Construction of Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia’s flagship giga-project and entertainment hub, continues at a brisk pace, with impressive progress being made across its signature attractions and infrastructure.

Nestled in the Tuwaiq mountains, this ambitious development is being built from scratch 45 km from downtown Riyadh and is being positioned as the world’s first city built for play. Given this overarching vision, Qiddiya City will introduce cutting-edge attractions that coexist with unique living, learning, and wellness opportunities. It aims to create an entirely new lifestyle paradigm for residents and visitors. The city’s layout integrates entertainment, sports, culture, and natural landscapes in a seamless, future-forward manner.

Two of its flagship theme parks are now nearing completion. Six Flags Qiddiya City, the leading theme park within the development, has reached 89 per cent completion. The adjacent Aquarabia Water Theme Park is 84 per cent complete, pushing forward as the country’s first water theme park, according to the latest update released by Qiddiya last month.

This picture dated June 2025 showcases work in progress at the Qiddiya City site.

Six Flags Qiddiya City marks the largest theme park in the region, with 28 rides and attractions. Five of these are set to break world records, led by the much-anticipated Falcons Flight, slated as the longest, tallest, and fastest roller coaster on the planet. With an array of immersive experiences, the park is designed to appeal to families, thrill-seekers, and global tourists alike.

Aquarabia Water Theme Park will make a splash with 22 state-of-the-art water rides and attractions, including the world’s tallest water coaster and double-loop water slide, promising an unparalleled aquatic experience. Positioned as a game-changer in the country’s entertainment sector, the water park will welcome guests to eight themed areas, including Surftopia, featuring Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool.

Another theme park that Qiddiya will host is the only Dragon Ball Theme Park in the world, spanning the entirety of the beloved anime’s history, from its early episodes to the modern Dragon Ball Super series. This destination is tailored to the global appeal of Japanese animation and pop culture, making it a significant draw for regional and overseas fans.

Golf course

Meanwhile, Qiddiya city’s golf courses, designed as all-inclusive resort and tournament venues, have achieved 77 per cent completion, according to Qiddiya.

White highlights the key features of the Qiddiya golf courses.

The Qiddiya golf courses are being developed in partnership with global golf organisations. Designed by golf legend Sir Nick Faldo, the championship golf course features 18 holes and is uniquely set against the dramatic landscape of the 200-m cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains. The course caters to players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

 Qiddiya City is a global partner of the Faldo Series, a premier pathway for young golfers worldwide. These world-class courses are set to host Saudi Arabia’s Faldo Series events, positioning the city as the regional hub for youth golf and promoting the development of Saudi players.

In a video interview, Gary White, the Development Director for Gulf at Qiddiya city, highlights the key features of the golf courses (see above).

Qiddiya city’s golf courses have been designed by Pattersons as all-inclusive resort and tournament venues.

The golf course will have an iconic clubhouse and a driving range academy designed by New Zealand architectural firm Pattersons. A green-roofed structure open to the public connects the three main zones: the Golf Clubhouse, Social Wellness Hub, and the Academy. The clubhouse serves as a community asset that offers leisure areas, a gym and wellness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, as well as food and beverage outlets.

Other key attractions

Beyond these attractions, Qiddiya City is slated to host a diverse portfolio of assets. These include the following sports and active lifestyle hubs:

Speed Park is highlighted by “the Blade”, a dramatic 20-storey-high section of racetrack.

• Speed Park Track: Speed Park is a landmark motorsports complex, highlighted by “the Blade”, a dramatic 20-storey-high section of racetrack. This feature sets Speed Park apart in the Middle East, offering experiences for both professional motorsport athletes and public visitors. The venue is expected to promote a motorsport culture in the kingdom, with facilities for racing, training, and international events.

• Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium: Set to become a centrepiece of Saudi sporting ambitions, the stadium is an architectural marvel engineered to host a diverse slate of events. Its multi-use design will accommodate local and global sporting events, large-scale concerts, and cultural celebrations, including the prestigious 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Gaming & Esports District, the world’s first neighbourhood for gaming and esports.

• Gaming & Esports District: The world’s first dedicated neighbourhood for gaming and esports, this district combines digital and physical worlds through specialised arenas, training centres, and event spaces. It aims to support Saudi Arabia’s large and growing gaming community and establish Qiddiya as a global leader in esports tourism and entertainment.

Mercedes AMG World of Performance will appeal to car and motorsport enthusiasts.

• Mercedes AMG World of Performance: This interactive complex introduces visitors to the world of Mercedes-AMG and Formula 1 through immersive experiences and motorsports exhibits. Featuring advanced simulators and hands-on attractions, the venue will appeal to car and motorsport enthusiasts, offering education, entertainment, and brand engagement.

Qiddiya City will also be home to the Performing Arts Centre, which is designed as one of the world’s most iconic venues for live theatre, concerts, and cultural performances. Overlooking the edge of the Tuwaiq Mountains, the centre aims to nurture the performing arts scene in Saudi Arabia and host internationally renowned productions.

Beyond headline venues, Qiddiya integrates hospitality, retail, and leisure amenities, hosting dozens of restaurants, shopping districts, and boutiques as well as event spaces for festivals, exhibitions, and conferences.

 It will be supported by sophisticated transport and infrastructure networks designed to move large numbers of visitors efficiently throughout the city.

With construction in its advanced stages and flagship components approaching completion, Qiddiya City stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s aspirations for the future. The city’s innovative blend of entertainment, sport, culture, and leisure is designed to position it as a leading global destination for “play” generating new opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange.