PIF-backed 334km2 gigaproject’s master plan was developed alongside the Danish-founded design company

QIC says. Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), the wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s HRH Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman-led Public Investment Fund (PIF), has unveiled the master plan of its Qiddiya entertainment city gigaproject located 45km from capital Riyadh.

Qiddiya’s master plan was designed in conjunction with Bjarke Ingles Group, founded by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels. QIC said in a statement that it carried out an intensive design process to ensure that that the project complemented with its natural landscape.

The sports, entertainment, and arts project has been divided into five development nodes, including Resort Core, City Centre, Eco Core, Motion Core, and a golf and residential neighbourhood.

Upon completion, Qiddiya’s Resort Core will include a 15ha retail, dining, and entertainment district. It will also be home to Six Flags Qiddiya, an extension of the American theme park with six themed lands, and Speed Park, comprising tracks, showrooms, retail, a driver’s club, and a luxury hotel.

A collection of sports venues, which will include 20,000-seat cliff-top stadium, an 18,000-seat indoor arena, an aquatic centre, and a sports hub, will also be developed, as will a 2,000-seat performing arts theatre and a cinema.

Eco Core has been designed around a series of nature and wildlife encounters, and features an ecology-sensitive golf course, outdoor sporting adventures, and hospitality offerings.

Located on the southeast of Resort Core, Motion Core will be home to residential, leisure, and entertainment projects focused on the science and technology of mobility.

Along with a Race Resort where homes and club facilities will be developed close to a 15km performance driving course, facilities for both on-road and off-road driving experiences, driver education, and destination motor sports events will be constructed within the node.

Qiddiya’s Golf and residential neighbourhood will feature an 18-hole golf course and offer club house facilities, in addition to residential community.

Commenting on the project, QIC’s chief executive officer, Michael Reininger, said: “The people of Saudi Arabia share the universal desire for enriching experiences, and our plan allows Qiddiya to unlock access to these experiences in a new and culturally relevant way, encouraging personal and professional pursuits that foster enrichment.”