This June, the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) introduced the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre, a breathtaking multifunctional venue. It is poised to become a new landmark in Saudi Arabia, celebrating the nation’s rich culture and heritage. The centre is part of of QIC’s ambitious Qiddiya City, a grandiose entertainment and tourism megaproject situated about 45 km from the centre of Riyadh that features multiple thrilling attractions, including the Gaming and Esports District, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, and Aquarabia, the country’s first water theme park.
The Performing Arts Centre strikes the imagination with its bold futuristic architecture. Designed by famous American architect Tom Wiscombe, with BSBG serving as the Lead Design Consultant, the structure resembles a spacecraft perched on the edge of Qiddiya City’s Tuwaiq Mountain. Its five illuminated blades blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, while the main structure, the loft, houses three major theatre venues with a total seating capacity of 3,000.

Aiming to redefine traditional theatre, the Performing Arts Centre will employ cutting-edge technologies like Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence when hosting various innovative productions that blend the physical and digital worlds. The centre is set to host more than 260 indoor and outdoor performances and events annually and is expected to welcome more than 800,000 visitors each year.
In addition to its role as a premier performance venue, the centre will also serve as a nurturing ground for young Saudi talent, offering educational programmes and resources to develop the next generation of creatives: writers, producers, and actors. The venue will spur economic growth by creating thousands of job opportunities across more than 100 categories in the creative and cultural sectors.

Beyond its performance spaces, the Performing Arts Centre will be a lively community hub, featuring a full range of dining, retail, and educational entertainment options. Visitors will also be able to explore The Sky Garden, a rooftop botanical space covering 5,804 sqm), as well as art galleries and green spots. A promenade along the Tuwaiq cliffs will lead to a shaded section beneath the centre, offering stunning city views. This area will also extend the centre’s microclimate, which originates from a waterfall in the lobby and cools the surroundings.
To get more information about the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre, please visit the official web page of the project.
You might also be interested in reading about the teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, a project of a multi-sensory immersive art venue by teamLab. Additionally, we recommend that you read our article about Shifting Sands: A Battle Song, an installation by Manal AlDowayan presenting Saudi Arabia in the 60th Venice Biennale.
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