Latest news with #QiddiyaInvestmentCompany


Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: Qiddiya City to become new global golfing hub
Qiddiya City, the world's first city built for play in Saudi Arabia, has announced two key developments that aim to make the city an international golfing hub. Qiddiya City said it has become a global partner of the Faldo Series, the world's leading pathway for young golfers, to help support grass roots golf in the kingdom and internationally, said a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report. Qiddiya City will be a host venue for the kingdom's Faldo Series events, establishing Qiddiya City as the regional hub for youth golf. Qiddiya City also unveiled on Monday a new, Sir Nick Faldo signature designed 18-hole championship golf course set to open to the public in 2026 along with a state-of-the-art clubhouse, academy and practice facilities open from 2028. Placing a major emphasis on accessibility and innovation, the course features a number of unique design features, including a '3 hole return' layout system to allow greater access for all players. The announcement is also part of Qiddiya City's long-term ambition to become the premier destination in the kingdom for golf, attracting players of all ages and skills from young players to professionals and supporting the next generation of Saudi golf. Qiddiya Investment Company Managing Director Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood said: 'Qiddiya City's partnership with Sir Nick Faldo in designing a new golf course and becoming global partner of the Faldo Series underscores our commitment to growing the game of golf and nurturing the next generation of Saudi golfers.' Sir Nick Faldo, commenting on the partnership, added: 'This is a unique opportunity to become involved in one of the most exciting cities being developed today where a new way of city life is fused together with sport, entertainment and culture. Our partnership with Qiddiya City brings together the golf community with a whole nation bubbling with energy to be active and try new sports.' The new flagship golf course is set within a dramatic landscape, nestled against the towering 200-metre cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains. Designed to maximise playability, the course features floodlighting for extended hours and is thoughtfully crafted to challenge professionals while remaining accessible to amateur players. It will also offer tailored learning pathways for newcomers and those looking to elevate their game, combining traditional golf elements with innovative golf entertainment experiences. The course will be complemented by an iconic clubhouse and state-of-the-art driving range and academy designed by Patterson's which sits perfectly in the desert environment. It has both sustainability and world-class golfing features embedded within the design. The clubhouse will offer a comprehensive range of facilities to support the golf course while also serving as a vibrant community social and wellness hub. It will feature leisure amenities such as fitness and conditioning, wellness facilities, social meeting places, indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of food and beverage options. The venue is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors annually. A green-roofed structure, open to the public for viewing and events, will connect three main zones: the Golf Clubhouse, serving as the central hub for operations and player interaction; the Social Wellness Hub, offering a wide array of sports and leisure amenities; and the Academy, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to golf instruction and practice. Qiddiya City is one of the world's largest city developments at 360 sq km and located just 40 minutes from Riyadh. With over 20 districts planned, the new city will be well-connected and anchored around entertainment, sports and culture with world-class facilities and events alongside new homes, offices, retail and hospitality. The new golfing attractions add to an impressive list of entertainment, sports and cultural facilities at Qiddiya City such as the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium which will host major sports and cultural events including the 2034 World Cup; the Speed Park Track for motor sports; the Mercedes AMG World of Performance which is an immersive and interactive experience including a public race track and the Performing Arts Center.

Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Qiddiya City unveils Nick Faldo-designed golf course
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Qiddiya City has taken a major step toward becoming the Kingdom's premier golf destination with the unveiling of a signature 18-hole championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, alongside a new global partnership with the Faldo Series, the world's leading youth golf development platform. The newly announced partnership makes Qiddiya City an official global partner of the Faldo Series, supporting Saudi Arabia's ambition to grow grassroots golf. The city will also serve as a host venue for future Faldo Series events, positioning itself as a regional hub for youth development in the sport. Set to open in 2026, the Faldo-designed course will be nestled dramatically against the 200-meter cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains and will feature a range of innovative and accessible elements, including a unique '3-hole return' layout that allows players of all levels to engage with the sport on their own terms. A state-of-the-art clubhouse, driving range, and golf academy will follow in 2028. 'This partnership with Sir Nick Faldo and the Faldo Series underscores our commitment to growing the game of golf and nurturing the next generation of Saudi golfers,' said Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company. 'Qiddiya City is not just building courses—it's building a community and an ecosystem around sport and play.'Sir Nick Faldo, a six-time major champion, praised the collaboration: 'This is a unique opportunity to be involved in one of the most exciting cities being developed today. Qiddiya City fuses city life with sport, entertainment, and culture—making it the perfect partner for the Faldo Series.'Designed to meet global tournament standards while remaining inclusive, the floodlit course will offer an optimal playing experience for professionals and amateurs learning pathways and golf entertainment features are being built into the academy to engage newcomers and elevate the overall player course will be anchored by an iconic clubhouse and academy complex designed by Patterson' both sustainability and wellness, the green-roofed facility will house three interconnected zones: a Golf Clubhouse, a Social Wellness Hub, and a state-of-the-art Golf will include indoor and outdoor pools, fitness and wellness centers, social lounges, and dining options. The complex is expected to attract over 200,000 annual just 40 minutes from Riyadh, Qiddiya City spans 360 square kilometers and is the world's first city built for play. Its ambitious masterplan includes more than 20 districts centered around entertainment, sports, and culture, featuring major projects like the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium — set to host events during the 2034 FIFA World Cup — and the Mercedes AMG World of Performance, as well as a performing arts center and motorsports arena.


Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Saudi's Qiddiya City unveils Faldo-designed golf course and joins global Faldo Series
Image: Saudi Press Agency/Qiddiya City golf course rendering As part of the agreement, Qiddiya City will serve as a host venue for Qiddiya City also unveiled plans for a new Sir Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course, which is set to open to the public in 2026. A state-of-the-art clubhouse, academy and practice facilities will follow in 2028. Designed to promote accessibility and inclusivity, the course will feature a unique 'three-hole return' layout, enabling flexible play and encouraging broader participation. Read: Qiddiya Investment Company managing director Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood said: 'Qiddiya City's partnership with Sir Nick Faldo in designing a new golf course and becoming global partner of the Faldo Series underscores our commitment to growing the game of golf and nurturing the next generation of Saudi golfers.' Sir Nick Faldo added: 'This is a unique opportunity to become involved in one of the most exciting cities being developed today where a new way of city life is fused together with sport, entertainment and culture. Our partnership with Qiddiya City brings together the golf community with a whole nation bubbling with energy to be active and try new sports.' The course The new course will be located against the dramatic backdrop of the 200-metre-high Tuwaiq cliffs, offering floodlit play, advanced learning pathways, and interactive golf entertainment experiences. It has been designed to challenge elite players while remaining accessible to amateurs and beginners. The project will also feature an iconic clubhouse and driving range designed by architecture firm Patterson's. Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, alongside world-class golfing features. The clubhouse will double as a vibrant social and wellness hub, housing amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, fitness and conditioning zones, wellness facilities, social spaces, and a diverse mix of food and beverage outlets. The entire complex is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors annually. A green-roofed public structure will link three zones: the Golf Clubhouse, the Social Wellness Hub, and the Academy. This interconnected layout supports Qiddiya's goal of blending recreation, health and community. The golf precinct is situated in a dynamic district within Qiddiya City, one of the world's largest city developments spanning 360 sq km and located just 40 minutes from Riyadh. With more than 20 districts planned, Qiddiya City will integrate entertainment, sports, and cultural landmarks with residential, commercial and hospitality offerings. Other major attractions in Qiddiya include the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, which will host global sporting and cultural events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup; the Speed Park Track for motorsports; Mercedes AMG World of Performance with its public racetrack; and a landmark Performing Arts Center.


Miami Herald
04-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
New Satellite Images Show Progress Building World's Biggest Roller Coaster
A new satellite image showed progress on a massive new water and theme park being built in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and set to become among the world's largest with the world's biggest roller coaster. The Qiddiya Six Flags project highlights another example of how the kingdom is racing to meet its economic and developmental targets beyond oil under Vision 2030, the transformation plan launched nearly a decade ago by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. Several of those massive projects have faced delays, budget overruns and questions from human rights groups, including the crown prince's flagship Neom project, currently the world's largest construction site. Qiddiya City is located in the Tuwaiq Mountains, about 28 miles from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital. The Six Flags amusement park is set to feature the world's tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster - Falcons Flight - reaching 640 feet and speeds of 155 mph. The city will also include Acquarabia water park and extreme watersports zone, as well as the world's first themed anime series park. According to Qiddiya Investment Company's (QIC) website, construction at Six Flags and Aquarabia is now over 80 percent. The park will span more than 2.5 million square feet and feature over 20 rides and attractions. In 2018, The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns QIC, signed a licensing and development agreement with Six Flags to build the U.S.‑branded theme park. In February, Qiddiya company announced Six Flags Entertainment Corporation as the amusement park's official operator. The Maryland-based Six Flags America will permanently close on November 2. Elsewhere in the Gulf, the Walt Disney Company announced that it is expanding its global theme park empire with a resort coming to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Jason Freeman, Senior Vice President Corporate Operations & Guest Services at Six Flags said in June: 'Those are the Falcons Flight, which is going to be the world's tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster. We have the world's tallest pendulum ride. We have the world's tallest drop tower. We have the world's tallest inverted top hat roller coaster. And we have the world's tallest till coaster.' The company is now publicly advertising for its amusement park which it says is planned for opening later this year. Related Articles A Real New Middle East Is Emerging | OpinionKey Trump Ally Bolsters Missile Defense as Iran ThreatensDonald Trump's Properties Are Doing Better Than EverHow to Watch Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia: Live Stream Gold Cup Quarterfinals, TV Channel 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

IOL News
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Goku fans to live out their dreams at the world's first 'Dragon Ball Z' theme park
Goku fans will get to see their anime action hero come to life at the Dragon Ball Z amusement park being built in Saudi Arabia. Image: Unsplash Fans of 'Dragon Ball Z' are one step closer to immersing themselves in the beloved anime universe, as an exciting new amusement park is set to be constructed in Saudi Arabia. The Qiddiya Investment Company has announced plans for the world's first and only Dragon Ball theme park, promising to bring the iconic anime series to life. Spanning over half a million square metres, the park will feature seven distinct areas that recreate various iconic locations from the original series, including Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus's Planet. Visitors will have the chance to embark on thrilling adventures alongside main protagonist Goku and his friends, enjoying an interactive experience that spans from the original Dragon Ball series to the latest instalments of Dragon Ball Super. The park will boast five state-of-the-art rides as part of a diverse lineup of over 30 attractions. A standout feature will be a towering 70-metre-high Shenron, which will house a large-scale roller coaster within its structure. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ In addition to the attractions, the park will also offer a range of hotels and restaurants, ensuring a comprehensive entertainment experience for visitors. While the opening date has yet to be announced, Saudi Arabia is already home to more than 24 licensed theme parks, as recognised by the General Entertainment Authority. The country has ambitious plans for future expansion, with Qiddiya City anticipating the addition of 12 theme parks as part of its broader entertainment ecosystem. Saudi Arabia is a destination rich in history, diverse landscapes, and modern development, making it an appealing choice for travellers. From religious pilgrimage sites to ancient archaeological wonders and vibrant cities, the Kingdom offers something for everyone. Families can look forward to a fantastic vacation, enjoying a blend of cultural experiences, historical sites, and contemporary attractions. With its varied landscape, from the stunning Red Sea coast to the vast desert, Saudi Arabia provides ample opportunities for both adventure and relaxation, catering to all age groups.