RIYADH — Qiddiya Investment Company has unveiled the National Tennis Centre, a major new sports and entertainment landmark that aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for international tennis, elite athlete development, grassroots participation and year-round community engagement.Located in Qiddiya City, the Kingdom’s capital of entertainment, sport and culture, the National Tennis Centre will be the largest tennis complex in the Middle East and one of the most advanced facilities of its kind globally. Construction is already underway on the project, which is being designed by international sports architecture firm Populous.Built to ATP, WTA and ITF standards, the facility is intended to host some of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments while serving as a national hub for player development and community participation.The announcement adds to the growing momentum at Qiddiya City, following the recent opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia, the Middle East’s largest water park, and PlayMaker Studios, the city’s new film production hub.Largest tennis complex in the regionThe National Tennis Centre will feature 30 courts, including 28 hard courts and two clay courts, integrated into the landscape of the Tuwaiq Mountains west of Riyadh.At its heart will be a 15,000-seat Centre Court with a retractable roof designed to host major international tournaments and large-scale events. The complex will also include an 8,000-seat multi-purpose arena with a retractable roof, a 5,000-seat Court One and a 2,000-seat Court Two.In total, the venue will offer seating capacity for approximately 33,000 spectators.The facility will include competition courts, indoor courts and practice courts, alongside athlete training, wellness and recovery facilities, fan zones, public spaces and entertainment areas.Supporting Saudi tennis developmentPrince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said the project reflects the strong support the sports sector receives from the Kingdom’s leadership.He said the complex would play an important role in developing tennis in Saudi Arabia and provide the infrastructure needed to host major international tournaments and attract elite players.”The complex has the necessary capabilities to host major tournaments and elite players, having been built according to the highest international specifications and standards,” he said.Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, described the project as a world-class home for tennis at every level.”We are building a world-class home for tennis where the world’s best players can compete, the next generation of Saudi talent can reach their potential, and families and communities across Saudi Arabia can experience this great sport,” he said.Global tennis organizations welcome projectInternational tennis bodies welcomed the announcement, highlighting the role the facility could play in expanding the sport across the region.Ross Hutchins, CEO of the International Tennis Federation, said quality facilities are essential to growing the game and creating pathways for future players.ATP Chief Executive Officer Eno Polo described the project as a remarkable addition to the global tennis landscape and said it would create opportunities for players, fans and local communities.Saudi Tennis Federation President Mohammed Al Sarrah said the centre would support the development of local talent and inspire future generations of Saudi players.Beyond tennisThe National Tennis Centre will also function as a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting concerts, esports competitions, cultural events and other sporting activities throughout the year.A dedicated High Performance Training Centre will provide elite athletes with access to advanced training, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, recovery and media facilities.Community tennis programmes, public courts and fan engagement areas will ensure the complex remains active year-round.The project forms part of Qiddiya City’s broader vision to create a destination where people can live, work and enjoy world-class sports, entertainment and cultural experiences.Qiddiya City is expected to feature residential communities, hotels, retail destinations, schools, hospitals and major attractions connected through future transport links, including the planned Qiddiya High-Speed Rail network.The rail connection is expected to link Qiddiya City with Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District in 17 minutes and King Salman International Airport in approximately 30 minutes.
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