In the heart of Saudi Arabia, the ongoing construction surge continues unabated, with ambitious blueprints for a brand-new city “dedicated to leisure” poised to emerge around 30 miles southwest of Riyadh, the nation’s capital. Dubbed Qiddiya City, the project is slated for completion by 2031 and is envisioned as a hub for entertainment, sports, and culture within Saudi Arabia.
Upon its conclusion, the city, estimated to cost £260 billion, will sprawl across an area three times larger than Paris and is expected to house around 500,000 inhabitants. Noteworthy attractions like the Six Flags and Aquarabia theme parks are already operational, drawing in visitors. The Qiddiya Speed Park Track is gearing up to host the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from 2028, while the Prince Mohammed bin Salman sports venue aims to be ready by 2029, in time to host matches during the 2034 World Cup.
A striking resemblance to the All-England Tennis Club at Wimbledon can be seen in one facet of this grand undertaking. Plans for the National Tennis Centre, recently revealed by Qiddiya Investment Company, echo the iconic design of Wimbledon’s tennis facilities. The 30-court complex, including a Centre Court capable of seating approximately 15,000 spectators, is being crafted by Populous, the same architectural firm behind Wimbledon’s iconic retractable roof on Centre Court.
Developers tout the National Tennis Centre as a top-tier competition venue with cutting-edge training amenities, public spaces, and two multi-purpose arenas featuring retractable roofs for climate control and hosting various events beyond tennis. Of the 30 tennis courts planned, 28 will be hard courts, while the remaining two will be clay courts. The complex, including Court Three with an 8,000-seat capacity and a retractable roof, is designed to ensure comfort in the region’s hot climate.
Qiddiya City, part of the Vision 2030 initiatives by Saudi Arabia to diversify its economy, alongside projects like Neom and the Red Sea tourism endeavor, aims to establish itself as a global hub for entertainment, sports, and culture. The National Tennis Centre is a pivotal component in this vision, aligning with the Ministry of Sports’ efforts to elevate sports in the country and boost participation.
Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, emphasized the transformative power of play embodied in the National Tennis Centre, envisioning it as a venue where tennis enthusiasts of all levels, from amateurs to elite players, can flourish. Eno Polo, CEO of the ATP, praised the center as a game-changer in the tennis realm, offering new avenues for engagement with the sport and fostering its growth across the region for years to come.
