World’s largest entertainment city set to open in 2030
Saudi Arabia’s ‘Capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts’, Qiddiya’s first phase is expected in 2022
The Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, unveiled the masterplan for what is set to become the world’s largest entertainment city by 2030. Located 45 km from capital Riyadh, the 334 sq. km area will be an integrated destination for sports, entertainment and the arts.
The masterplan for the project, created in conjunction with Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG), a Denmark-based company was constructed after an extensive design process, which revealed a meticulous plan that complements the natural landscape of the region, and creates a vast pedestrian-oriented district, according to the QIC.
The entertainment city’s 2022 opening phase will feature Six Flags Qiddiya, a family-oriented park filled with rides and attractions distributed throughout six themed lands. Meanwhile, the project has been divided into five development nodes, including Resort Core, City Centre, Eco Core, Motion Core, and a Golf and Residential Neighbourhood.
Bob Ward, Chairman of the Qiddiya Advisory Board said: “This project sets a new global standard for the seamless integration of visitor-focused experiences and an innovative mix of program pieces, delivering an unparalleled entertainment destination.”
The statement also mentioned that careful consideration has been given to the natural patterns of the site during the development phase and construction will only cover 30 per cent of the land, leaving the majority of the site for natural conservation.
A core element of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Qiddiya will unlock tremendous opportunity and enable economic diversification and boost the Kingdom’s GDP, as per QIC. The project broke ground on 28th April 2018 and phase one is set to open in 2022. A three-phased approach is currently underway for the entire project.
