King Salman to launch Qiddiya project on April 28

King Salman will launch the construction of Al-Qiddiya entertainment megacity project in Riyadh on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The first phase of the Al-Qiddiya entertainment, sports and cultural destination is expected to be completed by 2022.

“About two-thirds of the Kingdom’s population is under the age of 35. There is a great need for Qiddiya Project to provide them with entertainment," said Dr Fahd bin Abdullah Tounsi, secretary general of the Foundation Council of the Qiddiya project of the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

"The project will save about $30 billion, which will be used to develop the domestic economy and create new job opportunities for Saudi youths,” he added.

The 334-square-kilometer project is expected to be one of the most specialized international projects for drawing internal and international visitors.

PIF had recently signed an agreement with amusement parks developer, Six Flags, to develop and design a branded park in Al-Qiddiya.