Qiddiya
ProductsEntertainment, tourism, smart city
LocationRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
OwnerPublic Investment Fund
Established28 April 2018 (2018-04-28)
Websitewww.qiddiya.com

Qiddiya (Arabic: القِدِّية, romanized: al-qiddiyya / al-giddiyya, pronounced [ə- alɡɪdːijːa]) is a planned entertainment and tourism megaproject in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[1] Construction started in the beginning of 2019.[1] It is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy.[2] It planned to open in 2023.[3]

History

The project is part of a goal to increase local spending and diversify the Saudi economy under Saudi Vision 2030.[4] The project is supported by the Public Investment Fund.[5] According to the organizers, the total number of annual visitors will by 2030 reach 17 million, and be the "largest tourism destination worldwide".[6][4][7]

The first phase of the project is planned to be completed by 2023. Upon the completion of this phase, 45 individual projects are to be completed.[3] There is a partnership agreement between Qiddiya and the University of Central Florida to train young Saudis on hospitality, tourism and sports management.[3]

Proposed activities

Qiddiya circuit

A Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 motor racing circuit is expected to hold a Formula One or MotoGP race, currently planned for 2027.[8]

Construction delays to the racing circuit have caused numerous issues. The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was scheduled to be held at the course in December 2021, but because construction was unfinished the event took place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Because of the Formula One Group's announcement in November 2020 that a grand prix would be held at the circuit in 2023,[9] the Saudi government has allegedly paid tens of millions dollars to maintain hosting rights after completion of the project was delayed until 2027.[10][11] The announcement led to criticism against Saudi Arabia from human rights organizations for attempting to sportswash its image.[11]

Falcon's Flight
Six Flags Qiddiya
LocationSix Flags Qiddiya
StatusUnder construction
General statistics
TypeSteel
ManufacturerIntamin
Height195 m (640 ft)
Length4,250 m (13,940 ft)
Speed250 km/h (160 mph)
Falcon's Flight at RCDB

Six Flags Qiddiya

Six Flags Qiddya, the proposed largest theme park in the Middle East at 79 acres (0.32 km2),[12] is expected to have attractions including the world's fastest, tallest, and longest roller coaster,[13][14] and the world's tallest drop tower ride.[15]

See also


References

  1. 1 2 "Construction at Saudi entertainment megaproject Qiddiya to begin this year". Arab News. 2019-01-09. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  2. ↑ "Qiddiya Project, Red Sea Project, can Saudi Arabia turn into a tourist destination?". Weetas Real Estate Blog, Market Stats, Real Estate Analysis. 2018-02-05. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  3. 1 2 3 "Developers reveal more details about Qiddiya, the Saudi entertainment supercity". Arab News. 2019-07-25. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
  4. 1 2 "Construction at Saudi entertainment megaproject Qiddiya to begin this year". Arab News. 2019-01-09. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
  5. ↑ "Qiddiya to create a self-sustaining ecosystem". Saudigazette. 2018-09-23. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  6. ↑ "Al-Qiddiya: A futuristic mega city". Saudigazette. 2018-04-24. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
  7. ↑ "MiSK, Qiddiya team up for internship program". Arab News. 2019-03-25. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
  8. ↑ Andrew Benson (17 January 2020). "Formula 1: Saudi Arabia unveils plans for race in 2023". BBC News. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  9. ↑ "F1 adds Saudi Arabian Grand Prix night race to 2021 calendar | Formula 1®". www.formula1.com. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  10. ↑ "Jeddah expects to host F1 race until Qiddiya circuit is ready in 2027". RACER. 2023-01-19. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  11. 1 2 "F1 risks human rights wrath over first Saudi Arabian race". The Times. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  12. ↑ "Largest Six Flags theme park in the world to open in Qiddiya". Arab News. 2019-08-27. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
  13. ↑ Sansens, Jonathan (April 13, 2023). "Eerste track geplaatst van snelste, hoogste en langste achtbaan ter wereld" [First track installed for the fastest, tallest and longest roller coaster in the world]. Themeparkfreaks (in Dutch).
  14. ↑ Stilwell, Andrew (November 14, 2023). "Intamin Reveals Falcon's Flight Details". Coaster101. Coaster101. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  15. ↑ "Buckle up, the world's fastest roller coaster is coming to Saudi Arabia". Arab News. 2019-08-27. Retrieved 2019-08-28.

24°35′N 46°19′E / 24.58°N 46.32°E / 24.58; 46.32

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