Qiddiya City is a new global destination being built in Saudi Arabia, designed as a city dedicated to play. Announced by the Qiddiya Investment Company, the project aims to create a comprehensive environment for living, working, and entertainment.
Qiddiya City: A Vision for Play
Qiddiya City is a planned global destination spanning over 360 square kilometers. It is designed to encompass more than 20 distinct neighborhoods, making it three times the size of Paris. This vast area is intended to be a comprehensive city where residents can live, work, shop, and explore.
The entire project is inspired by the concept of “The Power of Play,” aiming to integrate recreational activities into the fabric of daily life. Qiddiya City is strategically located just 45 kilometers from downtown Riyadh and 70 kilometers from King Khalid International Airport, facilitating access for both residents and visitors.
The urban planning emphasizes sustainability and wellbeing, featuring a 100% walkable environment with 20% of its total area dedicated to public spaces. The city is projected to be home to over 500,000 residents, a new business community, and attract millions of annual visitors, complementing the existing population of Riyadh.
Attractions and Entertainment in Qiddiya City
Qiddiya City is set to feature an extensive array of attractions designed to cater to diverse interests. The plans include a total of 400 attractions, among which are 275 rides and 12 dedicated theme parks. Visitors can also expect to encounter 2,000 art installations spread throughout the city.
For sports enthusiasts, there are 43 planned sports facilities. Additionally, multiple sports venues will offer a combined 73,000 seats, specifically designed to host esports events. A key attraction is Six Flags Qiddiya City, which will offer 28 rides and attractions. Five of these are designed to be record-breaking, including the signature roller coaster, Falcons Flight.
Falcons Flight is anticipated to be the world’s longest, tallest, and fastest roller coaster. Beyond theme parks, Qiddiya City will also feature Aquarabia, the first water theme park of its kind in Saudi Arabia, with 22 rides and experiences spread across 8 themed zones.
Dragon Ball Theme Park Plans
The Qiddiya Investment Company has announced plans to construct the world’s only Dragon Ball theme park within Qiddiya City. This ambitious project is set to cover an area exceeding 500,000 square meters, bringing the beloved universe of Dragon Ball to life.
The park will be divided into seven distinct zones, each designed to recreate iconic locations from the Dragon Ball series. These areas will include settings such as Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’s Planet, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the series’ narrative.
The park aims to offer an adventure with characters like Goku, spanning the entire saga from its beginning through Dragon Ball Super.
The Dragon Ball theme park is planned to feature over 30 attractions, including five state-of-the-art rides. A notable planned landmark is a 70-meter-high Shenron structure, which will ingeniously incorporate a large-scale roller coaster within it. Hotels and restaurants will also be available on-site, offering a fully immersive experience for fans.
Key Facts About Qiddiya City
- Area: Spans 360+ square kilometers.
- Neighborhoods: More than 20 planned neighborhoods.
- Size Comparison: Three times the size of Paris.
- Attractions: A total of 400 attractions planned, including 275 rides and 12 theme parks.
- Sports Facilities: 43 sports facilities and venues with 73,000 seats for esports.
- Dragon Ball Park Size: Over 500,000 square meters.
- Projected Population: Over 500,000 residents.
Confirmed and Unconfirmed Aspects
Significant progress has been made on the overarching Qiddiya City project, with its scale and vision clearly defined. The development of a global city designed for play, spanning 360+ square kilometers and featuring numerous neighborhoods, is a confirmed aspect of the plan.
The vast number of planned attractions, including theme parks, rides, and sports facilities, has also been announced. Specifically, the construction of Six Flags Qiddiya City and the world’s only Dragon Ball theme park are confirmed initiatives. The latter is stated to be over 500,000 square meters and will include specific zones and rides.
However, the timeline for the full realization of Qiddiya City and the operational status of all its announced attractions remain areas with less concrete information.
While the Dragon Ball park construction is set to commence, the exact opening date is not yet specified. The full completion of the megaproject is expected to extend into the mid-2020s and beyond, with some elements potentially not materializing until 2036.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Qiddiya City?
Qiddiya City is a planned global destination in Saudi Arabia, spanning over 360 square kilometers and designed as the world’s first city built for play. It aims to integrate living, working, shopping, and entertainment across more than 20 neighborhoods.
What kinds of attractions will be in Qiddiya City?
Qiddiya City is planned to feature 400 attractions, including 275 rides and 12 theme parks. It will also include 2,000 art installations and 43 sports facilities, with venues capable of hosting major esports events.
What is confirmed about the Dragon Ball theme park?
It is confirmed that the world’s only Dragon Ball theme park will be constructed at Qiddiya City. The park will be over 500,000 square meters, featuring seven themed areas and over 30 attractions, including a roller coaster inside a 70-meter Shenron statue.
When will Qiddiya City be completed?
The Qiddiya City project is currently under construction, with initial phases originally scheduled for completion in 2023 but later revised. Timelines now extend into the mid-2020s, and some developments, like specific rides, might not be operational until as late as 2036.
