Saudi megaproject Qiddiya plans iconic buildings, metro link with Riyadh airport

  • Date: 10-Dec-2020
  • Source: Arab News
  • Sector:Tourism
  • Country:Saudi Arabia
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Saudi megaproject Qiddiya plans iconic buildings, metro link with Riyadh airport

Saudi Arabia's megaproject Qiddiya will house iconic buildings as it works with companies to build a "disruptive destination“, offering a unique combination of innovative experiences in entertainment, sports and arts, Kareem Shamma, Chief Development Officer of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), told Argaam in an exclusive.

"There are plans to connect Riyadh's airport by Metro to the heart of Qiddiya's City Centre. Qiddiya will also be connected to other modes of Riyadh's public transportation network,“ he further added.

Roughly a third of the 366 square kilometers (sqkm) of the land area of Qiddiya will be planned and developed in the first phase. So far, the developer has awarded 10 construction contracts worth SAR 2 billion since the start of construction to Saudi companies.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic situation have not had any significant detrimental impact on Qiddiya's future plans or strategy, Shamma stated. The first phase is all set to open in 2023.

"There are many contracts and tenders in the pipeline as we begin to deliver the built environment,“ the executive said, emphasizing the importance of making Qiddiya as accessible as possible.

Here are excerpts from Argaam's interview with QIC's chief development officer.

Q: What new contracts and tenders are planned during 2021?

There