Saudi gigaproject developer Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has awarded a contract to build a new transport hub in the entertainment city of Qiddiya on the outskirts of Riyadh.

The contract was awarded to Beijing-headquartered China State Construction Engineering Corporation.

The project is located within the resort core zone of the development. MEED understands that its scope covers the construction of a parking structure for up to 2,000 vehicles; a transport hub consisting of a passenger flow system, ticketing and transit-related activities; retail, food and beverage, and hospitality facilities; mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; and soft and hard landscaping works.

Earlier this year, MEED exclusively reported that QIC had tendered a contract to build a new transport hub.

Local firm Ammico Contracting undertook the site enabling works.

QIC is accelerating plans to develop additional assets at Qiddiya City. Last week, MEED reported that QIC had invited contractors to prequalify for a contract to build an indoor sports arena within its Qiddiya entertainment city project.

The multipurpose arena is designed to International Olympic Committee standards. It will be located in District 18, in the Uptown South area of Qiddiya. Once completed, the indoor arena will be capable of hosting a wide range of sports, cultural and entertainment events.

The arena will feature numerous sports courts for basketball, handball, futsal, volleyball, tennis, boxing and gymnastics. It will have a seating capacity of 18,000 spectators.

QIC’s other major projects include an e-sports arena, the National Tennis Centre, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a motorsports track, a racecourse, the Dragon Ball and Six Flags theme parks, and Aquarabia.

QIC opened the Six Flags theme park to the public in December last year. The park covers 320,000 square metres and features 28 rides and attractions, including 10 thrill rides and 18 aimed at families and young children. The Qiddiya project is a key part of Riyadh’s strategy to boost leisure tourism in the kingdom.