17 upcoming megaprojects that will transform Saudi Arabia
Dining destinations, palatial stays and some seriously epic new attractions…
Saudi Arabia is no stranger to some mind-boggling and stunning architectural projects. Across the Kingdom, new developments are paving the way for incredible hotels, world-class leisure destinations, and an unforgettable array of experiences as the country edges ever closer to realising the goals of Vision 2030.
Here are 17 upcoming Saudi Arabia mega projects we can’t wait for.
Laheq
Set to open in 2028, Laheq Island marks the first residential project following the completion of Phase One of The Red Sea destination, which opened its doors in 2023 and has since seen the opening of five resorts. Situated within a beautiful group of 92 pristine islands along the Kingdom’s west coast, Laheq Island is surrounded by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, home to over 2,000 rare marine species, many found nowhere else in the world. The island spans 400 hectares (4,000,000 square meters) and features a wide array of recreational facilities and activities designed for both residents and visitors.
Visit: redseaglobal.com
King Salman Stadium
Set to seat nearly 92,000 people, the stadium will be located in the north of Riyadh on King Salman Road next to King Abdulaziz Park. Scheduled for completion by 2029’s Q4, the stadium has been approved by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). It will also serve as the headquarters of the Saudi national team.
The general plan and design are inspired by the “mountainous land” and integrate themselves into the design of King Abdulaziz Park. The two are linked through the valley that runs through the park surrounding the stadium and the green spaces.
Visit: spa.gov.sa
Soudah Peaks
Saudi Arabia’s Soudah region will be transformed into Soudah Peaks—a luxury mountain tourism destination, set 3,015 meters above sea level on Saudi Arabia’s highest peak. The new mountainous getaway will be home to six unique development zones: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal, and Red Rock. Each of these will include world-class facilities, including hotels, luxury mountain resorts, chalets, villas, premium mansion sites, entertainment, commercial attractions, as well as outdoor attractions dedicated to sports, adventure, wellness and culture.
AlWadi
AlWadi encompasses five distinct character districts with 16 kilometres of waterfront assets, residences, hospitality options, commercial spaces, and entertainment venues, complemented by 17 kilometres of sports tracks. AlWadi, the flagship destination of ARDARA, is an exciting mixed-use waterfront development in the heart of Downtown Abha. Picture elegantly designed homes, thriving commercial spaces, vibrant retail hubs, and exhilarating entertainment outlets that will entice residents and visitors throughout the seasons.
Visit: pif.gov.sa
Aramco Stadium
Set to accommodate 47,000 spectators in the city of Khobar in the Eastern Province, the stadium is expected to be completed and operational by 2026. The stadium will host many local and international events, including the Asian Cup, which the Kingdom is scheduled to host in 2027.
Visit: spa.gov.sa
Luxury hotels galore in AlUla
AlUla’s jaw-dropping desert landscape is already home to resorts from Banyan Tree and Habitas. But in the coming years, new hotels will also be developed by Aman, with a trio of properties in the pipeline. Renowned architect Jean Nouvel is also one of a number of masterminds turning their attention to the breathtaking AlUla landscape, creating a resort that brings a modern take on millennia-old Nabataean ways of living. Monumental designs for Sharaan by Jean Nouvel are described as “world-firsts in contextual architecture” and are carved into the rocks in a way that sustainably respects and preserves AlUla’s landscape. Set to be completed by 2024, the property will include 40 guest suites and three resort villas – plus a retreat summit centre near the resort that will feature 14 private pavilions.
Qiddiya City
You’ve likely heard of Six Flags Qiddiya (let’s face it, who hasn’t?), but there’s actually an entire city taking shape around it. Meet Qiddiya City, which is located on the outskirts of Riyadh, nearly 40 minutes away. The new destination promises endless enjoyment for its residents and visitors through unparalleled offerings in entertainment, sports, culture, and urban living. The city will be home to a jaw-dropping performance arts centre, a stunning stadium, the first-of-its-kind gaming district, an iconic speed track, and so much more.
Experience an alternative holiday on an oil rig
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Thanks to the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) The Rig, you’ll soon be able to go on a holiday on an oil rig. You may not find any white-sand beaches on the itinerary, but an 800-room hotel resort and an extreme park on an oil rig platform are the main draw of this off-beat cruise. A series of connected platforms that span 150,000 square metres, The Rig will feature three hotels with endless sea views and world-class dining establishments, including an underwater restaurant. And the action won’t just be limited to water sports. Expect a range of adventurous and extreme sports activities, too.
Apres vibes at Trojena, a futuristic mountain resort
Trojena, part of the supersized NEOM masterplan, is described as a destination that will ‘redefine mountain tourism.’ The new year-round tourist destination will be divided into six districts: Gateway, Discover, Valley, Explore, Relax and Fun, all of which will offer a diverse array of activities and experiences. A year-round ski village will offer Apres vibes in the Saudi mountains, complete with a wide range of restaurants and shops, while hotel highlights include ‘The Bow’ – an ultra-luxury architectural masterpiece; and the Vault, a vertical village within the mountains overlooking a stunning man made freshwater lake. Already confirmed hotels at the destination include properties from Anantara, 25hours, Chedi Hotels & Resorts and Raffles. It’s due for completion in 2026.
An entirely new entertainment destination at Tabuk
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), has announced a brand new entertainment destination in Tabuk. Although SEVEN has yet to reveal the name of the new leisure project, it’s set to transform Tabuk’s entertainment landscape with an array of experiences set over a super-sized 40,000 square metre plot. Inside, it will be largely entertainment, although space will also be dedicated to retail and food and beverage offerings. Within the new attraction in Tabuk, there will be eight entertainment zones. These will include a 4,000 square metre highly immersive family entertainment centre; an e-karting experience under Mattel’s Hot Wheels Brand; and Discovery Adventures centre, an indoor edutainment attraction that integrates content developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Making a splash at the region’s largest water park
Alongside the Middle East outpost of legendary theme park Six Flags, the future capital of entertainment in Saudi Arabia – Qiddiya – will also be home to the region’s largest water park. The Qiddiya Water Theme Park will be spread over an expansive 252,000 square metres, with a collection of 22 rides and attractions for visitors to make a splash at. The water park will be split into nine innovative zones each inspired by the native animals that surround Qiddya: Entry Gate, Camel Rock, Dub Grotto, Wave Wadi, the Den, Viper Canyon, Arabian Peak, the Herding Grounds and Surf Lagoon. For now, there’s no timeline on when we might be able to test out all the thrilling rides, but QIC has now awarded a contract to the value of SAR 2.8 billion to build the park.
Palatial stays from Boutique Group
Saudi Arabia has launched its own luxury hospitality brand that will convert a collection of iconic historic palaces into ultra-luxury boutique hotels in Saudi Arabia. Called Boutique Group, the hotels will draw on the traditional hospitality and vibrant heritage and culture of the Kingdom and fuse it with modern amenities to create an exclusive guest experience experience. In phase one, Boutique Group will transform develop three palaces: Al Hamra Palace in Jeddah, Red Palace in Riyadh and Tuwaiq Palace in Riyadh. Alongside lavish accommodations, Boutique Group will develop an array of fine-dining, wellness and cultural experiences in keeping with the ultra-luxury setting for each property.
Strolls in King Salman Park
Covering over 13 square kilometers, King Salman Park in Riyadh is set to become one of the world’s biggest city parks. For context, it’s four times the size of New York’s Times Square. Inside the development, there’s plenty more than just leafy green spaces, including a royal art complex, opera house and an 18-hole golf course. Vertical gardens, a maze garden, and bird and a butterfly sanctuary are environmental elements the whole family can enjoy, while leisure attractions will include a virtual reality court, sky diving center, equestrian center plus an aqua park and amusement park.
Get your edu-tainment fix at Warner Bros. Discovery indoor theme park
With almost two dozen projects in the pipeline, Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), are going to turn Saudi Arabia into one of the world’s most premier entertainment destinations. In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, an indoor theme park will be built as a first-of-its-kind edutainment attraction. Enabling young and old alike to not only be entertained but gain informed insights with educational value, the 3,000 square metre park will open in Riyadh’s Al Hamra district. The Warner Bros. Discovery theme park is just one of ten offerings at the 167,000 square metre SEVEN Al Hamra. It will also be home to the Kingdom’s first Clip ‘n Climb facility, first Transformers themed ride-based attraction, an indoor surfing facility, cinemas, bowling, and lots more.
GCC Railway
Getting around the GCC is about to get so much easier. The network is set to take you from the buzzy streets of Riyadh and Jeddah to the warm, welcoming ones of Oman and Bahrain. The railway is set to connect nearly 2,117 kilometres (which is nearly half of Europe) across the GCC. Read more here.
Jeddah Central Project
Jeddah Central will see an area of 5.7 million square metres in the heart of this coastal city developed in three phases, the first of which will welcome visitors from 2027. Among the star features, there will be a 9.5km waterfront with a world class marina and some 2,700 hotel rooms. Four outstanding landmarks are exciting pillars of culture and creativity: an opera house, museum, sports stadium and oceanarium are all in the works.
Saudi Land Bridge
