Did you know that the Qiddiya mega project is an attempt to achieve the record of largest tourism destination worldwide, and it is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program aim at diversifying the Saudi economy?

Qiddiya is a planned entertainment and tourism megaproject in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, whose construction started at the beginning of 2019. Though it planned to open in 2023, as of 2024, major projects including Six Flags Qiddya, the Aquarabia waterpark, and the Formula One racetrack are incomplete (with the racetrack now being scheduled to open in 2027).

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. The project is supported by the Public Investment Fund. According to the organizers, the total number of annual visitors will by 2030 reach 17 million, and be the "largest tourism destination worldwide".

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

Among the facilities in the Qiddiya mega project is the Qiddiya Speed Park, an FIA Grade 1 motor racing circuit, expected to hold a Formula One or MotoGP race. 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 announcement in November 2020 that a Grand Prix would be held at the circuit in 2021, the Saudi government allegedly paid tens of millions dollars to maintain hosting rights after completion of the project was delayed until 2027. The announcement led to criticism against Saudi Arabia from human rights organizations for attempting to sportswash its image.

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

The Dragon Ball theme park is another facility the mega project houses. 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. 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.

SOURCE: Wikipedia | Image credit: Hotelier Middle East

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