Qiddiya Performing Arts Center

Qiddiya Performing Arts Center Officially Commences Construction

Home » News » Qiddiya Performing Arts Center Officially Commences Construction

Qiddiya Investment Company announced the commencement of construction work on the Qiddiya Performing Arts Center, the city’s first major cultural landmark.

This represents a strategic step toward achieving the Objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in enhancing the cultural and entertainment sector.

Located on the edge of the Tuwaiq Mountains, the center features an innovative architectural design that combines creativity and sustainability, making it a global destination for arts and culture.

Qiddiya Performing Arts Center Officially Commences Construction
Qiddiya Performing Arts Center Officially Commences Construction

A Complex Architectural Design and an Exceptional Location

3D renderings of the center have been prepared, which the developers described as a significant engineering challenge given its sensitive location on the edge of a cliff.

The building takes the shape of a “strange airplane” protruding from the mountain, with five architectural blades that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

This design not only reflects architectural creativity but also takes into account environmental sustainability through techniques such as a waterfall-like atrium cooling.

An artistic experience powered by advanced technology

The center includes three theaters with a total of 2,400 seats, including an innovative 500-seat suspended theater, the first of its kind in the region.

The center is expected to welcome 800,000 visitors annually, hosting 260 indoor and outdoor performances, powered by advanced technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, to provide immersive experiences for audiences.

Supporting Talent and Creating Job Opportunities

The center contributes to achieving Vision 2030 by creating thousands of jobs in artistic and administrative fields, and organizing workshops and mentorship programs to support young Saudi talent.

The center also fosters partnerships with international artists and cultural institutions, strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global cultural hub.

Qiddiya Performing Arts Center
Qiddiya Performing Arts Center

Vision 2030: Promoting Culture and the Economy

The performing arts center is part of the Qiddiya project, one of the Public Investment Fund’s flagship projects, which aims to establish the city as a global capital of entertainment and culture.

The project supports the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify national income sources, promote cultural tourism, and enrich social life through innovative cultural and entertainment experiences.

Qiddiya Performing Arts Center
Qiddiya Performing Arts Center

A Step Towards a Prosperous Cultural Future

As work continues on Qiddiya projects, such as Aquaria and Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, the Performing Arts Center reinforces the city’s position as a global destination.

Tom Wiscombe Architecture
Qiddiya Investment Company, Riyadh

This project underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to providing a creative platform that supports local artists and attracts global visitors, cementing Vision 2030 as a driver of cultural and economic transformation.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight


The announcement of the Qiddiya Performing Arts Center marks more than the start of construction — it signals Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in cultural infrastructure as a soft power strategy. With its expressive form and civic ambition, the project aspires to position performance not just on stage, but within national identity.

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