Qiddiya Investment Company has unveiled plans for a new National Tennis Centre in Qiddiya City, a major sports and entertainment destination under development near Riyadh.

The project will feature 30 tennis courts and is set to become the largest tennis complex in the Middle East, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions to establish itself as a global hub for major sporting events.

Located around 45 kilometres west of Riyadh, the National Tennis Centre is being designed by international sports architecture firm Populous and will meet ATP, WTA and ITF standards, enabling it to host the world’s leading professional tournaments.

A Landmark Venue For International Tennis

The centrepiece of the development will be a 15,000-seat stadium court equipped with a retractable roof, allowing events to take place throughout the year regardless of weather conditions.

The complex will also include a multi-purpose arena with capacity for 8,000 spectators, alongside additional competition courts accommodating 2,000 and 5,000 fans.

In total, the venue will provide seating for approximately 33,000 spectators across the site, making it one of the largest dedicated tennis facilities in the world.

Of the 30 courts planned, 28 will feature hard surfaces while two will be clay courts, providing flexibility for a variety of competitions and training programmes.

Designed For Athletes And Communities

Beyond professional competition, the National Tennis Centre is intended to serve as a year-round destination for community sport, youth development and elite athlete training.

The complex will include six indoor courts, 14 practice courts and a dedicated high-performance training centre.

Additional facilities will feature hydrotherapy and physiotherapy suites, recovery areas, player lounges and media facilities designed to support international events and athlete preparation.

The architecture draws inspiration from the surrounding Tuwaiq Mountains, with green façades integrated into the natural landscape to create a distinctive visual identity.

More Than A Tennis Venue

Thanks to retractable roofs on both the main stadium and the multi-purpose arena, the venue will also be capable of hosting concerts, cultural events and other sporting competitions.

Qiddiya Investment Company Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood said the project is designed to support tennis at every level, from grassroots participation to international competition.

“We are building a world-class home for tennis at every level, 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.

He added that the project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy by supporting tourism growth and encouraging greater participation in sport.

Part Of A Wider Qiddiya Transformation

The National Tennis Centre forms part of a broader programme of developments underway in Qiddiya City, one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship mega-projects.

Recent announcements have included the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park, the Aquarabia water park and PlayMaker Studios, a new film production hub.

The tennis complex will also sit adjacent to an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, which is expected to open later this year.

As Saudi Arabia continues investing heavily in sports infrastructure and international events, the National Tennis Centre is set to become one of the kingdom’s most significant sporting landmarks and a major venue for tennis in the region.