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Saudi Arabia’s entertainment landscape is evolving rapidly, marked by ambitious projects aimed at transforming the nation’s tourism sector. In January 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the confirmation of Diriyah as the fifth giga-project by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Situated at the outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah complements existing ventures such as Neom, the Red Sea project, Qiddiya, and Roshn.
New Investments in Entertainment Ventures
In addition to high-profile giga-projects, Saudi Entertainment Ventures, a subsidiary of Qiddiya, has committed $13 billion to develop 21 entertainment destinations across the kingdom. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy and attract international visitors. Among the noteworthy undertakings is AlUla, branded as the world’s largest living museum.
Amaala is another pivotal project, focusing on luxury and wellness, slated to reshape perceptions of tourism in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom aims for 150 million tourist visits annually by 2030, marking a significant goal since it began welcoming tourists in 2019. According to Knight Frank’s report on Saudi Arabia’s Giga Projects, contracts worth $196 billion have been issued since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016.
Focus on Qiddiya and Its Features
Qiddiya is envisioned as the largest entertainment city in the world, surpassing even Walt Disney World in Florida. Planned by Bjarke Ingels Group, Qiddiya will encompass a range of attractions, including the Aquarabia water park, a Dragon Ball theme park, and an esports district. The city aims to provide an immersive experience through advanced technologies such as VR and AR in theaters, enhancing cultural offerings.
When operational, Aquarabia is set to become the largest water park in the Middle East, featuring 22 rides, including the world’s tallest water coaster and the kingdom’s first surf pool. In collaboration with WhiteWater, renowned for crafting innovative water park attractions, Aquarabia will break new ground in entertainment experiences.
Six Flags Qiddiya City
Six Flags Qiddiya City is positioned to be a crucial part of this entertainment portfolio. Scheduled to open on December 31, 2025, it will include 28 rides and attractions, highlighted by a record-breaking roller coaster designed by Intamin. This theme park is anticipated to redefine leisure in Saudi Arabia, combining advanced technology with immersive entertainment.
“We are excited to bring Six Flags Qiddiya City to life, a project that will establish a new benchmark for entertainment in the region,” stated John Reilly, president and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.
Giga-Projects and Sustainability
Neom, an extensive $500 billion “land of the future,” aims to redefine urban development through sustainable practices and innovative designs. The project covers an area 33 times larger than New York City, focusing on cognitive cities and eco-friendly developments. Neom’s Sindalah island, which debuted in late 2024, aims to attract one million visitors by 2025 and five million by 2030.
Additionally, the Red Sea project, led by Red Sea Global, has introduced sustainable tourism initiatives. It opened its first nine hotels in 2023, aiming to create 50 resorts by 2030 centered on luxury, sustainability, and environmental preservation.
Cultural and Historic Significance
Diriyah, with a development budget of $62.2 billion, promises to be a cultural and lifestyle hub at the heart of Saudi heritage. It will encapsulate the historical district of At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with various cultural assets and educational institutions.
The PIF’s overarching efforts aim not only to boost tourism but also to create economic opportunities, ultimately striving to transform Saudi Arabia into a global tourism leader.
As these projects continue to develop, they signify a bold step towards diversifying the economy and reshaping the kingdom’s global image.
For more information on Saudi Arabia’s entertainment initiatives, visit Knight Frank.
Published on 2026-03-03 15:55:00 • By Editorial Desk • Category: News
