Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for the region’s largest National Tennis Centre, a major sports infrastructure project under construction in Qiddiya City, west of Riyadh. Developed by Qiddiya Investment Company, the facility is designed to strengthen the Kingdom’s position in international tennis while creating a permanent hub for athlete development, community participation, and major global tournaments. The project forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to expand its sports ecosystem and attract international sporting events.
The National Tennis Centre will feature 30 courts in total, including 28 hard courts and two clay courts, making it the largest tennis complex in the Middle East. Designed to meet ATP, WTA, and International Tennis Federation standards, the venue is intended to accommodate both elite competition and grassroots tennis programs. Beyond hosting professional tournaments, the centre is expected to serve as a year-round destination for training, coaching, and public participation in the sport.
A Tennis Venue Built at an International Scale
The development is a 15,000-seat Centre Court equipped with a retractable roof, allowing matches and events to continue regardless of weather conditions. Supporting the main stadium will be an 8,000-seat multi-purpose arena, also fitted with a retractable roof, alongside a 5,000-seat Court One and a 2,000-seat Court Two. Combined, the complex will provide seating for approximately 33,000 spectators across the site.
The inclusion of retractable-roof venues reflects a strategy to maximise year-round use. In addition to tennis tournaments, the arenas are planned to host concerts, cultural events, and other sporting competitions, transforming the centre into a multi-functional entertainment destination.
Integrated with the Landscape of Qiddiya
The National Tennis Centre has been integrated into the natural terrain of the Tuwaiq Mountains surrounding Qiddiya City. Project descriptions highlight layered green façades and landscape-driven architecture that connect the venue with its desert setting. This approach aligns with the broader master plan for Qiddiya, which seeks to combine large-scale entertainment and sports infrastructure with the region’s distinctive topography.
The tennis centre will sit alongside other major developments within Qiddiya, including entertainment venues, hospitality projects, and a championship golf course designed by Nick Faldo. Together, these facilities are intended to establish Qiddiya as a major destination for sport, leisure, and tourism.
Training and Athlete Development
The project extends well beyond spectator facilities. Plans include six indoor courts, 14 practice courts, high-performance training centres, athlete recovery zones, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy suites, wellness facilities, player lounges, and dedicated media spaces. These amenities are designed to support both professional athletes and emerging Saudi talent, creating a comprehensive environment for training and development.
Officials have described the centre as a national hub where elite competition and grassroots participation can coexist. By combining professional-standard infrastructure with community-accessible facilities, the project aims to strengthen tennis participation across different age groups while providing a pathway for future Saudi players to compete at higher levels.
Populous Leads the Design
The National Tennis Centre is being designed by Populous, the international architecture practice known for delivering major sports venues worldwide. The firm’s experience in designing tennis and stadium infrastructure has informed a venue capable of accommodating international tournaments while maintaining operational flexibility for other events.
The project has also received support from major governing bodies within the sport. Representatives from the International Tennis Federation and ATP have described the development as an important addition to global tennis infrastructure, citing its potential role in expanding the sport’s reach and supporting future generations of players.
Positioning Saudi Arabia in Global Tennis
The unveiling of the National Tennis Centre comes as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its presence within international tennis through partnerships, tournament hosting, and investment in sports infrastructure. Once completed, the venue will provide the region with a purpose-built facility capable of hosting some of the sport’s largest events while supporting long-term athlete development and community engagement. With its combination of tournament-scale venues, training facilities, and landscape-integrated design, the project represents one of the most ambitious tennis developments currently underway in the region.
Image credit: Qiddiya Investment Company / Populous
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