Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has announced that work has begun on the National Tennis Centre, a world-class sports facility coming up at Saudi Arabia’s capital of entertainment, sport, and culture Qidiya City. 

The key sports and entertainment landmark, the National Tennis Centre is being built to ATP, WTA and ITF standards, to attract and host some of the world’s most prestigious events. Once completed, it is set to be the largest complex of its kind in the region.

Announcing this QIC said it is designed to position Saudi Arabia as a future hub for international tennis, elite development, grassroots participation and year-round community play.

It will feature 30 courts, world-class competition infrastructure, open public spaces, fan zones, and a training centre to develop Saudi tennis talent at the highest level.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said the centre represents an important pillar in developing tennis in Saudi Arabia.

"The complex has the necessary capabilities to host major tournaments and elite players, having been built according to the highest international specifications and standards. This reflects the commitment to developing the tennis ecosystem in the Kingdom, as with other sports, by enhancing infrastructure and programs that support the scouting and development of Saudi talent," he stated. 

The National Tennis Centre is an important step forward in Qiddiya City’s ambition to become a global destination for entertainment, sport and culture, creating a new home for tennis in Saudi Arabia while inspiring future generations.

"These efforts help guide players from the amateur stage to professionalism while contributing to the achievement of the sports objectives of Saudi Vision 2030," he added.

QIC Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood said: "At Qiddiya City, we believe in the Power of Play; the idea that play, in all its forms, has the ability to transform lives, build communities and inspire generations. The National Tennis Centre demonstrates this philosophy."

"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. The National Tennis Centre is for Saudi Arabia, supporting Vision 2030 by driving sports participation and tourism, and it is open to the world," he added.

The announcement adds to the momentum at Qiddiya City, including the recent opening of Six Flags theme park, Aquarabia, the Middle-East’s largest water park, and PlayMaker Studios, the new purpose-built film production hub.

Development of the National Tennis Centre aligns with PIF’s commitment to growing global sports and advancing tennis through its partnerships, stated Aldawood. 

PIF is accelerating the growth and sustainability of tennis through its strategic partnerships with both the ATP Tour and WTA Tour, uplifting and enhancing the global game for players, fans, tournaments and stakeholders at every level of the sport, he added.-TradeArabia News Service