Saudi Arabia's construction boom continues unabated, with ambitious plans for a futuristic city named Qiddiya City, located approximately 30 miles south-west of Riyadh. This city, marketed as the nation's capital of entertainment, sport, and culture, is scheduled for completion in 2031 and will cost £260bn. It will be three times the size of Paris and house around 500,000 residents.
Qiddiya City: A City Built for Play
Some attractions, including the Six Flags and Aquarabia theme parks, are already open. The Qiddiya Speed Park Track is expected to host the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from 2028, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman sports venue will be completed in 2029 ahead of the 2034 World Cup. However, a new addition may seem familiar to British visitors: the National Tennis Centre, heavily inspired by Wimbledon's All England Club.
National Tennis Centre Design
The 30-court facility is designed by Populous, the same architecture firm behind Wimbledon's Centre Court retractable roof. The centre will include two multi-purpose arenas with retractable roofs for climate control, capable of hosting concerts and major events. Of the 30 courts, 28 will be hard courts and two will be clay, unlike Wimbledon's grass surfaces. The Centre Court will seat approximately 15,000 spectators, while Court Three will accommodate 8,000, both with retractable roofs to manage extreme heat rather than rain.
Part of Vision 2030
Qiddiya City is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy beyond oil, alongside projects like Neom and the Red Sea tourism initiative. The National Tennis Centre is designed to support all levels of the game, from grassroots to elite talent, and boost sports participation and tourism. It joins an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo.
Quotes from Officials
Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, stated: 'At Qiddiya City, we believe in the Power of Play; the idea that play, in all its forms, has the ability to transform lives, build communities and inspire generations. The National Tennis Centre demonstrates this philosophy. We are building a world-class home for tennis at every level, where the world's best players can compete, the next generation of Saudi talent can reach their potential, and families and communities across Saudi Arabia can experience this great sport.'
Eno Polo, CEO of the ATP, added: 'The National Tennis Centre at Qiddiya City is a remarkable addition to the global tennis landscape. As the largest tennis facility of its kind in the region, it reflects a bold vision for the future of tennis and a commitment to creating more opportunities for people to engage with our sport. Facilities of this scale and quality play an important role in the continued growth of tennis.'
