Saudi Arabia has announced plans for the construction of a massive cultural, sports and entertainment city in Al Qidiya, southwest of Riyadh.

The city, which is claimed to be the first of its kind in the world, will cover an area of 334 sq km, including a major safari area, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also the chairman of the board of directors of the Public Investment Fund, announced the launch of the project.

He said this city will become a prominent cultural landmark and an important centre for meeting the future generation's recreational, cultural and social needs in the kingdom.

The Deputy Crown Prince said the pioneering and most ambitious project comes within the framework of plans to support the kingdom's Vision 2030.

He said the Public Investment Fund will be the main investor in the project, along with a number of local and international investors.

Foundation for the project will be laid in the beginning of 2018 and first phase of the city will be completed by 2022.

The Deputy Crown Prince said the project is an important incentive to attract visitors to Riyadh. It will offer a number of carefully chosen activities, designed with the latest international standards to achieve a healthy and harmonious life and provide quality entertainment.

The project is expected to include the entertainment city of Six Flags as one of the main attractions of the project. -TradeArabia News Service