13 futuristic megaprojects coming to Riyadh soon
There’s so much to look forward to…
The shiny capital is no stranger to top-tier openings. Be it incredible new dining destinations or high-level projects that will change the city as we know it, it’s safe to say there’s a lot happening. And if you’re having some difficulty staying on top of everything, we’re here to help.
Here are all the megaprojects coming to Riyadh.
King Salman Park
Spanning 13.3 square kilometres on the grounds of the old airport in Riyadh, the upcoming King Salman Park is set to be the largest urban park in the world. The incredible park aims to be a one-of-a-kind destination, with more than 160 features and attractions covering art, culture, sports, and entertainment. The completion of King Salman Park is slated for 2024, so we honestly cannot wait.
Wadi As-Sulai
Located in the eastern part of Riyadh, Wadi As-Sulai is a natural rainwater drainage basin, currently the Riyadh Region Municipality is developing the Wadi corridor to attract residents and visitors. The new district will be 53 kilometres in length and will feature two horse-riding trails, 11 cycling stations, and three different pathways.
Riyadh Gardens
Another one of the Riyadh Region Municipality projects, the Riyadh Gardens consists of 77 gardens over the city. Complete with child-safe rubber flooring, each of the gardens will feature versatile multi-use playgrounds, and bicycle paths.
King Abdullah International Gardens
Set to open in autumn 2025, the King Abdullah International Gardens are the world’s newest botanical gardens. Planned to be the largest temperature-controlled gardens in the world, the gardens in the crescent biomes covering 10 hectares, will re-create the 400 million-year-old evolution of the Earth’s plants, trees and flowers evolution.
King Salman Neighborhood
Under the direction of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the city’s Al Wahah and Salahiddine neighbourhoods are being renamed and further developed as “King Salman Neighbourhood.” The development will be using Salmani architecture for the public facilities will be giving the area a special identity.
Konoz
The Abdullah Al-Othaim Investment Company has revealed plans for a brand-new entertainment venue In the capital. Konoz Riyadh is a ‘Box of Treasures ’-themed project that will be designed by the Benoy Company. Konoz Riyadh is also set to feature 15,000 square metres of green areas so you and the fam can enjoy long walks, parking for 5,500 vehicles, and a 120,000 square metre commercial centre for retail brands. Get ready to shop till you drop.
King Salman International Airport
A master plan for King Salman International Airport – named after Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud aims to position Riyadh as a global logistics hub and stimulate transport, trade, and tourism.
Sprawling over a whopping 57-kilometre-square, the airport is expected to become one of the largest in the world, featuring six parallel runways and will include the existing terminals named after former King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Play-Doh centres
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Owned wholly by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), SEVEN along with Hasbro will be developing the world’s first Play-Doh-themed entertainment centres. The centres will open at SEVEN entertainment destinations in eight locations over the next 10 years. You and the family will soon be able to enjoy playscapes, creativity stations and sensory discovery activity areas, plus a party and events room.
Project Diriyah
The impressive plans for Diriyah have already seen a new dining destination open, and some 32 hotels announced for this historic area on the edge of Riyadh. But Diriyah is set to be developed further after HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the Diriyah Project as PIF’s fifth giga-project.
As the project continues to develop, it will also feature more than 30 luxury hotels, and renowned restaurants from across the globe. Purpose-built pavilions and museums will also form part of the development.
Sports Boulevard
Sports Boulevard is one of Riyadh’s four ambitious projects. Made up of eight districts, Sports Boulevard is complete with its different experiences, including spaces, paths and landmarks that promote healthy lifestyles and provide various entertainment facilities.
Six Flags Qiddiya
Situated on the outskirts of Riyadh, Qiddiya is one of Saudi Arabia’s Giga projects, which is currently under development and set to open its doors by October 2024 per the latest announcement. The 320,000-square-metre Six Flags Qiddiya, set against the Tuwaiq mountain range, will be the largest and most heavily themed Six Flags yet and is expected to open in 2023. A ground-breaking inauguration has just taken place to mark the official start of construction.
The Mukaab
The New Murabba Development Company (NMDC) was launched as the backbone to New Murabba, a megaproject situated northwest of Riyadh. Within the development, there will be an iconic museum, a technology and design university and a multipurpose immersive theatre. More than 80 entertainment and culture venues will await residents and visitors, too. At the heart, you’ll find the Mukaab, which is set to be an iconic landmark in the capital. At 400 metres high, 400 metres wide, and 400 metres long, it’s big enough to house 20 Empire State Buildings and the super-sized structure will be inspired by Najdi-style architecture. Set to redefine the Riyadh skyline, it’s described as ‘the world’s first immersive destination,’ where visitors will be able to experience digital and virtual technology with the latest holographs. The landmark will have a tower perched on top of a spiral base and a premium hospitality destination.
Transformers-themed indoor park
It’s time to channel your inner Optimus Prime as things just got much more exciting here in the Kingdom. Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) and Hasbro Inc. are set to bring around three Saudi Transformers attractions soon.
Strap yourself in as the venues are also set to feature thrilling state-of-the-art rides in immersive environments.
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