Qiddiya is where play, work and living soar above the clouds 

Carved into the majestic Tuwaiq cliffs, overlooking a tapestry of emerald valleys and sun-kissed dunes, a vision unlike any other is taking shape. Qiddiya, the ambitious giga-project redefining the future of entertainment, work and living, is not just pushing boundaries, it is shattering them — all while perched gracefully on a 200-meter-high pedestal.

Forget Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Qiddiya boasts a crown jewel of its own, which is the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, a gleaming architectural masterpiece poised to become a global sporting icon. But the Qiddiya arena is far more than just a stadium, it is a philosophy. Nestled within its sprawling 27,000-hectare embrace, you will find a symphony of experiences woven from threads of innovation, sustainability, and captivating natural beauty.

Imagine a place where adrenaline-pumping theme parks dance alongside serene art galleries, where cutting-edge tech hubs rub shoulders with traditional souqs, and where your carbon footprint is as light as the desert breeze. Qiddiya chants, “play, work and live,” and trust me, after one glimpse, you will be begging to join the chorus.

This is not just a city within a city, it is an entire country in embryo. Imagine the soaring skyscrapers bathed in the golden glow of a perpetually mild climate (a welcome respite from Riyadh’s scorching summers), seamlessly connected by a whisper-quiet network of electric vehicles. And why not an airport, murmuring its own invitation to the world? After all, who would not want to land amidst such breathtaking splendor?

Sustainability is not just a buzzword here, it is the foundation on which every brick is laid. Qiddiya’s heart beats with the rhythm of renewable energy, its soul nourished by responsible water management, and its conscience driven by a fierce commitment to preserving the unique ecological tapestry of the region. Every discussion, every plan, every decision resonates with a profound respect for the land, issuing forth promises of a greener future for generations to come.

And then there is the stadium, the magnificent maestro conducting Qiddiya’s symphony of ambition. A monument to architectural ingenuity, it promises to redefine the very essence of sporting experiences. Imagine roaring crowds echoing through a canyon of steel and glass, bathed in the golden hues of a setting desert sun. This is not just a stadium, it is a gateway to a world of sporting excellence, a stage where legends are born, and memories etched in history.

But Qiddiya is not content with just being grand, it aspires to be groundbreaking. This is a haven for green minds, where waste whispers its true potential. Here, discarded materials morph into innovative creations, where sustainability is not just a goal, it is a vibrant dance with possibility.

So, is Qiddiya a city? A resort? A sanctuary? I say it is all of these and more. It is a canvas where dreams are painted with sunbeams and innovation, where ambition echoes against the sandstone cliffs, and where susurrating progress blends harmoniously with the lullabies of the desert wind.

Forget FOMO (fear of missing out). In Qiddiya, you will be missing out on missing out. This is not just a place to visit, it is a place to become, a place to redefine your story, a place to sing your own anthem. Count me in, Qiddiya.

• Abdulelah S. Al-Nahari is the managing director of business development for a prestigious marketing-solutions firm. An expert in his field, he leads strategic-growth initiatives in line with Saudi Arabia’s digital-first vision. The key components of his drive for excellence in the industry are his multi-sector awareness, strategic digital foresight and range of industry experience.