The Saudi Qiddiya Investment Company has inaugurated the Performing Arts Centre, the first cultural landmark in Qiddiya City, to enrich the cultural landscape of the Kingdom. The centre, which features unique architectural design, pioneering technology, and innovative artistic approaches, is expected to attract over 800,000 visitors annually, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Situated on the cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains, the Performing Arts Centre reflects the city’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation by hosting more than 260 indoor and outdoor performances and events annually. The centre includes three theaters with a total of 2,400 seats, each offering a 360-degree viewing experience that blends kinetic and digital technologies. One theater provides a stunning view of the lower plateau of the city, while another is a suspended, adjustable theater that can accommodate 500 hanging seats.
The unveiling of Qiddiya’s first cultural centre follows the announcement of five entertainment and sports assets, including the Esports and Gaming Zone, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, a speed track, Dragon Ball theme park, Six Flags Qiddiya, and Aquarabia water park.
Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Dawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, stated, “Qiddiya will not only be a hub for entertainment and sports but will also play a leading role in preserving and promoting Saudi culture. We are delighted to announce the Performing Arts Centre in Qiddiya, which will be a beacon of creativity and innovation, enhancing the Saudi cultural scene to new heights. The centre’s modern design, pioneering technology, and commitment to nurturing talent embody the spirit of Qiddiya as a place where imagination knows no bounds.”
The new centre specializes in providing pioneering experiences and empowering Saudi talent through advanced technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. It will host innovative new productions that go beyond traditional theater. Additionally, the centre will serve as an incubator for young Saudi talent, offering numerous resources and educational opportunities to nurture the next generation of writers, producers, and actors, positioning itself as a leading model for showcasing unique and exceptional performing arts experiences. The goal is to foster a sense of pride in Saudi culture and heritage.
The centre is expected to contribute to economic growth as the first of its kind in the Kingdom by creating thousands of jobs in over 100 specialized fields. The Performing Arts Centre seamlessly integrates with its surrounding areas, adopting Qiddiya’s philosophy to offer a comprehensive cultural experience. Alongside theaters and performance halls, the centre will provide residents and visitors with a unique opportunity to explore dining, shopping, and educational entertainment options.
The cultural experience of the centre will expand to include a planetarium, art exhibitions, and green spaces. The iconic architectural design of the centre will become a symbol of the city’s identity, while the dramatic setting of the building will honor the performances it hosts. A walkway extending along the cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains to a shaded section below the centre will offer a viewing platform overlooking the entire city. This section will extend the centre’s unique environment, which will feature a waterfall starting from the centre’s lobby to cool the surrounding area. The Performing Arts Centre forms the foundation of Qiddiya’s vision through its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage.
