Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for a new National Tennis Centre in Qiddiya City near Riyadh. The project will include 30 tennis courts, a 15,000-seat Centre Court and a total spectator capacity of 33,000. Built to ATP, WTA and ITF standards, the venue is expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a major destination for international tennis.
Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in global sports has reached another milestone with the announcement of a massive National Tennis Centre in Qiddiya City.
The new venue, revealed by Qiddiya Investment Company, is set to become the largest tennis complex in the Middle East. Designed to host international tournaments while supporting local player development, the project reflects the Kingdom’s wider push to position itself as a leading destination for sports, tourism and entertainment.
Located around 45 kilometres west of Riyadh, the development adds to the rapidly expanding list of attractions taking shape inside Qiddiya City, one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship Vision 2030 projects.
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Why is Saudi Arabia building a National Tennis Centre?
The National Tennis Centre is part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to grow its sports sector and attract major international events.
According to Qiddiya Investment Company and the Saudi Press Agency, the venue is being built to ATP, WTA and International Tennis Federation standards, allowing it to host elite-level competitions while also supporting grassroots participation and talent development.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, stated that the project will help strengthen the country’s tennis ecosystem by creating opportunities for future athletes and attracting some of the sport’s biggest events.
The announcement follows Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in international tennis through partnerships with major governing bodies and professional tours.
What will the new tennis complex include?
The scale of the project goes far beyond a traditional tennis stadium.
Once completed, the National Tennis Centre will include:
- 30 tennis courts in total
- 28 hard courts
- 2 clay courts
- A 15,000-seat Centre Court with a retractable roof
- An 8,000-seat multipurpose arena
- A 5,000-seat show court
- A 2,000-seat show court
- Six competition courts
- Six indoor courts
- Fourteen practice courts
- Athlete training and recovery facilities
- Wellness centres
- Fan zones and public entertainment areas
- Premium hospitality experiences
Combined, the venue will have a spectator capacity of approximately 33,000, making it the largest tennis facility in the region.
The complex has been designed by Populous, the internationally renowned sports architecture firm behind some of the world’s most iconic sporting venues.
Inspired by the landscape of the Tuwaiq Mountains
One of the most distinctive features of the project is its design.
The National Tennis Centre will be integrated into the natural landscape surrounding Qiddiya City, with layered green facades inspired by the nearby Tuwaiq Mountains.
Developers say the design aims to create a venue that feels connected to its surroundings rather than standing apart from them.
In addition to hosting tennis tournaments, the retractable-roof arenas will also be capable of accommodating concerts, entertainment shows and large-scale events throughout the year.
This multi-purpose approach reflects the broader vision behind Qiddiya City, which is being developed as a destination where sports, culture and entertainment come together in one location.
How does this fit into Qiddiya City’s expansion?
The National Tennis Centre is the latest addition to a growing portfolio of attractions planned for Qiddiya City.
The destination has already attracted global attention through projects such as Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia Water Theme Park, PlayMaker Studios and the upcoming Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium.
The tennis complex will also sit beside a Sir Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course, creating a dedicated sports district within the city.
Saudi authorities view Qiddiya as a future hub for tourism, entertainment and sporting events, helping diversify the economy while attracting international visitors.
Impact on the UAE residents?
For UAE residents, the project represents another major sporting destination within easy reach of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The UAE already enjoys a strong reputation in international tennis through events such as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. The addition of a large-scale tennis venue in Saudi Arabia could further strengthen the GCC’s position as a global sporting region.
According to the UAE’s official news agency, Emirates News Agency (WAM), sports tourism continues to play an important role in attracting visitors and supporting regional economic growth.
As more world-class venues emerge across the Gulf, residents can expect increased opportunities for sports travel, international events and weekend tourism experiences within the region.
Construction is already underway
Construction on the National Tennis Centre is currently underway, with developers positioning the venue as Saudi Arabia’s future home of international tennis.
While an opening date has not yet been announced, the project is expected to become one of the defining sporting landmarks of Qiddiya City and a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation.
As the Kingdom continues investing in global sporting infrastructure, the National Tennis Centre is set to play a major role in shaping the future of tennis in the Middle East.
FAQs
Q: Where will the National Tennis Centre be located?
A: The venue will be built in Qiddiya City, approximately 45 kilometres west of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
Q: How many tennis courts will the complex have?
A: The facility will feature 30 courts, including 28 hard courts and two clay courts.
Q: What is the seating capacity of the venue?
A: The entire complex will accommodate around 33,000 spectators, including a 15,000-seat Centre Court.
Q: Will the venue host international tournaments?
A: Yes. The centre is being developed according to ATP, WTA and ITF standards, allowing it to host major professional competitions.
Q: Why is the project important for the GCC?
A: The development strengthens the Gulf region’s growing position as a destination for international sports, tourism and entertainment events.
Saudi Arabia’s National Tennis Centre marks another significant step in the Kingdom’s efforts to become a global sporting destination. With 30 courts, world-class facilities and a design tailored for international tournaments, the project is expected to transform tennis in the region while adding another headline attraction to Qiddiya City’s rapidly growing landscape.
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