Qiddiya Speed Park: Saudi’s $480M Track Set to Transform Motorsports

Saudi Arabia has fired the starting gun on what could become the world’s most iconic motorsport venue. The Kingdom recently unveiled Qiddiya Speed Park, a cutting-edge $480 million racing circuit set to anchor the sprawling Qiddiya City, an entertainment and lifestyle destination near Riyadh. The development is part of the country’s ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and position itself as a global leader in tourism, sports, and innovation.

A Visionary Track Like No Other

What sets Qiddiya Speed Park apart is not just the price tag but the ingenuity behind its design. Created by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz in collaboration with globally renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, the track features 21 turns, 108 meters of elevation change, and the world’s first cantilevered section of racetrack—known as "The Blade"—which dramatically hangs 70 meters above a live concert venue.

“Designing Qiddiya Speed Park was about pushing boundaries,” said Wurz. “This circuit merges elite motorsport with fan immersion in a way the world has never seen. From both the driver's seat and the grandstands, the experience will be completely unique.”

The track is designed to host a wide variety of motorsport events, from Formula 1 to MotoGP and endurance racing, and will also include advanced driving simulators, pit facilities, and luxury hospitality areas.

A Centerpiece of a $9.8 Billion Megaproject

Qiddiya Speed Park is a critical component of the broader $9.8 billion Qiddiya City project, which aims to become Saudi Arabia’s cultural and recreational epicenter. Developed by the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), the city will include a vast entertainment complex, hotels, residential communities, and green spaces.

Not far from the racetrack, Six Flags Qiddiya is set to open in late 2025, and will feature Falcon’s Flight, the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. With speeds up to 155 mph and a staggering height of 640 feet, it promises to be a thrill-seeker’s dream.

Economic and Strategic Significance

The Qiddiya development underscores Saudi Arabia’s determination to diversify its economy beyond oil. According to official estimates, the megaproject is expected to create more than 325,000 jobs and contribute significantly to GDP growth through tourism, hospitality, and sports sectors.

“This isn’t just about building a racetrack,” said a spokesperson from the Qiddiya Investment Company. “It’s about crafting a lifestyle and tourism destination that places Saudi Arabia on the global map as a leader in innovation, entertainment, and economic diversification.”

Complementing the Kingdom’s Racing Legacy

Saudi Arabia is already making waves in global motorsports. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is held annually at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, but Qiddiya Speed Park is expected to complement—not replace—it. With its futuristic design and fan-focused experiences, Qiddiya is positioned to be the flagship motorsport venue of the region.

The new facility is also expected to host e-sports events, music festivals, and global car exhibitions, turning it into a year-round destination for motorsport enthusiasts and families alike.

With an anticipated opening in 2027, the countdown has begun for one of the most exciting developments in motorsport history. From state-of-the-art facilities to gravity-defying engineering, Qiddiya Speed Park is on track to transform Saudi Arabia into a global motorsport powerhouse.

As the Kingdom accelerates toward its Vision 2030 goals, projects like Qiddiya exemplify how Saudi Arabia is blending tradition with ambition—creating not just destinations, but lasting legacies.