Qiddiya e-games arena project is moving into a new construction phase following a major contractor appointment in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, China State Construction Engineering Corporation has secured the latest contract for the landmark gaming venue. The project forms part of Qiddiya City’s wider Gaming and E-sports District near Riyadh.
The latest contract value is estimated at $700 million, according to MEED’s report. Earlier reporting placed the construction award at approximately $533 million. That earlier award involved a joint venture between China State Construction Engineering Corporation and Saudi-based El-Seif Engineering Contracting.
The updated estimate therefore indicates a higher project value than the original reported award. However, MEED’s latest report does not provide additional details about the revised contractual structure.
Qiddiya e-games arena project takes shape
The arena will provide an international-standard gaming venue with capacity exceeding 5,100 seats. Earlier project information specified a capacity of approximately 5,300 seats.
The building will rise approximately 52 meters and contain two basement levels. It will also include four levels above ground, according to project reporting.
Construction was originally planned under a 1,000-day program from the start of works. The venue will support regional, national and international gaming competitions.
Meanwhile, the arena forms a major component of Qiddiya City’s Gaming and E-sports District. The district will feature four dedicated e-sports arenas and extensive gaming-related facilities.
The wider district will provide more than 183,100 square meters of gaming and interactive entertainment space. It will also host regional headquarters for more than 30 leading gaming brands.
The Qiddiya e-games arena is another major sports and entertainment asset advancing within the same wider Qiddiya City development programme. The arena forms part of the city’s Gaming and E-sports District, while the $1.8 billion National Athletics Stadium project represents a separate major sports venue planned within Qiddiya.
Technology shapes the Qiddiya e-games arena project
Populous designed the arena as a 5,155-seat multifunctional venue within the gaming district. Its design combines competitive e-sports infrastructure with immersive entertainment features.
The venue will incorporate an extensive video-screen system designed around e-sports broadcasting and spectator engagement. Its main LED wall measures nearly 39,000 square feet, according to industry design reporting.
The design also includes 4D haptic seating and immersive audio systems. A centrally positioned digital chandelier will deliver gaming content above the seating bowl.
Furthermore, the arena includes hospitality areas, retail spaces, gaming zones and food and beverage facilities. These spaces can operate beyond major tournament days, supporting wider venue utilization.
Experience Studios developed technical systems covering audiovisual production, broadcast infrastructure and immersive audio. Its scope also includes automated LED systems and rigging solutions.
Langan provided site, civil, geotechnical and transportation engineering services for the arena. Its work included utility design, foundation recommendations and traffic planning. The venue anchors a wider gaming construction program.
Qiddiya City positions the gaming district within Saudi Arabia’s broader entertainment and sports development program. The district forms part of the Kingdom’s National Gaming and E-sports Strategy under Vision 2030.
The wider destination also includes major sports, entertainment and tourism developments. These include a motorsport facility, theme parks, sports venues and other entertainment infrastructure.
The arena therefore represents one building within a much larger construction program. Its delivery will add permanent infrastructure for professional e-sports and other large-scale entertainment events.
Project Fact Sheet
Project: Qiddiya City E-sports Arena
Focus: Qiddiya e-games arena project
Location: Qiddiya City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Latest reported value: Estimated $700 million
Earlier reported award: Approximately $533 million
Seating capacity: More than 5,100 seats
Previously reported capacity: Approximately 5,300 seats
Building height: Approximately 52 meters
Configuration: Two basement levels and four above-ground floors
Construction program: Previously reported at 1,000 days
District: Qiddiya Gaming and E-sports District
Gaming venues: Four dedicated e-sports arenas
District floor area: More than 183,100 square meters
Main LED wall: Nearly 39,000 square feet
Venue function: E-sports, gaming and multifunctional entertainment
Technology: LED displays, broadcast systems, immersive audio and 4D haptic seating
Development framework: Saudi Vision 2030 and National Gaming and E-sports Strategy
Project Team
Developer: Qiddiya Investment Company
Owner and investor: Public Investment Fund
Main construction contractor: China State Construction Engineering Corporation
Saudi construction partner: El-Seif Engineering Contracting
Design architect: Populous
Site and civil engineering: Langan
Technical audiovisual design: Experience Studios
Precinct design consultant: Cox Architecture
Project management: MI Global Partners
Engineering design: WSP
Architect of record: V3 Middle East
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