Saudi Arabia is taking another major swing at becoming a global sports destination. The Kingdom has announced plans for the Middle East’s largest National Tennis Centre, a state-of-the-art complex set to rise in Qiddiya City, just west of Riyadh.
Designed to host some of the biggest tournaments in the world while nurturing the next generation of Saudi talent, the ambitious project marks another milestone in the country’s rapidly expanding sports and entertainment landscape.
A World-Class Home for Tennis
Currently under construction, the National Tennis Centre will feature an impressive 30 courts, including 28 hard courts and two clay courts. Designed by the renowned sports architecture firm Populous, the venue is being built to meet ATP, WTA, and International Tennis Federation standards, making it capable of hosting elite international competitions.
Beyond serving as a tournament destination, the centre is also expected to become the national hub for tennis development, providing local athletes with access to world-class facilities and training opportunities.
Centre Court Takes the Spotlight
At the heart of the complex will be a spectacular 15,000-seat Centre Court complete with a retractable roof, ensuring year-round play regardless of weather conditions.
The venue’s scale doesn’t stop there. Plans also include an 8,000-seat multi-purpose arena, a 5,000-seat Court One, and a 2,000-seat Court Two, bringing the total spectator capacity to around 33,000. With infrastructure of this size, Qiddiya is positioning itself to welcome major international events and thousands of fans from around the world.
More Than Just a Tennis Venue
While tennis is the main attraction, the complex has been designed with versatility in mind. Indoor courts, practice facilities, athlete recovery centres, wellness spaces, fan zones, and public entertainment areas will ensure the venue remains active throughout the year.
The centre will also be capable of hosting concerts, e-sports tournaments, cultural events, and a range of other sporting competitions, transforming it into a multi-purpose destination rather than a venue used only during tennis season.
Another Big Win for Qiddiya City
The National Tennis Centre is the latest addition to Qiddiya City’s growing list of attractions. The entertainment destination has recently welcomed Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia, the Middle East’s largest water park, and PlayMaker Studios, a purpose-built film production hub.
Together, these developments reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 ambitions, which aim to diversify the economy while establishing the Kingdom as a global centre for sports, tourism, entertainment, and culture.
With its combination of world-class facilities, player development programmes, and event-hosting capabilities, the National Tennis Centre is set to become a game-changer for tennis in the region. As construction progresses, the project signals Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to investing in sport on both a grassroots and international level, bringing the Kingdom one step closer to becoming a major player on the global tennis stage.
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