‘World-first’ mixed-use gaming and esports district planned for Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City

A digital render showing how the new esports district will look (Image courtesy of Qiddiya City)

Qiddiya City in Saudia Arabia will see the construction of what its developers claim will be the first mixed-use gaming and esports district in the world.

Architecture firm Populous, which specialises in sports facilities and arenas, has unveiled designs for the venue, expected to be able to seat more 73,000 people in total, near Riyadh.

Qiddiya Investment Company said it would be home to four dedicated esports venues that will host global events and aims to attract up to 10 million visits a year.

It added that one of the new venues will boast the largest indoor LED screen in any esports arena and feature 5,300 seats - making it one of the three largest esports venues in the world.

Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said: “Qiddiya City is proud to be home to this innovative gaming and esports district, set to offer a unique, engaging, gamified experience to both its visitors and residents.”

The district will also aim to host the world’s elite esports clubs on a full-time basis, with facilities for up to 25 clubs at a time.

And the project aims to house the regional headquarters of more than 30 video game companies.

The district will cover more than 500,000 square meters, which in addition to gaming spaces, will include 100,000 square metres of retail, dining and entertainment venues.

It is not clear at this stage when construction of the district will start.