Al-Qiddiya

Qiddiya

Qiddiya

Entertainment megaproject in Riyadh

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 planned to open in 2023.[2] It is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy.[3]

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History

The project, which was announced in April 2017, 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.[8] There is a partnership agreement between Qiddiya and the University of Central Florida to train young Saudis on hospitality, tourism and sports management.[8]

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.[9]

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,[10] the Saudi government has allegedly paid tens of millions dollars to maintain hosting rights after completion of the project was delayed until 2027.[11][12] The announcement led to criticism against Saudi Arabia from human rights organizations for attempting to sportswash its image.[12]

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Six Flags Qiddiya

Six Flags Qiddya, which is currently under construction is planned to be largest theme park in the Middle East at 79 acres (0.32 km2),[13] and is expected to have attractions including "Falcons Flight" the world's fastest, tallest, and longest roller coaster that will partly go over the Qiddiya circuit,[14][15] and the world's tallest drop tower ride when it opens.[16]

Dragon Ball theme park

In March 2024, Qiddiya, in collaboration with Toei Animation, announced the construction of the "world's only ever Dragon Ball theme park". It is planned to include over 30 attractions, including a "70 meter-high Shenron" statue that contains a roller coaster.[17] Upon the park being announced it was met with negative reception from international Dragon Ball fans who criticized Saudi Arabia's humans rights record, treatment of women, and lack of recognition of LGBT rights.[18]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    "Construction at Saudi entertainment megaproject Qiddiya to begin this year". Arab News. 2019-01-09. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  2. [2]
    "Developers reveal more details about Qiddiya, the Saudi entertainment supercity". Arab News. 2019-07-25. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
  3. [3]
    "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.
  4. [4]
    "Construction at Saudi entertainment megaproject Qiddiya to begin this year". Arab News. 2019-01-09. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
  5. [5]
    "Qiddiya to create a self-sustaining ecosystem". Saudigazette. 2018-09-23. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  6. [6]
    "Al-Qiddiya: A futuristic mega city". Saudigazette. 2018-04-24. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
  7. [7]
    "MiSK, Qiddiya team up for internship program". Arab News. 2019-03-25. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
  8. [8]
    "Developers reveal more details about Qiddiya, the Saudi entertainment supercity". Arab News. 2019-07-25. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
  9. [9]
    Andrew Benson (17 January 2020). "Formula 1: Saudi Arabia unveils plans for race in 2023". BBC News. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  10. [10]
    "F1 adds Saudi Arabian Grand Prix night race to 2021 calendar | Formula 1®". www.formula1.com. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  11. [11]
    "Jeddah expects to host F1 race until Qiddiya circuit is ready in 2027". RACER. 2023-01-19. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  12. [12]
    "F1 risks human rights wrath over first Saudi Arabian race". The Times. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  13. [13]
    "Largest Six Flags theme park in the world to open in Qiddiya". Arab News. 2019-08-27. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
  14. [14]
    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).
  15. [15]
    Stilwell, Andrew (November 14, 2023). "Intamin Reveals Falcon's Flight Details". Coaster101. Coaster101. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  16. [16]
    "Buckle up, the world's fastest roller coaster is coming to Saudi Arabia". Arab News. 2019-08-27. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
  17. [17]
    "Construction to Commence for the World's Only Dragon Ball Theme Park!". Dragon Ball Official Site. 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  18. [18]
    "Dragon Ball: First theme park to be built in Saudi Arabia". BBC News. 2024-03-25. Retrieved 2024-03-25.

24.58°N 46.32°E / 24.58; 46.32
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