Saudi Arabia has revealed its ambition to construct a state-of-the-art performing arts center within the expansive Qiddiya City, situated on the periphery of Riyadh. The Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre is projected to attract over 800,000 visitors each year and will feature more than 260 annual indoor and outdoor performances across its three theaters, summing up to 3,000 seats. The Qiddiya Investment Company has emphasized that each theater will offer an immersive experience, merging the tangible with the digital through innovative design and technology.
Distinguished by its breathtaking architecture, the center will include a cantilevered amphitheater that offers a panoramic view of the Qiddiya City plateau, and a unique 500-seat venue suspended in the air. Embracing cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI), the center aims to present groundbreaking productions. Additional features will include rooftop gardens, art exhibitions, and verdant spaces.
The larger Qiddiya City project also plans to establish a gaming and esports hub, poised to become an international nexus for competitive gaming. Spanning 500,000 square meters, the hub intends to accommodate up to 25 esports teams simultaneously and serve as regional headquarters for over 30 video game companies. With an eye toward the future, the city aims to draw in 10 million visitors annually by 2030.
In addition to entertainment venues, Qiddiya City will host a variety of attractions including a speed park, golf courses, a water theme park, and Six Flags Qiddiya.
As of December, the city has seen the awarding of contracts totaling 10 billion Saudi riyals ($2.66 billion). Abdullah Aldawood, the managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, stated, The introduction of the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre heralds a new era of artistic expression and community engagement.
He highlighted the city’s dedication to not only entertainment and sports but to the cultivation and promotion of Saudi culture as well.
As a pivotal component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for economic diversification, Qiddiya City is expected to encompass 60,000 buildings spanning 360 square kilometers, and upon completion, will be home to over 600,000 residents. The city is anticipated to generate more than 325,000 job opportunities and contribute a nominal gross domestic product of 135 billion riyals ($36 billion) yearly. The project’s ambitious vision also includes attracting approximately 48 million visits annually.