RIYADH: Qiddiya Investment Company has announced the National Tennis Centre, a landmark sports and entertainment project designed to position Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for international tennis, athlete development, grassroots participation, and year-round community engagement.

Located within Qiddiya City, the Kingdom’s hub for entertainment, sports, and culture, the National Tennis Centre is set to become the largest tennis complex in the Middle East and one of the most advanced facilities of its kind worldwide. Construction is currently underway, with the project designed by the internationally recognized sports architecture firm Populous.

Built in line with ATP, WTA, and ITF standards, the centre is planned to host prestigious international tennis tournaments while also serving as a national venue for player development and community programs.

The announcement follows recent milestones in Qiddiya City, including the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia — the region’s largest water park — and PlayMaker Studios, the city’s film production hub.

Largest Tennis Complex in the Region

The National Tennis Centre will include 30 courts, featuring 28 hard courts and two clay courts, set against the backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains west of Riyadh.

Its main attraction will be a 15,000-seat Centre Court with a retractable roof for major tournaments and large-scale events. The complex will also feature an 8,000-seat multi-purpose arena with a retractable roof, a 5,000-seat Court One, and a 2,000-seat Court Two, providing a total spectator capacity of around 33,000.

In addition to competition and practice courts, the venue will offer indoor facilities, athlete training areas, wellness and recovery centres, public gathering spaces, fan zones, and entertainment facilities.

Supporting Tennis Development

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said the project reflects the leadership’s continued support for the Kingdom’s sports sector.

He noted that the facility will help strengthen tennis development in Saudi Arabia while providing world-class infrastructure capable of hosting major international tournaments and attracting elite players.

Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, described the project as a world-class home for tennis, offering opportunities for top international players, emerging Saudi talent, and families to enjoy the sport.

International Support

Global tennis organizations welcomed the project, emphasizing its potential contribution to expanding tennis across the region.

International Tennis Federation CEO Ross Hutchins highlighted the importance of quality facilities in developing future generations of players, while ATP Chief Executive Officer Eno Polo described the centre as an important addition to the international tennis landscape that will benefit players, fans, and local communities.

Saudi Tennis Federation President Mohammed Al Sarrah said the project would play a key role in nurturing local talent and inspiring future Saudi athletes.

Beyond Tennis

The National Tennis Centre is also designed as a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting concerts, esports events, cultural programs, and various sporting competitions throughout the year.

A dedicated High Performance Training Centre will provide elite athletes with advanced training facilities, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, recovery services, and media support.

Community tennis programs, public courts, and fan engagement areas are planned to keep the venue active throughout the year.

The project forms part of Qiddiya City’s broader vision of creating a destination where residents and visitors can enjoy world-class sports, entertainment, and cultural experiences. The city is expected to include residential neighborhoods, hotels, retail districts, schools, hospitals, and major attractions connected through future transport infrastructure, including the planned Qiddiya High-Speed Rail network.

The proposed rail link is expected to connect Qiddiya City with Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District in approximately 17 minutes and King Salman International Airport in around 30 minutes.