Qiddiya, the giant entertainment complex outside the Saudi capital Riyadh, is entering a new phase of development.
After signing a major MoU for design, engineering, security and other services with Samsung, developers have begun issuing the construction tenders that will turn the Qiddiya dream into a reality.
At the same time, Qiddiya is engaged in close discussions with a whole series of international investors and hospitality brands who want to be a part of the Qiddiya story and help build what will be Saudi Arabia’s undisputed centre of leisure and entertainment.
With a giant domestic market eager to enjoy arts, sports and theme parks right on their doorstep, nobody in the world’s hospitality industry wants to miss out on the Qiddiya opportunity.
Buzz spoke to CEO Michael Reininger about the progress of the project and about the prospects for the future.
What will the new visa regime in Saudi Arabia mean for Qiddiya?
First and foremost, our audience is domestic Saudis but we are not excluding the international audience. We are already seeing signs of the impact of the new visa program on inbound visits. With the offerings available at Qiddiya, we will certainly tap into that international market.
The domestic Saudi market is our priority. They have been starved for sports and arts entertainment in the past. When you see people lining up for every opportunity today, it is just further confirmation that we are going to have a blockbuster business. We will provide Saudis with the entertainment they crave, but on a permanent basis, at a giant scale and with world-class quality.
What attractions can Saudi and international guests expect to enjoy in 2023?
There will be a giant list, including the Six Flags theme park, a water park and a speed park. There will be golf courses and a portfolio of world-class sports facilities, including a stadium, an arena, a velodrome and an aquatic centre, plus a 1,500-seat performing arts centre.
In terms of rides, Falcon’s Flight is going to be the best roller coaster on the planet. It will be the tallest, the longest and the fastest. You will go faster than any on other roller coaster up and into the mountains and through the race circuit. If you’re a thrill seeker, this will be a must do.
There will be a whole range of activities depending on the time you want to spend. If you’re travelling from Jeddah or Dammam or flying in from somewhere else, we can occupy you for three to five days with all kinds of attractions.
How much interest are you seeing from international operators and investors?
Investor interest has skyrocketed. Five hotels are in the first phase and we are deeply engaged with many international hotel operators about brand associations and management deals. We will make those decisions soon.
We have also signed a major MoU with Samsung which is very important to Qiddiya. The agreement covers areas including the design and engineering of some specialized facilities, as well as security services and the full spectrum of electronics from outdoor and indoor digital displays to mobile devices, home appliances and all the technological components that Samsung brings to the table.
How important will technology be to the overall success of Qiddiya?
At every level it is essential. You cannot be in business to any degree today without a primary focus on how technology effects or enhances your business from an operating or consumer interface perspective. Technology is huge for Qiddiya.
“The response to Qiddiya from international investors and operators has been overwhelming”
Michael Reininger, CEO, Qiddiya
How are you training Saudis for jobs at Qiddiya?
With the MISK Foundation we organised a very successful internship program with the General Entertainment Authority and the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which is the largest hospitality program in the world.
Working with Six Flags, 60 Saudi youth were selected from a pool of 3,500 applicants that we received in 24 hours. They were awarded a four-year scholarship in hospitality and entertainment management at the University of Central Florida and they will get on-the-job training through Six Flags in the summers for three years. At the end of four years, they will come back and we will guarantee them a job at Qiddiya.
The response has been overwhelming, so we are now looking at expanding the program and working with other partners. We have had very positive conversations with some international players in the hospitality field about participating with us and scaling the program to a much greater level.
What can we expect to see at Qiddiya in the coming months?
Stay tuned. There is an incredible flow of events coming up. The Saudi Dakar Rally will come to Qiddiya for the finishing ceremonies in January. That will be massive for Qiddiya. It will help give us a truly global profile.
There will be a lot going on at Qiddiya next year, so watch this space
As Published in FORTUNE magazine
