Qiddiya City
City and entertainment megaproject in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Qiddiya City (Arabic: القدية, romanized: al-qiddiyyah / al-giddiyyah, pronounced [ə- alɡɪdːijːa]) is an under construction entertainment and tourism megaproject and planned community in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia.[1]
Qiddiya City
مدينة القدية | |
|---|---|
Concept illustration of Qiddiya City | |
 | |
| Country |  Saudi Arabia |
| Province | Riyadh Province |
| Region | Najd |
| Established | 7 April 2017 |
| Founded by | Salman bin Abdulaziz |
| Government | |
| • Type | State-owned development |
| • Body | Public Investment Fund |
| • Chairman | Mohammed bin Salman |
| • Secretary General | Yasir Al-Rumayyan |
| Area | |
• Total | 360 km2 (140 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• Total | 500,000 (Projected) |
| Time zone | UTC+03:00 (SAST) |
| Website | www |
History
The Qiddiya project was announced in April 2017 as part of Saudi Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy and increasing domestic tourism and entertainment spending.[2][3] The project is supported by the Public Investment Fund and was envisioned as a large-scale entertainment, sports, and cultural destination near Riyadh.[4]
Construction began in early 2019.[1] Early projections estimated annual visitation of up to 17 million by 2030 and the creation of approximately 325,000 jobs.[5][6] The first phase of development was initially scheduled for completion in 2023 but was later revised, with timelines extending into the mid-2020s.[7]
The project includes major developments such as Six Flags Qiddiya City, the Aquarabia waterpark, a purpose-built Formula One circuit, and a planned Dragon Ball theme park, the first of its kind worldwide.[8] These announcements prompted criticism from international observers and human rights organisations, who accused Saudi Arabia of attempting to sportswash its international image and raised concerns over the country’s human rights record, including issues affecting LGBT people.[9][10]
Concerns have also been raised regarding labour conditions and human rights associated with the Qiddiya megaproject. In 2024, UK Export Finance classified the project as Category A under its social and environmental risk framework, citing the potential for significant adverse environmental and social impacts during construction and operation.[11] Human Rights Watch reported risks linked to the Kafala system, wage theft, and heat stress affecting migrant workers involved in Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects, including Qiddiya City.[12] The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) has additionally documented concerns over worker safety, including incidents involving vehicle strikes, falls from heights, and exposure to extreme heat at Qiddiya construction sites.[13]
Six Flags Qiddiya City opened on 31 December 2025 as the first operational asset of Qiddiya City, marking the initial public opening of the wider development.[14]
Qiddiya company
Qiddiya Investment Company (Arabic: شركة القدية للاستثمار) is a private Saudi company responsible for developing Qiddiya City in Riyadh Province. Owned by the Public Investment Fund, the company manages the city’s projects and properties.[15]
| Company type | Closed Joint-stock company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Real Estate |
| Founded | 10 May 2018 |
| Headquarters | Riyadh |
Area served | Saudi Arabia |
Key people | Mohammed bin Salman (Chairman) Yasir Al-Rumayyan (Secretary General) |
| Owner | Public Investment Fund |
| Website | www |
Sports complexes
| Sport | Venue | Announced | Opened | Description | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formula One | Qiddiya Speed Park Track | March 5, 2024 | Under construction | An FIA Grade 1 circuit planned to host a Formula One and MotoGP events. | [16] [17] |
| Football | Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium | January 15, 2024 | Under construction | A multi-purpose stadium planned as a venue for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and home ground for Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. | [18] [19] |
Theme parks
| Park | Announced | Opened | Description | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six Flags Qiddiya City | April 4, 2018 | December 31, 2025 | The first Six Flags park located outside North America, featuring Falcons Flight — the world's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. | [20] [21] [22] [23] |
| Aquarabia | February 23, 2022 | Under construction | A water park inspired by the Arabian Peninsula, and the largest in the Middle East and North Africa. | [24] |
| Mercedes-AMG World of Performance | February 19, 2025 | Under construction | The first Mercedes-AMG experience center worldwide, featuring exhibits, driving simulators, and on-track driving activities. | [25] |
| Dragon Ball theme park | March 22, 2024 | Under construction | The first theme park in the world based on the Dragon Ball franchise. | [26] [27] |
Transportation
Rail
On 21 September 2025, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced plans for the Qiddiya High Speed Railway.[28] The railway will have three stations: one at King Salman International Airport, one in the King Abdullah Financial District, and one serving Qiddiya City.
Metro
On 22 December 2025, plans were announced for Riyadh Metro Line 7, with the first phase scheduled for implementation in 2026.[29] The line is planned to extend from the northwestern Diriyah Governorate to Qiddiya City.