Qiddiya

Qiddiya is an entertainment megaproject to be established in Riyadh. Construction started in the beginning of 2019. The project is one of the tourism megaprojects to be established in Saudi Arabia under the auspices of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the income resources of the country and alleviate its reliance on oil. On 26 June 2019, the master plan for Qiddiya was revealed, composed of five primary projects. These projects include resorts, parks, and a city center. Phase one, slated to be completed in 2023, will feature Six Flags Qiddiya as a family attraction.
The master plan is to create a project that overwhelms visitors with a variety of activities. Such designed experiences are planned to be provided in a way that takes in consideration the cultural, natural and professional aspects. Thus, the natural pattern of the site has been taken into consideration. By doing so, the proposed design will take visitors through a green belt network.
Etymology
Qiddiya is named after a region which forms a slit at Jabal Tuwaiq to establish a hajj road between Al-Yamama and Hejaz.
The stated main idea behind the project is to establish a healthy, happy and engaging lifestyle place that is full of different opportunities and to encourage young ambitious Saudis who look forward to creating a prosperous Saudi Arabia.
Location
Qiddiyah City or Qiddiyah project, which is supported by The Public Investment Fund (PIF), will be located 40 km away from Riyadh's city center. It will have a number of recreation facilities including, amusement parks, sport areas, car and bike riding paths, water parks, natural sceneries and cultural activities.
The project will provide jobs to many Saudi men and women as it will be capable to host global sport competitions and a wide range of activities.
By 2030 the project is expected to be the largest tourism destination worldwide, with a total area of 334 km².
Phase One
The first phase of the project is planned to be completed by 2023. Upon the completion of this phase, 45 individual projects are to be completed. Moreover, 300 recreative, hospitality, leisure and sports will be launched.
Upon its establishment, Qiddiya need around 17,000 people to be run. Therefore, in order to hire qualified employees, a number of scholarships and training courses are being held. Thus, a partnership agreement was conducted between Qiddiya project and the University of Central Florida to train young Saudis on hospitality, tourism and sports management. Additionally, 60 scholarships have been opened to young Saudis in related fields.
Activities
Over 300 activities will be allowed in the project, including grassroots sports, water activities, winter activities, safaris.
Qiddiya circuit
A motor racing circuit is planned to be built in Qiddiya to FIA Grade 1 standard with the expectation of holding a Formula One race or MotoGP race, currently planned to take place in 2027. However, as the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was scheduled for December 2021, before the completion of Qiddiyah, the newly constructed Jeddah Corniche Circuit was used instead. Despite the Formula One Group's announcement in November of 2020 that a grand prix would be held at the circuit in 2023, the estimated date for the completion of the circuit has been delayed to 2027. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allegedly paid tens of millions of dollars to Formula 1 in order to win the hosting rights. The announcement received criticism from human rights organizations for attempting to sportswash its image.
Saudi Vision 2030
The project is part of the goal to increase local spending. It is expected that such a project will contribute in returning billion spent abroad by Saudis. Moreover, it is expected that by 2030 the total number of annual visitors will reach 17 million.
Landmarks
The project will host a number of world-record hit facilities including:
The fastest, tallest, and longest roller coaster.
The tallest drop-tower ride.
The largest Six Flags theme park.
See also
Dubailand
References
Megaprojects
Planned communities in Saudi Arabia
Tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia
External links
https://youtube.com/@qiddiya-8668