A futuristic city called Qiddiya, located in Saudi Arabia, is currently under construction in the desert with a projected cost of £30 billion. This city, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aims to diversify the country’s economy by incorporating tourism and entertainment.
Qiddiya, positioned 45km from Riyadh and 70km from King Khalid International Airport, will span approximately 360 square kilometers. It is designed to accommodate around 500,000 residents across 20 different neighborhoods, offering all the amenities expected in a modern urban setting.
Dubbed as “The City of the Future,” Qiddiya will boast a Formula 1 circuit, a stadium designated for the 2034 World Cup, and man-made beaches. Despite the emissions associated with its construction, the city remains committed to sustainability, as emphasized in its 2024 ESG Report.
Sections of Qiddiya have already opened to the public, including hosting the Dakar Rally and the Six Flags theme park, which introduced the world’s longest, tallest, and fastest rollercoaster named Falcon’s Flight. The CEO of Six Flags, John Reilly, expressed pride in the project, stating that it will revolutionize entertainment in the region with cutting-edge attractions and immersive experiences for visitors of all ages.