Saudi Crown Prince Launches Urban Plan and Branding of Qiddiya City

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Launches Urban Plan and Branding of Qiddiya City

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has launched the urban design for the city of Qiddiya and Qiddiya’s brand.

The Crown Prince is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC).

He stated that the city of Qiddiya will become, in the near future, the foremost global destination in the fields of entertainment, sports, and culture. This will have a positive impact on the Kingdom's economy and its international standing, enhancing Riyadh's strategic position and contributing to its economic growth. It aims to improve the quality of life, making Riyadh one of the top 10 economies globally.

The Crown Prince added that this qualitative investment in Qiddiya is a cornerstone of the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy, creating thousands of job opportunities for the ambitious Saudi youth.

Qiddiya philosophy of Play is based on decades of research that has proven that play is a vital element for human cognitive development, emotional expression, social skills, creativity, and physical health. Studies have also shown the positive effects of recreational activities on society, their ability to bridge differences between individuals, and enhance empathy and social cohesion.

Qiddiya's offering will be Qiddiya City, a one-of-a-kind destination located on the outskirts of Riyadh, that promises endless fun and excitement for its residents and visitors through unrivalled offerings in entertainment, sports, culture, and urban living.

Construction is progressing with contracts worth SAR10 billion awarded. With 60,000 buildings in an overall area of 360 square kms, it will eventually host over 600,000 residents. Qiddiya City is expected to create over 325,000 job opportunities, yielding nominal GDP of SAR135 billion per annum.

Additionally, Qiddiya City expects to attract an anticipated 48 million visits per year with its never-built-before array of world-class attractions and venues.

Located 40 minutes from Riyadh center and overlooking the stunning cliffs of the formidable Tuwaiq mountains, Qiddiya City will be a home of the first gaming and e-sports district, a speed park track, golf courses, a massive water theme park, and Six Flags Qiddiya.

In addition, the city will also host a stadium which will feature the world’s largest Olympic museum.

Qiddiya City’s unparalleled proximity and concentration of sports, culture and entertainment experiences in one place will make it a globally unique destination.
Qiddiya plans to launch its first assets over the next two years.



Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
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Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology warned on Friday of heavy rains in Makkah and Al-Jumum Governorate including the centers of Rahat and Madrakah.

The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, lack of horizontal visibility, hail, torrents, and thunderstorms.

It said the weather conditions will continue until Friday night.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in cooperation with other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, intensified cleaning and drying of the Mataf area (circumambulation track) after the rainfall witnessed in Makkah on Thursday to ensure the safety and security of worshippers and Umrah performers.

The authority mobilized more than 200 supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and more than 500 pieces of equipment to deal with the rain.

To ensure the thoroughness of the cleaning process, water suction and washing equipment were strategically distributed both inside and outside the Grand Mosque.