Qiddiya unveils new performing arts center

Qiddiya Investment Company has announced the addition of the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre to Qiddiya City. (Supplied)

• The center will host over 260 indoor and outdoor performances each year
• It will serve as an incubator for young Saudis, providing educational opportunities and resources to nurture the next generation of writers, producers, and actors

RIYADH: Qiddiya Investment Company has unveiled a new performing arts center as an addition to Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural landscape.
The center, expected to attract more than 800,000 visits each year, will enhance the attractions within the newly announced Qiddiya City. An official statement said it would redefine the cultural experience for residents and visitors alike with its architecture, pioneering technology, and commitment to artistic innovation.
The center’s unveiling follows the announcement of other entertainment, sporting and cultural attractions, including a multi-use gaming and esports district, the multi-sports Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, motorsport track, 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, said: “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 from the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh, told Arab News: “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.
“It will provide a platform for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to show their talents through diverse cultural events,” he added.
He added the center was testament to the city’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation as it would host over 260 indoor and outdoor performances and events every year.
With over 3,000 seats spread across three theatres, each will offer a 360-degree experience merging physical and digital elements. A cantilevered amphitheater offers breathtaking views of the City’s lower plateau with a fully adaptable 500-seat venue suspended from above.
The center will serve as an incubator for young Saudi talent, providing educational opportunities and resources to nurture the next generation of writers, producers and actors. It will stimulate economic growth by creating thousands of career opportunities across the creative and cultural sectors.
Beyond the performance spaces, the center will act as a vibrant community hub, inviting residents and visitors to explore dining, retail and educational entertainment options.
A rooftop sky garden, art galleries and green spaces will extend the cultural experience, while its iconic architecture will serve as a symbol of civic identity.