Saudi Arabian giga project Qiddiya has awarded a US$750 million construction contract for what will be the largest waterpark in the Middle East featuring 22 rides and attractions across a 25.2 hectare site.
The multibillion-dollar entertainment and lifestyle destination on the outskirts of the Kingdom’s capital in Riyadh, is being developed as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the income resources of the country.
With the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park set to open next year, the waterpark will be part of additional resorts, parks and attractions through the development.
To house nine themed zones - the entry gate, Camel Rock, Dub Grotto, Wave Wadi, the Den, Viper Canyon, Arabian Peak, the Herding Grounds and Surf Lagoon along with 17 F&B and retail outlets - the contract has been awarded to ALEC Saudi Arabia Engineering & Contracting and El Seif Engineering Contracting.
The agreement was signed yesterday at a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Qiddiya’s Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood, ALEC’s Chief Executive Kez Taylor and El Seif’s Chief Executive Ahmed Al-Bassam.
Aldawood described the new attraction as “a year-round immersive family entertainment destination, the first of its kind and offering experiences that have never before been offered in Saudi”, adding “we are pleased to be working with industry leaders like ALEC and El Seif, who will be using the latest in guest experience technologies to create what is certain to be one of the world’s greatest water theme parks.
“The park will offer our guests a chance to experience that in a welcoming and fun environment for everyone.”
The new water park has been designed to minimise its use of water through recycling and smart usage with rides set to use 75% less water than at comparable water parks.
Additionally, rainwater will be captured, treated and reused at the attraction with technologies to reduce water pressure in some rides will reduce water evaporation by half.
Taylor added “ALEC’s established expertise in large-scale theme park projects, honed through the successful delivery of other iconic water parks in the GCC, combined with the local expertise of El Seif will ensure the rides and infrastructure at Qiddiya set new standards for the region, offering adventure seekers of all ages truly one-of-a-kind experiences.”
In December, Qiddiya awarded a contract worth US$1 billionn to Bouygues Bâtiment International (BBI) and Saudi Almabani General Contractors for the construction of Six Flags Qiddiya.
Images: Concepts for the Qiddiya waterpark. Credit: Qiddiya Investment Company.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia and New Zealand’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry. Having established the magazine in 1997, shortly after his relocation to Australia, he has managed its readership rising to over 11,500 and its acceptance as the industry journal for professionals in aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues.
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
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