Qiddiya Attractions Promise ‘Unparalleled Fun’ for Visitors

Residents and visitors alike can expect a lot from Qiddiya in the coming years. Saudi authorities intend for the giga-project to become the kingdom’s entertainment, sports, and arts capital.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz spearheaded Qiddiya’s launch in 2018. It is a massive undertaking that receives funding from the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Saudi government uses the PIF, a sovereign wealth fund, for investments that will move the kingdom away from petroleum wealth.

AtkinsRealis is a Canadian company that serves as the lead design consultancy for Qiddiya. Global Director of Creative, Theming and Show Design Bradley Caruk noted Qiddiya provides a “fully immersive story-driven theme park experience.”

In particular, Bradley is referring to the Six Flags Qiddiya City, a theme park that will feature the world’s tallest, longest, and fastest rides.

Qiddiya’s disruptive potential

Meanwhile, Jamie Ryder, a partner at law firm Reed Smith’s Entertainment & Media Industry Group, says Qiddiya has “disruptive potential.”

Speaking to Arab News, Ryder emphasized the potential impact of Qiddiya on Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.

“In terms of Qiddiya’s disruptive potential, this is immediately clear when considering the sheer scale of the development,” Ryder noted. “When complete, Qiddiya will be home to over 600,000 residents and aims to attract 48 million visits per year.”

Ryder also pointed out that Qiddiya’s planned high-tech venues have the disruptive potential to host major entertainment and sporting events.

The Dragon Ball and Six Flags theme parks

In addition, attractions such as the Dragon Ball theme park will focus on ‘play’. The theme park, based on the hit anime series, will have over 130 themed rides and five attractions. Visitors can also enjoy themed hotels and explore seven themed zones based on the series’ seven dragon balls.

So far, authorities have announced the 70-meter Shenron rollercoaster, one of the much-anticipated rides in the 500,000-square-meter park.

“Anime is incredibly popular in KSA with Saudi reported as having the largest share of anime viewers worldwide,” Ryder said. “With the UAE second in the world rankings for anime viewership, this promises to be a popular attraction enticing tourists from across the region.”

Racing, gaming, and esports hub

Aside from Six Flags Qiddiya City and Dragon Ball theme park, visitors can look forward to the Speed Park Track. Race car drivers designed the track, which will have 21 turns and an elevation of 108 meters per lap. One of the drivers who worked on the design was Austrian Formula One (F1) driver Alex Wurz.

On top of these features, the Speed Park Track’s design will also combine street and open track configurations. One part of the track, for example, will be 20 stories high above the ground. It will be called “The Blade.”

Qiddiya will also be home to the world’s first mixed-use gaming and esports district. The Qiddiya Esports Arena, meanwhile, will feature the largest combined total video screen area in the world.

All these initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s goal of attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

“Our commitment to Saudi’s Vision 2030 is unwavering, and we value our partnership with Qiddiya, where we contribute to creating unparalleled fun,” Caruk said.

Authorities must finish projects in time for the 2029 Asian Winter Olympics, 2030 World Expo, and 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Photos: X