Riyadh, July (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 22 يوليو 2026ء) Qiddiya City is the first destination management organization in the middle East to receive the DMAP Accreditation with Distinction, and the second in the region to receive DMAP accreditation overall, reflecting its commitment to setting new benchmarks for excellence in destination development and management. The designation is awarded to organizations that exceed accreditation requirements, embody institutional excellence across their operations, and demonstrate ongoing commitment to developing the destination they serve.
Of the nearly 200 organizations worldwide to achieve DMAP accreditation, fewer than 20% have received the Accreditation with Distinction, the program's highest level, reserved for organizations that exceed all required standards with no identified areas for improvement.
Chief Marketing and Destination Officer at Qiddiya Investment Company Muhammad Bassrawi described the accreditation as a powerful signal to the global tourism community that Qiddiya City is being built to the highest international standards, saying, "This recognition affirms our commitment to operational excellence across every dimension of destination management, and our belief that the Power of Play philosophy has the potential to create a positive, transformative impact on the lives of individuals and communities."
CEO of Destinations International Don Welsh said, "We are pleased to have Qiddiya City join our distinguished group of accredited organizations. This achievement embodies the quality and performance standards we aspire to in destination organizations, and Qiddiya City is a valued member of Destinations International and our program's community of prestigious destinations."
DMAP is an independent global framework for excellence, defining best practices and benchmarks in governance, financial management, operations, human resources, technology, visitor services, sales, brand management, destination development, and partnership building.
Qiddiya City is one of the world's most prominent integrated destinations, developed by Qiddiya Investment Company across 360 square kilometers, 45 kilometers west of Riyadh, under an ambitious vision led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), establishing it as one of the most ambitious destination development projects in the world and a central pillar of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city is built on the "Power of Play" philosophy, stemming from a firm belief that play is a fundamental human instinct that nurtures creativity, enhances wellbeing, builds communities, and drives economic growth. The city is designed as an integrated living destination where play becomes an authentic part of everyday life, offering exceptional experiences for all visitors.
Qiddiya City began welcoming visitors at the end of 2025 through its leading destinations: Six Flags Qiddiya City opened its doors with record-breaking rides and entertainment experiences attracting visitors from across the Kingdom and the region; Aquarabia, the largest waterpark in the Kingdom, offers a year-round integrated family entertainment destination; and PlayMaker Studios stands as the Kingdom's first integrated film production hub, designed to serve regional and international film and television productions.
Qiddiya City continues to develop a portfolio of landmark venues, led by the National Tennis Centre, the largest facility dedicated to the sport in the region; an 18-hole golf course designed by golf legend Sir Nick Faldo; a speed track dedicated to motorsports; and Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, one of the host venues for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The list of landmarks extends to include the Performing Arts Centre, the world's first Gaming and Esports District, and the Horse Racing Venue, which will host the Saudi Cup in the future.
Qiddiya City is being built as an integrated urban destination providing a sustainable living environment for residents and visitors alike, featuring hotels, residential neighborhoods, a modern transport network connecting it to central Riyadh, shopping and dining districts, parks and open spaces, as well as comprehensive civic infrastructure befitting its global standing.
