The Qiddiya project, covering over 366 square kilometers near Riyadh, is structured as a multi-faceted entertainment destination that will host a Formula 1 race track, a Six Flags theme park, water parks, sports arenas, and various artistic and cultural venues. By bringing on Globant, a firm renowned for its expertise in digital solutions and artificial intelligence (AI), Qiddiya is primed to integrate interactive technology across its attractions, providing visitors with a dynamic and immersive experience that could make it a benchmark for future leisure and entertainment projects worldwide.
This high-profile agreement is not merely an infrastructural investment but part of a broader strategy to bring about a technological revolution in how entertainment is consumed. By embedding Globant’s advanced AI and data analytics capabilities, Qiddiya intends to personalize the visitor experience, enabling tailored interactions based on individual preferences. The project also seeks to incorporate augmented and virtual reality, aiming to engage visitors with content that adapts and responds to user behavior in real-time. This approach marks a significant departure from traditional entertainment models, where the experience is largely static and passive.
Globant’s expertise extends beyond technology to digital transformation strategies, making it a fitting partner as Qiddiya pursues a new era of “smart” tourism. The firm has a record of similar partnerships globally, working with companies like Disney to create adaptive, immersive environments. However, the Qiddiya partnership stands out for its scale and ambition, as it is poised to bring cutting-edge technology to a level that will redefine the region’s leisure landscape. The integration of such advanced tech solutions is anticipated to not only enhance visitor engagement but also streamline operations, making Qiddiya one of the most digitally sophisticated entertainment cities.
Qiddiya’s focus on technology and data-driven entertainment also aligns with broader economic goals under Vision 2030, a national strategy led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The initiative seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy away from oil dependency, with tourism projected to play a significant role. Qiddiya alone is expected to create numerous job opportunities and support the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions by attracting both regional and international visitors, leveraging Saudi Arabia’s position as a unique and historic travel destination. This new entertainment district is strategically located near Riyadh, accessible to millions of potential visitors from across the Middle East and beyond, making it a key asset in Saudi Arabia's tourism portfolio.
The transformation of Qiddiya into a high-tech entertainment destination reflects a significant investment in creating a forward-thinking city that is sustainable and interconnected. In addition to its entertainment offerings, Qiddiya aims to foster an environment conducive to sports, culture, and recreation, providing young Saudis with world-class facilities to hone their skills. For example, the site will include specialized arenas and training centers for athletes, along with venues to support cultural expression and the arts. By integrating these elements, Qiddiya is positioned not only as a tourist attraction but as a place for cultural and personal growth, helping to create a more vibrant social fabric within Saudi Arabia.
With this vision in mind, the partnership between QIC and Globant is a milestone for both the project and Saudi Arabia's broader goals of modernization. The deployment of AI, big data, and immersive technologies is expected to set a global standard, showcasing how entertainment spaces can evolve in an increasingly digital world. The alliance also brings Qiddiya a step closer to becoming a self-sustaining ecosystem, where digital infrastructure not only enhances visitor experience but also optimizes city management through smart analytics and responsive systems.