Just 40 minutes from the capital Riyadh, nestled in the stunning Tuwaiq Mountains, the largest entertainment, sports, and cultural project in Saudi Arabia's history is taking shape. Qiddiya is not just an entertainment city, but a comprehensive global destination that will transform the concept of entertainment in the region. With the opening of its first landmarks in December 2025, we explore everything you need to know about this exceptional project. Project Overview Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the Qiddiya project in April 2017, and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz laid the foundation stone in April 2018. The project is one of the Public Investment Fund's most prominent projects under Vision 2030. Total Area: 376 square kilometers Estimated Cost: $22 billion (SAR 82 billion) Location: Tuwaiq Mountains, southwest of Riyadh Distance from Riyadh: 40 minutes by car Six Flags Qiddiya City: The Grand Opening On December 31, 2025, Qiddiya officially opens its doors with the launch of Six Flags Qiddiya City, becoming the first park of its kind outside North America. The park offers an exceptional experience combining excitement and Saudi culture in a sustainable environment. Number of Rides: 28 exclusive rides and experiences Entertainment Zones: 6 different zones Adult Ticket Price: Starting from SAR 325 Children's Ticket Price: Starting from SAR 275 Free Entry: Children under 4 years Six Flags' Six Zones The park features six diverse entertainment zones, each offering a unique experience: City of Thrills: Excitement and adventure rides The Mysterious Springs: A world of secrets and discovery Steam Town: Industrial revolution atmosphere Twilight Gardens: Nature and fantasy magic Valley of Fortune: Hidden treasure adventures The Grand Exposition: Various shows and events Aquarabia: The Middle East's Largest Water Park In May 2024, Qiddiya launched the Aquarabia project, the Kingdom's first locally-made water park and the largest in the region. It offers water experiences suitable for all family members. Contract Value: SAR 2.8 billion Number of Attractions: 22 water rides and experiences Expected Opening: 2025 Target Audience: All family members Speed Track: A World-Class Motorsports Destination Former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz designed the Speed Track to be one of the world's premier racing circuits. The track features a unique design that utilizes Tuwaiq's mountainous terrain. Standard: FIA Grade 1 (Formula 1 qualified) Number of Corners: 21 corners The Blade Height: Over 70 meters (20 stories) Formula 1 Hosting: Expected 2027 Qiddiya Express Train The Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced the Qiddiya Express Train project that will connect the city to King Salman International Airport and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Maximum Speed: 250 km/h Travel Time: 30 minutes from airport to Qiddiya Competing Companies: 145 companies Implementation Model: Public-private partnership Qiddiya Golf Course Qiddiya unveiled a new golf course designed by golf legend Sir Nick Faldo, to become a global destination for golf enthusiasts. Number of Holes: 18 championship-standard holes Designer: Sir Nick Faldo Course Opening: 2026 Club and Academy: 2028 Project Timeline The Qiddiya project is being implemented in three main phases: Phase One (2017-2025): Infrastructure, 45 projects, 300 activities Phase Two (2023-2025): Main complexes and 4,000 residential units Phase Three (2026-2035): Complete development and full operation Economic and Social Impact The project is expected to bring radical transformation to the entertainment and tourism sector: Expected Visitors: 48 million visitors annually by 2030 Job Opportunities: 325,000 direct and indirect jobs GDP Contribution: SAR 135 billion Entertainment Facilities: Over 300 facilities Strategic Partnerships 2025 Qiddiya signed important strategic partnerships to enhance visitor experience: Al Rajhi Bank: 5-year partnership as official sponsor Mercedes Experience Center: Formula 1 experiences World Travel & Tourism Council: Official membership Conclusion Qiddiya is not just an entertainment project, but a comprehensive vision for the future of entertainment, sports, and culture in Saudi Arabia. With Six Flags opening on December 31, 2025, a new era begins placing the Kingdom on the map of global entertainment destinations. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, sports enthusiast, or looking for special family experiences, you'll find everything you're looking for in Qiddiya.

Tags: Qiddiya, Six Flags Saudi, Vision 2030, Aquarabia, Speed Track, Formula 1, Saudi Entertainment