Qiddiya#Six Flags Qiddiya

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.{{Cite web |date=9 January 2019 |title=Construction at Saudi entertainment megaproject Qiddiya to begin this year |url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1432676/saudi-arabia |access-date=16 May 2019 |website=Arab News |language=en}} The project is supported by the Public Investment Fund.{{Cite web |date=23 September 2018 |title=Qiddiya to create a self-sustaining ecosystem |url=http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/543979/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-National-Day/Qiddiya-to-create-a-self-sustaining-ecosystem |access-date=4 March 2019 |website=Saudigazette |language=en}} According to the organizers, the total number of annual visitors will by 2030 reach 17 million, and be the "largest tourism destination worldwide".{{Cite web |date=24 April 2018 |title=Al-Qiddiya: A futuristic mega city |url=http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/533464/SAUDI-ARABIA/Al-Qiddiya-A-futuristic-mega-city |access-date=16 May 2019 |website=Saudigazette |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=25 March 2019 |title=MiSK, Qiddiya team up for internship program |url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1471966/saudi-arabia |access-date=25 March 2019 |website=Arab News |language=en}} It is expected to create 325,000 jobs.{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=2024-09-06 |title=Will Saudi Arabia's big bet on the Qiddiya gaming and esports city pay off? {{!}} The DeanBeat |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/will-saudi-arabias-big-bet-on-the-qiddiya-gaming-and-esports-city-pay-off-the-deanbeat/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}

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.

An FIA Grade 1 motor racing circuit, Qiddiya Speed Park, is expected to hold a Formula One or MotoGP race, currently planned for 2027.{{cite news |author=Andrew Benson |date=17 January 2020 |title=Formula 1: Saudi Arabia unveils plans for race in 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51137520 |access-date=12 February 2020 |work=BBC News}}{{cite news|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/03/05/saudi-arabia-showcases-details-of-new-qiddiya-f1-track/|title=Saudi Arabia showcases details of new Qiddiya F1 track|publisher=Motorsport Week|date=5 March 2024}}

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,{{Cite web |title=F1 adds Saudi Arabian Grand Prix night race to 2021 calendar {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-adds-saudi-arabian-grand-prix-night-race-to-2021-calendar.49pVgTPyYV0KBJrOwtqUCN.html |access-date=5 November 2020 |website=www.formula1.com |language=en}} the Saudi government allegedly paid tens of millions dollars to maintain hosting rights after completion of the project was delayed until 2027.{{Cite web |date=19 January 2023 |title=Jeddah expects to host F1 race until Qiddiya circuit is ready in 2027 |url=https://racer.com/2023/01/19/jeddah-expects-to-host-f1-race-until-qiddiya-circuit-is-ready-in-2027/ |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=RACER |language=en-US}}{{cite web |title=F1 risks human rights wrath over first Saudi Arabian race |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/formula-one/article/formula-one-adds-saudi-arabia-to-2021-schedule-for-record-23-race-season-kxqltf57s |access-date=27 October 2020 |website=The Times|date=27 October 2020 }} The announcement led to criticism against Saudi Arabia from human rights organizations for attempting to sportswash its image.

Six Flags Qiddiya, which is currently under construction, is planned to be the largest theme park in the Middle East at {{Convert|79|acre|km2|abbr=on}},{{Cite web |date=27 August 2019 |title=Largest Six Flags theme park in the world to open in Qiddiya |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1545711/saudi-arabia |access-date=28 August 2019 |website=Arab News |language=en}} and is expected to have multiple attractions. Notable attractions will include Falcons Flight, the world's fastest, tallest, and longest roller coaster, (which will partly go over the Qiddiya circuit){{cite web |last=Sansens |first=Jonathan |date=13 April 2023 |title=Eerste track geplaatst van snelste, hoogste en langste achtbaan ter wereld |trans-title=First track installed for the fastest, tallest and longest roller coaster in the world |url=https://themeparkfreaks.eu/2023/04/eerste-track-geplaatst-van-snelste-hoogste-en-langste-achtbaan-ter-wereld/ |website=Themeparkfreaks |language=nl}}{{cite web |last=Stilwell |first=Andrew |date=14 November 2023 |title=Intamin Reveals Falcon's Flight Details |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2023/11/14/intamin-reveals-falcons-flight-details/ |access-date=15 November 2023 |website=Coaster101 }} and the world's tallest drop tower ride.{{Cite web |date=27 August 2019 |title=Buckle up, the world's fastest roller coaster is coming to Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1545766/saudi-arabia |access-date=28 August 2019 |website=Arab News |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2024 |title=Construction to Commence for the World's Only Dragon Ball Theme Park! |url=https://en.dragon-ball-official.com/news/01_2533.html |access-date=22 March 2024 |website=Dragon Ball Official Site |language=en}} 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.{{Cite news |date=25 March 2024 |title=Dragon Ball: First theme park to be built in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68653311 |access-date=25 March 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

{{Portal|Saudi Arabia}}

• List of Saudi Vision 2030 Projects
• Saudi Vision 2030
• Neom

{{reflist}}

• {{Oweb|https://qiddiya.com/}}

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Six Flags Qiddiya

Category:Megaprojects

Category:Planned communities in Saudi Arabia

Category:Tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia