, not just a place to live, but a place to play,
explore, and experience life to the fullest.

A Declaration of Ambition

Qiddiya is not just another megaproject; it is a declaration of Saudi Arabia’s ambition.
It represents the kingdom’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure,
diversifying its economy, and creating opportunities for generations to come. As the
world watches, Qiddiya is poised to redefine what a city can be, not just a place to
live, but a place to play, explore, and experience life to the fullest.

With its combination of record-breaking attractions, futuristic design, and cultural
depth, Qiddiya will stand as one of the most unique urban developments in the world
and a centerpiece of Vision 2030’s promise to transform Saudi Arabia into a global
destination.

At Rawabi Al Mahfar, we see Qiddiya as more than a development; it is a symbol of
what Saudi Arabia can achieve when vision meets execution. As the kingdom builds
the world’s first city designed entirely for play, we are proud to stand alongside this
transformation by supplying solutions that strengthen infrastructure, support
industries, and ensure that projects of this scale are built on reliability and trust. For
us, Qiddiya is not just a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s progress; it is a demonstration of
how innovation, culture, and ambition can shape a new future.

Being part of this journey inspires us to continue delivering with the same values that
define Qiddiya itself: excellence, creativity, and resilience. At Rawabi, we are proud
to witness and contribute to a Saudi Arabia that is building destinations for the world,
cities that inspire generations, and projects that leave a lasting legacy. Qiddiya is a
declaration of ambition, and for us, it is also a declaration of pride in being part of the
kingdom’s remarkable story of growth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Qiddiya

1.What is the Qiddiya project in Saudi Arabia?

Qiddiya is a $9.8 billion megacity located 45 kilometers from Riyadh, designed as the
world’s first city dedicated entirely to entertainment, sports, and culture. Spanning
91,000 acres, it will include theme parks, stadiums, cultural venues, and residential
communities, becoming a global destination under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

2. When will Qiddiya open?

The first phase of Qiddiya is scheduled to open in 2025, with full development
planned by 2030. Once complete, Qiddiya will host 600,000 residents and attract up to
48 million visitors annually.

3. What attractions will Qiddiya include?

Qiddiya will feature Six Flags Qiddiya with the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest
roller coaster, a Formula One racetrack, a 47,000-seat retractable-roof stadium,
multiple theme parks, cultural centers, and residential communities. It will also
include an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo.

4.How big is Qiddiya compared to other global destinations?

At 91,000 acres, Qiddiya will be three times the size of Walt Disney World in Florida.
Its scale makes it one of the largest entertainment cities in the world.

5. How does Qiddiya support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

Qiddiya directly aligns with Vision 2030 by diversifying the Saudi economy beyond
oil, creating 325,000 jobs, and contributing $36 billion annually to GDP. It also
promotes tourism, cultural engagement, and active lifestyles for residents and visitors.

6. Will Qiddiya be sustainable?

Yes. Sustainability is central to Qiddiya’s design. The project emphasizes eco-friendly
construction, renewable energy, green spaces, and environmentally responsible
infrastructure to ensure long-term balance between development and nature.

7. What makes Qiddiya unique?

Qiddiya is the world’s first city designed entirely for play, blending theme parks,
sports, culture, and lifestyle into one integrated environment. Its record-breaking
attractions, innovative design, and ambitious scale set it apart as a global landmark of
entertainment and tourism.