JEDDAH: Qiddiya is one of three Saudi giga-projects, in addition to Neom and the Red Sea Project, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.Â
Qiddiya is 40 kilometers from the center of Riyadh city. It bears the name of the area and has spectacular views of mountains, valleys and desert.Â
It is expected to be the world’s largest entertainment city by 2030, with a total area of 334 square kilometers, surpassing Walt Disney World in Florida, which is only 110 sq km.
The project targets local, regional and international tourists and will be ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s pre-eminent entertainment, sports and cultural destination that embodies the Saudi identity.Â
The project includes theme parks; entertainment centers; sports amenities capable of hosting international competitions; training academies; desert and asphalt tracks for motorsport enthusiasts; water- and snow-based recreation; outdoor and adventure activities alongside nature and safari experiences; and an array of historical, cultural and educational activities and events.
By 2030, the number of annual visitors to Qiddiya is expected to reach 17 million in the entertainment sector, 12 million in the shopping sector and two million in the hospitality sector.Â
Qiddiya will help diversify national income sources as it is forecast to contribute to up to SR17 billion of GDP by 2030.Â
