Qiddiya Investment Company has recently announced the addition of a new performing arts centre to Saudi Arabia’s thriving cultural landscape. This state-of-the-art facility is set to attract over 800,000 visitors annually and will significantly enhance the attractions within the newly announced Qiddiya City. Designed to redefine the cultural experience for both residents and tourists, the centre boasts innovative architecture, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to artistic excellence.
The unveiling of the performing arts centre follows a series of announcements about other major entertainment, sporting, and cultural projects within Qiddiya City. These include a multi-use gaming and esports district, the multi-sports Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, a motorsport track, a Dragon Ball theme park, and Aquarabia, the first water theme park of its kind in the Kingdom.
Abdullah Al-Dawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, expressed his enthusiasm: “Qiddiya City is more than just the home of entertainment and sports, it is also a leader in the preservation and promotion of Saudi culture. For this reason, we are thrilled to announce the addition of the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre to Qiddiya City. It will be a beacon of creativity and innovation that will elevate Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape to new heights. With its ground-breaking modern design, pioneering technology, and commitment to nurturing talent, the centre embodies the spirit of Qiddiya City as a place where imagination knows no bounds.”
Dr. Osama Ghanem Al-Obaidy, a professor at the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh, emphasized the cultural significance of the new centre. “The new performing arts center is a significant cultural initiative that will contribute to the promotion of Saudi culture and heritage to both residents and foreign visitors alike. It will allow the year-round enjoyment of community, cultural and entertainment areas showcasing various aspects of Saudi culture, including music, dancing, and folk arts,” he told Arab News.
Dr Al-Obaidy further highlighted the centre’s role in fostering creativity and innovation, noting that it would host over 260 indoor and outdoor performances and events each year. With over 3,000 seats spread across three theatres, each venue will offer a 360-degree experience that merges physical and digital elements. The centre also features a cantilevered amphitheatre with breathtaking views of the city’s lower plateau and a fully adaptable 500-seat venue suspended from above.
The Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre aims to serve as an incubator for young Saudi talent, offering educational opportunities and resources to nurture the next generation of writers, producers, and actors. It is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating thousands of career opportunities in the creative and cultural sectors.
Beyond its performance spaces, the centre will act as a vibrant community hub. Residents and visitors will be invited to explore a range of dining, retail, and educational entertainment options. A rooftop sky garden, art galleries, and green spaces will further extend the cultural experience, while the center’s iconic architecture will serve as a symbol of civic pride and identity.
The Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to cultural enrichment and innovation. As part of Qiddiya City’s ambitious vision, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the Kingdom’s cultural landscape for years to come.