Further solidifying the Kingdom’s long-term commitment to top-level sports, the Qiddiya Investment Company this week officially unveiled plans for the Middle East’s largest National Tennis Centre. Designed by the globally renowned sports architecture firm Populous, the new landmark tennis venue is already under construction, and is set to become a world-class home for international competition and grassroots development against the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains.
The announcement also signals a strategic evolution for the Saudi Tennis Federation. While high-profile tennis events have previously been staged at Riyadh’s ANB Arena or the King Saud University Indoor Arena — including the WTA Finals, which concludes its three-year run in the Kingdom this November — this dedicated facility is being built to the exacting ATP, WTA, and International Tennis Federation standards. Positioned 45 kilometres west of Riyadh within the $40 billion mega entertainment-hub of Qiddiya City, the complex could be operational as soon as 2027. Though official confirmation is pending, the tennis world widely expects the state-of-the-art venue to serve as the landing pad for a new ATP Masters 1000 tournament arriving in 2028.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, emphasised that the project reflects a foundational investment in the country's athletic future. “The centre has the necessary capabilities to host major tournaments and elite players, having been built according to the highest international specifications and standards,” he said. “This reflects the commitment to developing the tennis ecosystem in the Kingdom, as with other sports, by enhancing infrastructure and programmes that support the scouting and development of Saudi talent. These efforts help guide players from the amateur stage to professionalism while contributing to the achievement of the sports objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Architecturally, the centre is a marvel of scale, boasting an overall spectator capacity of approximately 33,000 across a total of 30 courts — comprising 28 hard courts and two clay courts, so as to cater to all type of training and competitions. The crown jewel of the complex will be a 15,000-seat Centre Court featuring a retractable roof. The Kingdom's flagship tennis arena is complemented by a 5,000-seat Court 1, a 2,000-seat Court 2, and an 8,000-seat multi-purpose arena (Court 3) also equipped with a retractable roof to seamlessly host concerts, cultural showcases, and e-sports.
The scale of the project has drawn immediate praise from international tennis leadership. Eno Polo, CEO of the ATP, remarked: “The National Tennis Centre at Qiddiya City is a remarkable addition to the global tennis landscape… Facilities of this scale and quality play an important role in the continued growth of tennis. By providing a world-class stage for competition alongside opportunities for participation at all levels, the National Tennis Centre has the potential to make a lasting impact on the sport across the region for years to come.”
Abdullah Aldawood, CEO and Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, described the centre as a world-class home for tennis at every level, where elite athletes can compete while the next generation of Saudi players develops alongside wider community participation. Furthermore, International Tennis Federation Chief Executive Ross Hutchins noted that high-quality facilities are essential for growing the sport and creating pathways for future generations.
Woven into a contemporary urban ecosystem planned to be three times the size of Paris, the tennis complex will sit alongside massive entertainment assets like Six Flags Qiddiya City, the Aquarabia water park, and a Sir Nick Faldo signature golf course. With player training and recovery hubs, wellness zones, and a favourable winter climate, the centre is destined to become a leading seasonal training base for the world's top players.
National Tennis Centre, Lower Plateau, Qiddiya City
Slated to become operational in 2027, and will host ATP Masters 1000 in 2028
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