Since the announcement of Vision 2030 four years ago Saudi Arabia has wasted no time in getting ambitious tourism projects off the ground.
An eyewatering investment exceeding $800 billion and attractions estimated to occupy 65,000 square kilometres of the kingdom, makes Saudi Arabia set to be one of the largest worldwide tourism industries in the next 10 years.
One mega development which caught our attention is Qiddiya, predicted to be the capital of entertainment, sports, and arts in Saudi Arabia.
Through the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund and Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) $10 billion has been invested into the grand project, which began construction in 2019.
The 334 square mile destination is only in phase one of development, but already boasts 45 individual projects taking place, which feature 300 recreational activities.
Stand out attractions already announced include:
- World-class racing track set to be used by Formula E
- Six Flags, developed by the popular American theme park franchise
- 18,000 seat indoor arena
- 2000 seat indoor theatre
- Aquatic centre
- Sports hub
- Worldwide cuisine and luxury hotels
Once completed, 5000 people are expected to call Qiddiya home. According to a Qiddiya report, 67 per cent of Saudi residents are under the age of 35 and are the largest consumers of entertainment services.
With this in mind, Qiddiya plans to be an inspiring place for Saudi Arabia’s young society. Here they will be able to nurture and advance their potential to fulfil their ambitions and build a stronger future for the Kingdom, as it becomes less reliant on oil to drive its rich economy.
Qiddiya is also set to be a hotspot for overseas tourists. The new destination is just 40 minutes from Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh and less than one hours drive from King Khalid International Airport, making it easily accessible for a day out or a holiday.
A spokesperson behind the project said: “Qiddiya will help accomplish several goals of Vision 2030 including driving economic diversification, job creation, fostering a start-up culture, driving youth and female empowerment and doubling household spending on domestic leisure and entertainment.”
Qiddiya is on track for testing and grand openings between 2021 and 2023.
