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.
