Dewan, the lead design consultant on the futuristic Qiddiya Water Theme Park, says it is now supervising the physical construction of the theme park, which is one of the flagship projects in Qiddiya, a futuristic destination in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Dewan, which has successfully delivered the design of the landmark development, adds that it is working with a large team of renowned water theme park experts, ride vendors, engineering and infrastructure professionals on the project.

The SR2.8-billion ($750 million) contract to build the region’s largest water theme park was awarded to a joint venture of ALEC Saudi Arabia Engineering & Contracting and El Seif Engineering Contracting early this year. 

The Qiddiya Water Theme Park will cover 337,948 sq m of land and include 22 rides, nine of which will be world-firsts. The expansive project will have nine distinct districts inspired by native animals and habitat, including Camel Rock, the Den, the Herding Grounds and Arabian Peak.

The project features advanced environmental systems that will reduce water consumption.

It will be 137,948 sq m bigger than any such water park in the world, says a top official for Dewan.

CEO of Dewan Architects Ammar Al Assam says: "We are extremely proud to contribute to Qiddiya and the kingdom with the delivery of the design of this once-in-a-lifetime project. The firm is fully committed to HRH Mohamed bin Salman's 2030 vision and looks forward to further growing and developing our footprint in the kingdom.”

As part of Vision 2030, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and the Qiddiya Board of Directors, announced a blueprint for the development which aims to promote economic diversification and increase the household spend on domestic leisure and entertainment.

Qiddiya is designed to be the home to the most innovative and immersive experiences offering sports and wellness,  nature and environment, parks and attractions, motion and mobility and arts and culture, making it the capital of entertainment, sports and the arts in the kingdom.

“Qiddiya is surrounded by the beauty, strength, diversity and fragility of nature in the heart of the Tuwaiq Escarpment Environmental Reserve. Dewan is working closely with the client Qiddiya Investment Company to be mindful as they create the destination. Their actions are aimed at  protecting various ecosystems, their natural inhabitants, the future of the environment and new generations of visitors,” he points out.

Dewan will use smart technology to ensure that its operation aligns with its sustainability efforts. Its architects are using highly advanced environmental systems that will allow them to consume 75 per cent less water than traditional practices. They have also considered efficient technologies that will reduce evaporation concerns. The park will boast state-of-the-art facilities to host world water tournaments.

Since establishing its first office in Abu Dhabi in 1984, Dewan has been integral in imagining diverse landscapes, enhanced cities, and suburban communities throughout the Middle East. The practice, which has won numerous industry awards, leverages the latest technologies in construction, design and architecture to maximise sustainability, create unique and boundary-breaking designs and deliver large-scale projects.