Key theme parks within Qiddiya City are nearing completion, as Saudi Arabia’s showpiece entertainment destination in Riyadh unveils plans for further cultural hubs that will position the city as a multi-faceted global tourism destination.

Construction work on Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City, located in an entirely walkable neighbourhood, is at an advanced stage with both parks expected to be completed this year.

Aquarabia, the first water theme park of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the largest in the region, will be the kingdom’s first home-grown water theme park and is expected to draw visitors from across the globe with its 22 rides and family-friendly water-based experiences. These include what will be record holders globally - the tallest water coaster, the tallest drop body slide, the tallest water slide, and the longest mat racer. Aquarabia will also boast the first underwater adventure ride featuring fully submersible cars, according to Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) – a wholly-owned unit of Saudi wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund), which is spearheading work on the ambitious entertainment and cultural destination.

Aquarabia will offer immersive, narrative-based design elements and attractions seldom seen in water parks, with its theming based around ancient desert wellsprings and Qiddiya’s wildlife seeking an oasis.

Construction work on the theme park is being implemented by Alec Engineering & Contracting in collaboration with El Seif Engineering Contracting under a SAR2.8 billion ($750 million) contract awarded in February 2022.

Meanwhile, Six Flags Qiddiya City will push the boundaries of what’s possible with 28 rides and attractions. It will feature five world record-breaking coasters spread across six uniquely themed lands: Sirocco Tower, the tallest free standing shot tower ride; Gyropsin, the tallest pendulum ride; Spitfire, the tallest inverted top hat coaster; Iron Rattler, the tallest tilt coaster; and lastly the Falcons Flight, the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster which will run parallel to the F1 track.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium

In addition, work is under way on the stunning Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium located within the entertainment and tourism mega-project following the appointment of a consortium of Spain’s FCC Construcción and Saudi contractor Nesma & Partners as the main contractors for the showpiece stadium. The project, valued at SR4 billion ($1.1 billion), is scheduled for completion in 2029.

Nestled atop the Tuwaiq Mountains, the stadium will soar 200 m above the ground, offering stunning vistas of the city below. With a capacity for 46,000 spectators, the venue – which is slated to host some of the FIFA World Cup 2034 games – promises to deliver an unforgettable experience through its unique design and cutting-edge technology. 

Spanning a 197,000-sq-m area, the iconic Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will not only host sporting events but also serve as a cultural landmark. With its innovative design and strategic location, the stadium is poised to become a cornerstone of Qiddiya City and a beacon of the new world of entertainment, according to QIC.

Designed by the renowned architectural firm Populous, the stadium will be the world’s first fully-integrated venue featuring a retractable roof, pitch, and LED wall.  This innovative architecture will allow the space to quickly adapt to various event formats, enhancing versatility and functionality. 

In line with modern sustainability standards, the stadium will incorporate advanced technology to produce cold air efficiently while adhering to LEED Gold standards. The climate-controlled venue promises a comfortable atmosphere for attendees year-round. 

The stadium will serve as the future home for the prominent Saudi football clubs, Al Hilal and Al Nassr. With 7.6 million visitors expected annually, the venue aims to redefine the fan experience by combining live sporting events with state-of-the-art entertainment options.

Other key assets

Qiddiya Investment Company also unveiled plans in mid-2024 for its first cultural asset – The Performing Arts Centre – in the capital. With stunning architecture, pioneering technology and a commitment to artistic innovation, the centre promises to redefine the cultural experience for residents and visitors alike. The centre is designed to receive over 800,000 visits and host over 260 indoor and outdoor performances and events every year. Over 3,000 seats are spread across three theatres, each offering a 360-degree experience merging physical and digital elements. A cantilevered amphitheatre offers breathtaking views of the city’s lower plateau while a fully adaptable 500-seat venue is suspended from above.

This launch follows earlier announcements for a number of entertainment and sports in Qiddiya City, including the world’s first multi-use Gaming and Esports District, a motorsport track and the world’s only Dragon Ball theme park.

The racetrack will sit at the centre of an area dedicated to motorsports and will boast some of racing’s most recognisable track design features.

The configurable Speed Park Track will blend functionality, state-of-the-art technology and unique customer experience and is poised to host an impressive roster of the world’s most prestigious racing events, according to QIC.

Designed by Austrian former Formula One driver Alex Wurz and German circuit designer Hermann Tilke, the fast-flowing track is a teamwork of race drivers, for race drivers, and pushes boundaries to the extreme, featuring 21 corners and utilising Qiddiya City’s dramatic landscape to create over 108 m of elevation gain per lap.

Its centrepiece will be the pioneering “Blade” at turn one – an awe-inspiring elevated section of circuit that dramatically rises more than 20 storeys above ground.

The Speed Park Track has multiple configurations with two distinctive sections including a street circuit section and the fast open track section which are fully integrated into Qiddiya’s neighbouring attractions, bringing entertainment, sports and culture together.

Meanwhile, the Dragon Ball park will offer anime fans, families, and entertainment seekers an immersive journey into the iconic Dragon Ball universe. The project is being undertaken under a long-term strategic partnership with Toei Animation, Japan’s leading animation company and original animators of Dragon Ball.

This anime theme park is set to become a jaw-dropping spectacle, spanning more than 500,000 sq m. Inspired by the seven legendary Dragon Balls, visitors can navigate seven distinctively themed zones within the park, catapulting guests into the heart of the anime action to experience the historic journey from the first Dragon Ball series to the latest Dragon Ball Super.

The theme park offers over 30 rides with five ground-breaking attractions. A flagship attraction located at the centre of the park has a rollercoaster passing through a massive 70-m Shenron landmark.