King Salman lays foundation stone at Qiddiya site in Riyadh

King Salman has laid the foundation stone at the Qiddiya site in Riyadh.

King Salman arrived at the site of Qiddiya in Riyadh to lay the foundation stone of the entertainment park on Saturday evening.  

The project is considered to be one of the largest entertainment parks in the world. 

The spokesperson of Qiddiya entertainment city said Saturday that it will be a cultural hub and not just an entertainment park. 

The first phase of the project will be completed by 2022, according to the spokesperson. 

Qiddiya chief executive Michael Reininger said Saturday that the project will support the Kingdom’s economic development and attract investment. He added that the project will not only positively affect the entertainment sector, but will also develop the skills of Saudi youth.

The 334-square kilometre project in Qiddiya, southwest of Riyadh, will rival Walt Disney and include high-end theme parks, motor sport facilities and a safari park, officials say.
The facility highlights a "relentless effort to develop giga-projects that will help achieve many direct and indirect economic returns", project official Fahd bin Abdullah Tounsi was quoted as saying in a government statement on Monday.