Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its strategy to become a major player in global sports. The country has announced the construction of the National Tennis Centre, an international-scale tennis complex that will be built in Qiddiya City, the ambitious entertainment and urban development located about 45 kilometers from Riyadh. Designed by the renowned sports architecture firm Populous, the project aims to position the kingdom as a future destination for major professional tennis competitions, including ATP and WTA tournaments.
The initiative is part of the broader transformation driven by Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the country’s economy and strengthen sectors such as sports, tourism, and entertainment. Beyond hosting major events, the new venue aspires to become a meeting point for athletes and fans. With construction already underway, the facility is emerging as one of the most ambitious sports projects in the region and another step in Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in globally recognized sports.
A Complex Designed to Attract Elite International Tennis
The National Tennis Centre will be built in accordance with the regulatory standards of the ATP, the WTA, and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), a key requirement for hosting top-tier competitions. The complex will feature 30 courts, including 28 hard courts and two clay courts, along with a range of facilities designed to meet both elite performance demands and spectator expectations. The project will integrate sports facilities, commercial areas, public spaces, and support services within the expanding urban ecosystem of Qiddiya City.
At the heart of the development will be the Centre Court, a main stadium with a capacity of 15,000 spectators and a retractable roof designed to ensure optimal conditions throughout the year. It will be complemented by a second multi-purpose arena, known as Court 3, which will seat 8,000 spectators and also feature a retractable roof. The venue will also include Court 1 and Court 2, with capacities of 5,000 and 2,000 spectators respectively, as well as several outdoor match courts. Altogether, the facility will offer a total capacity of nearly 33,000 spectators, making it one of the world’s most significant tennis venues.
Sports Development and the Next Generation of Saudi Talent
While the prospect of hosting major international tournaments has attracted significant attention, the project also carries a strong athlete development component. The complex will include a High Performance Training Centre dedicated to elite athlete preparation, featuring state-of-the-art gyms, recovery facilities, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy areas, athlete lounges, and a media center. These facilities are intended to provide Saudi players with resources comparable to those available at the world’s leading training centers.
The vision behind the project extends beyond elite competition. According to Qiddiya Investment Company, the centre will operate year-round to deliver community programs and encourage tennis participation among local residents. For Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the facility represents a key pillar in the growth of tennis within the kingdom. Similarly, Abdullah Aldawood, Chief Executive Officer of Qiddiya Investment Company, stated that the goal is to create a world-class home for tennis at every level, capable of welcoming the sport’s biggest stars while fostering the development of the next generation of Saudi talent.
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