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Qiddiya Investment Company has awarded a SAR5.25bn ($1.4bn) construction contract to Nesma & Partners for the development of the Qiddiya City Performing Arts Centre, a major cultural project in Saudi Arabia’s upcoming entertainment and creativity hub, Qiddiya City.
Set against the Tuwaiq Mountains, the performing arts centre will feature three theatres with a combined capacity of more than 3,000 seats, including a 500-seat suspended theatre and a cantilevered amphitheatre overlooking Qiddiya City’s lower plateau.
Once completed, the venue is expected to host over 200 performances annually, spanning theatre, music, digital art, and international productions.
Designed by Tom Wiscombe Architecture with design consultancy from Brewer Smith Brewer Gulf, the project will be the first cultural asset in Qiddiya City.
It aims to become a centrepiece of Saudi creativity and performance, aligning with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to expand leisure, tourism, and cultural offerings.
The performing arts centre is part of Qiddiya City’s impressive portfolio
The performing arts centre adds to Qiddiya City’s growing portfolio of large-scale developments, including the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, Six Flags Qiddiya, Aquarabia Water Park, Motorsport Track, and Esports Arena.
Together, these projects are positioning Qiddiya City as a future hub for entertainment and the creative economy in the Middle East.
Qiddiya City, located about 40 minutes from Riyadh, is expected to attract over 40 million visitors annually and become home to half a million residents.
The city will host hundreds of attractions and experiences, including a global centre for gaming and esports, golf courses, a motorsports precinct, and what will be the region’s largest water park.
Qiddiya Investment Company said the development is part of its broader mission to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s socio-economic goals under Vision 2030, serving as a platform for innovation and partnerships across sports, entertainment, and culture.
