Drive forty minutes southwest of Riyadh, and the city slowly fades behind you. The roads stretch into open land. Cliffs rise in the distance, holding the heat of the sun. Everything feels raw, unfiltered. Then, from that rugged terrain, something unexpected takes shape. Steel meets stone. Color meets sand. And suddenly, you’re not in the middle of nowhere. You’re at the start of something bold.
This is Qiddiya Entertainment City. A place designed around movement, imagination, and energy. It’s not just about what you can do here. It’s about how it makes you feel. Whether you’re gripping the rail of a record-breaking ride, watching light bounce off the mountains, or hearing a crowd roar in a stadium built like no other.
This guide walks you through Qiddiya’s vision, its headline attractions, and the experience it promises. If you’re planning a visit or just want to understand what’s unfolding outside Riyadh, this is your starting point.
A City Built for Play
Qiddiya is unlike anything Saudi Arabia has ever built. The project covers 360 square kilometers, three times the size of Walt Disney World. It was announced in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s bold plan to open new doors in tourism, culture, and economic growth.
Instead of watching people travel abroad for entertainment, the Kingdom is creating a place that brings the world to Riyadh. And it’s doing so with purpose: over 325,000 jobs created, $36 billion added to the economy, and a new story to tell.
The Current Status of Qiddiya
Qiddiya is taking shape above the cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains. You can already see Six Flags Qiddiya City coming to life, with record-breaking rides nearly ready. Aquarabia Water Park isn’t far behind, promising bold slides and cooling waves. The golf courses are being carved into the landscape, while the Speed Park circuit is starting to attract motorsport fans from across the region. Even the metro line is in progress, building a direct link from Riyadh to the heart of it all.
The first experiences open in 2025. By 2030, Qiddiya will be running at full pace as a global hub for play, thrill, and discovery.
What You’ll Find in Qiddiya Entertainment City
Six Flags Qiddiya City
Imagine the tallest, fastest, longest roller coaster in the world. That’s Falcon’s Flight. It dives off cliffs, cuts through desert sky, and pushes every limit. Around it, six themed lands hold more record-breaking rides, including the tallest pendulum swing and the tallest shot tower.
Aquarabia Water Park
Built to reflect Saudi’s marine life and desert beauty, this water park will be the largest in the Middle East. Ride the tallest water coaster, swim in Saudi’s first surf pool, or relax in a private cabana. Over 22 rides, eight themed zones, and crystal-clear pools stretch across the park.
Speed Park Track
Speed Park Track is where racing dreams come alive. Designed for Formula 1, the track climbs and drops through Qiddiya’s cliffs with 21 sharp turns and one jaw-dropping feature: a 70-meter cantilevered stretch that hangs above the ground like a blade. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is expected to arrive here by 2028.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium
Set on the edge of the cliffs, this stadium shifts shape. It can transform from a football pitch into a concert stage or esports arena, thanks to retractable walls and a moving roof. It will host Al Hilal and Al Nassr games and offer sweeping views of Qiddiya below.
Gaming and Esports District
If you love games, this is your arena. Explore four gaming-themed zones, from sci-fi to fantasy. Sit in a crowd of thousands during esports championships or try your hand at immersive VR zones. Over 30 companies will operate here, bringing tech, stories, and strategy together in one space.
Dragon Ball Theme Park
For anime fans, this is a world built from dreams. Seven lands mirror the iconic Dragon Balls. You’ll walk through Kame House, ride a coaster inside a 70-meter-tall Shenron sculpture, and feel like part of the story. It’s the first of its kind, created with Toei Animation.
Performing Arts Centre
This isn’t your typical theatre. Floating above the city, the centre will hold concerts, plays, and interactive shows using VR and AR. It’s built for both international stars and rising Saudi talent, creating a space where culture meets creativity.
Jobs, Growth, and What It Means for Saudi Arabia
Qiddiya is more than just entertainment. It’s a growth engine. Once complete, it’s expected to bring in 48 million visitors each year. The goal is to keep tourism revenue inside the country and give young Saudis access to careers in hospitality, tech, sports, and the arts.
So far, it has already created thousands of jobs and sparked partnerships with global leaders in gaming, architecture, motorsports, and education. From university programs to local training centers, Qiddiya is helping shape the workforce of tomorrow.
Sustainability and Community
Qiddiya’s design includes smart systems that recycle water, reduce waste, and support clean energy. EV charging stations are part of the plan, as is the goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2060. The city also focuses on access, with discounted entry for lower-income visitors and a target to include women across its workforce and leadership.
Let Your Imagination Take Center Stage
Qiddiya Entertainment City invites you to experience something new, something built from the ground up with joy in mind. It brings together movement, color, sound, and story across landscapes that once held only silence and sky.
Every ride, stadium, trail, and performance space has a purpose. Not just to impress, but to welcome. To bring people together. To open space for play, expression, and discovery on a scale that’s hard to imagine until you see it.
When Qiddiya opens its gates, it won’t feel like visiting a project. It will feel like walking into a new chapter. One where the future feels close, and you’re part of it.
FAQs
What is Qiddiya Entertainment City?
Qiddiya is a new entertainment and tourism city in Riyadh. It will feature theme parks, sports, culture, and gaming.
When will Qiddiya open?
The first attractions, including Six Flags and Aquarabia, will open in 2025. More will follow through 2030.
Where is Qiddiya located?
Qiddiya is 40 minutes southwest of Riyadh. It sits on the Tuwaiq Mountains, covering 360 square kilometers.
What are the top things to do at Qiddiya?
You’ll find record-breaking roller coasters, water rides, motorsports, stadiums, and a Dragon Ball theme park.
How can I get to Qiddiya?
You can drive from Riyadh or use the metro once it connects. On-site parking and transport will be available.
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This article is brought to you by Soul of Saudi (a Saudi travel blog dedicated to uncovering the beauty, heart, and soul of the Kingdom)
