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Qiddiya
Entertainment megaproject in Riyadh From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Qiddiya also known as Qiddiya City (Arabic: القِدِّية, romanized: al-qiddiyya / al-giddiyya, pronounced [ə- alɡɪdːijːa]) is a planned entertainment and tourism megaproject and planned community in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia.[2]
Construction started at the beginning of 2019.[2] It was planned to open in 2023,[3] though as of 2024, major projects including Six Flags Qiddiya City, the Aquarabia waterpark, and the Formula One racetrack are under construction and incomplete (with the racetrack now being scheduled to open in 2027).[4][5] It is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy.[6]
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History
The project, which was announced in April 2017, is part of a goal to increase local spending and diversify the Saudi economy under Saudi Vision 2030.[7] The project is supported by the Public Investment Fund.[8] According to the organizers, the total number of annual visitors will by 2030 reach 17 million, and be the "largest tourism destination worldwide".[9][7][10] It is expected to create 325,000 jobs.[11]
The first phase of the project was planned to be completed by 2023, though it was later pushed back to 2025. Upon the completion of this phase, 45 individual projects are to be completed.[3] There is a partnership agreement between Qiddiya and the University of Central Florida to train young Saudis on hospitality, tourism and sports management.[3]
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Sports
Formula One
Qiddiya Speed Park is an FIA Grade 1 motor racing circuit that is expected to host a Formula One or MotoGP race, with the first event currently planned for 2027.[12][13]
Construction delays to the circuit have caused several issues. The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was originally scheduled to be held at Qiddiya in December 2021, but because construction was unfinished, the event instead took place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Following the Formula One Group's announcement in November 2020 that a Grand Prix would be held at the circuit in 2021,[14] the Saudi government allegedly paid tens of millions of dollars to retain hosting rights after the project's completion was delayed until 2027.[15][16] The announcement drew criticism from human rights organizations, which accused the country of attempting to sportswash its international image.
Football
Qiddiya is home to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium,[17][18] which is planned as one of the venues for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The stadium will also serve as the home ground for Riyadh’s two major rival clubs, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
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Parks
Transportation
Rail
On 21 September 2025, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced plans for the Qiddiya High Speed Railway.[27] The railway will have three stations: one at King Salman International Airport, one in the King Abdullah Financial District, and one serving Qiddiya City.
See also
References
External links
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