Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of Construction
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has announced the official commencement of construction for its state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre within Qiddiya City, located southwest of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The milestone was celebrated with a foundation stone-laying ceremony, signaling a significant step forward in establishing Qiddiya City as a global hub for entertainment, sports, and culture. Construction works will be undertaken by Nesma & Partners, following a contract valued at approximately 5.25 billion SAR (around $1.4 billion USD).
Architectural Vision and Advanced Features
The Performing Arts Centre, designed by Tom Wiscombe Architecture in collaboration with BSBG, showcases a bold and futuristic aesthetic. Its striking composition features interlocking architectural panels and five illuminated blades, intended to integrate seamlessly with the dramatic desert terrain of the Tuwaiq Mountains. The center will boast a total floor area of 114,632 square meters and is anticipated to be completed by December 31, 2029.
Key features of the innovative facility include:
- Over 3,000 seats spread across three main theatres, each designed to offer a 360° immersive experience merging physical and digital elements.
- A cantilevered amphitheatre providing breathtaking views of Qiddiya City's lower plateau.
- A fully adaptable 500-seat venue suspended from above.
- Integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence to push the boundaries of traditional theatre.
A Cultural Incubator for Saudi Arabia
The Performing Arts Centre is envisioned as the first cultural asset of the newly announced Qiddiya City and is poised to host over 260 indoor and outdoor performances and events annually. It is expected to attract more than 800,000 visitors each year. Beyond its role as a performance venue, the center aims to serve as an incubator for young Saudi talent, offering educational programs and resources to nurture the next generation of writers, producers, and actors.
Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, Abdullah Aldawood, emphasized the project's significance, stating that it will be 'a beacon of creativity and innovation that will elevate Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape to new heights.' The center will also feature dining, retail, and educational entertainment options, along with a rooftop sky garden, art galleries, and green spaces, creating a vibrant community hub.
Part of Saudi Vision 2030
This development aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a national strategy focused on diversifying the economy, reducing reliance on oil revenues, and enhancing the quality of life for residents by boosting domestic tourism and entertainment. Qiddiya City, a megaproject supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is designed to become a world-class nexus of entertainment, sports, and culture. The launch of the Performing Arts Centre follows the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya in December 2025, marking the initial phase of the city's operational assets.
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