Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya City is a fusion of leisure, culture and community
Qiddiya City is challenging
traditional city design by placing “play” at its core—fusing leisure, culture,
and community into an immersive environment that reimagines what a city can be
in the era of experiential living.
A City Purpose-Built for Experience
As global demand for travel pivots
toward authentic, emotionally rich experiences—dubbed “live tourism”—Qiddiya
City is emerging as the world’s first city purpose-built around the philosophy
of play. Unlike conventional entertainment hubs or resort destinations,
Qiddiya aims to foster joy, creativity, and connection as everyday
experiences—not just occasional indulgences.
Developed with a 30-year master
plan, Qiddiya isn’t just a venue for events and attractions. It’s a living,
breathing city designed to inspire residents and visitors alike through a deep,
emotional engagement with play—be it through sports, cultural events, or
spontaneous creativity.
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Why Play Matters Now More Than Ever
In an age shaped by artificial
intelligence, economic uncertainty, and digital fatigue, the concept of play
has become not just a luxury, but a necessity. Studies show that play enhances
well-being, resilience, and cognitive performance. Yet, modern life often
sidelines it—half of surveyed adults say they play less than they did a decade
ago.
Ross McAuley, Managing Director of
Play at Qiddiya City, calls this the core challenge: “We’ve been conditioned to
think of play as childish or non-productive, but it’s vital to creativity,
connection, and performance in both work and life.”
With AI automating repetitive tasks,
McAuley sees the future belonging to those who embrace curiosity, imagination,
and human connection. “In this new world,” he says, “success will come from
playing with ideas, solving problems creatively, and finding joy in the
process.”
Designed for Seamless, Shared
Experience
Qiddiya City isn’t just building
attractions—it’s building integration. From F1 circuits and esports arenas to
parks, walking trails, and public transport, the entire city is connected by a
theme of fluidity and accessibility. Unlike other destination cities where
residential and entertainment zones are siloed, Qiddiya brings them together to
foster organic interaction between locals and tourists.
The city is also investing in
long-term livability. With plans for 500,000 residents, Qiddiya includes
schools, hospitals, autonomous transport systems, and over 30 educational
institutions—including a tourism and hospitality school—built into the city
from the outset.
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A New Economic and Social Ecosystem
The project is expected to create
300,000 jobs across sectors, including hospitality, entertainment, and
education. Qiddiya is not just preparing to host visitors—it’s cultivating
talent, supporting local communities, and contributing to a sustainable
economic model.
By merging infrastructure with
meaning, and entertainment with everyday life, Qiddiya aims to create more than
a destination—it aims to inspire a global movement. One where cities aren't
just lived in, but lived through.
“Play enhances reality—it doesn’t distract
from it,” says McAuley. That ethos is what
Qiddiya City hopes to deliver: a place where people can reconnect with
themselves and each other, through the simple yet profound act of play.
Source: skift.com
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