Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC): Building Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment & Infrastructure Mega Project
Introduction: Qiddiya – Powering Saudi Arabia’s Next-Generation Entertainment City
The Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) is leading one of Saudi Arabia’s largest giga-projects, known as Qiddiya City, which will offer world-class options for entertainment, sports, culture, tourism, and smart urban living across an area southwest of Riyadh. As a major part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and create new jobs in the Kingdom, this innovative project will help establish Saudi Arabia as the world’s premier resort and innovation destination.
Qiddiya covers hundreds of square kilometres and it is much more than an entertainment city; the site contains a fully integrated smart infrastructure ecosystem that will be organised through the use of advanced telecommunications systems, underground utilities, electrical corridors, water management systems, and digital connectivity. Essentially, pipes, ducts and conduit infrastructure are at the heart of the systems that will be constructed at Qiddiya.
These pipes, ducts and conduit systems provide key benefits in protecting the HDPE telecom ducts that offer a huge-capacity fibre network, the PVC conduit systems that provide electrical capacity, as well as corrugated HDPE ducts that are used in high-load dynamic environments. Each of these piping systems is critical to the overall success of the Qiddiya construction project.
1. Why Pipes & Duct Infrastructure Is Critical to Qiddiya
Modern giga-projects like Qiddiya demand future-ready underground infrastructure capable of supporting massive data, power, and utility requirements while remaining adaptable for decades.
1.1 Telecom & Digital Infrastructure
Qiddiya is being developed as a high-tech, advanced entertainment city, featuring:
- 5G and soon to be in use 6G network
- Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) service
- High density fibre optic backbones within data centres
- internet of things (IOT) connected concert venues, sports stadiums, and attractions
All of these systems will be supported by reliable telecommunications duct systems to provide:
- Protection for fibre optic cables
- Adaptability to support use of air blown fibre installation processes
- Capability for easy modification or upgrades in capacity with no need for additional excavation later on
Primary duct, mini-duct, and microduct systems are critical to meeting their communications needs. These are low-friction, highly durable materials that last many years longer than other types of piping materials.
1.2 Electrical & Power Distribution Networks
The power infrastructure for Qiddiya includes:
- Power Distribution via the Grid
- Integration of Renewable Energy Sources
- Lighting for Stadiums
- Smart Building Electrical Networks
Routing Systems that use PVC and HDPE Conduits for:
- Low Voltage/Medium Voltage Power Cables
- Control and Monitoring Cables
- Emergency and Back-Up Power Systems
Conduit Usage Will:
- Provide Electrical Safety
- Provide Mechanical Protection from Damage to Conductors
- Comply with Saudi Arabian Electrical Code Requirements
1.3 Water, Drainage & Utility Corridors
In addition to being a recreational destination, Qiddiya will also act as an independent city providing:
- A supply of drinkable water
- Sewage and waste water systems
- A system for discharging storm water and
- An irrigation system.
The use of HDPE and PVC pipe systems is encouraged because of their resistance to corrosion, the fact that they don’t leak, and their durability over long periods in Saudi soil and climatic conditions.
2. Types of Pipes & Ducts Used in Qiddiya Infrastructure
2.1 HDPE Pipes & Telecom Ducts
Following Saudi Arabia’s vision of developing mega-projects, it is now clearer why high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the most suitable product for telecommunications and underground infrastructure within these projects.
Benefits of using HDPE in Qiddiya include:
– High impact and tensile strength.
– High levels of chemical and UV resistant properties.
– Flexibility through both trenchless and curved pathway installation techniques.
– Long design life (50+ years).
The various applications of HDPE within Qiddiya include:
– Fiber optic backbone ducts
– Micro-trenching routes for FTTx services
– Utility corridors
– Road and bridge crossings
The following HDPE products have been specified to meet the demands for use within Qiddiya:
– HDPE main ducts (110-315 mm diameter)
– HDPE micro-ducts and mini-ducts
– HDPE multi-duct bundles
Saudi Ducts can provide the necessary access to an extensive range of HDPE duct solutions suitable for such applications throughout Saudi Arabia and the GCC region.
2.2 PVC Pipes & Electrical Conduits
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a primary material used in large construction projects.
PVC Applications in Qiddiya
- Electrical Conduits within Buildings
- Utility Service Sleeves
- Drainage and Low-Pressure Water Lines
- Telecom Sleeves in Non-Load Areas
Benefits of PVC
- Lightweight and Easy to Install
- Cost-Effective
- Corrosion Resistant
- Exceptional Electrical Insulation Properties
PVC Pipe and Fittings Are Used Forming A Major Part of All Building Services and Utilities Throughout Qiddiya.
2.3 Corrugated Ducts & Heavy-Duty Solutions
Where added mechanical support and flexibility are necessary, corrugated HDPE ducts serve as an option.
Common uses:
– Road crossings
– Heavy use entertainment areas
– Underground transport corridors
– Areas experiencing soil movement
This ribbed exterior adds increased resistance to crushing and keeps them flexible.
2.4 Accessories & Installation Components
Large infrastructure projects also rely on:
Duct couplers & connectors
End caps & plugs
Duct spacers
Warning tapes & marker systems
These accessories ensure system integrity, safety compliance, and efficient installation.
3. Construction Companies & EPC Contractors in Qiddiya
The Qiddiya Project is attracting premier national and international construction companies to provide the services needed for the building of Qiddiya.
Examples of the types of companies that are participating in Qiddiya include:
- Major EPC contractors from Saudi Arabia
- Global civil engineering and infrastructure contractors
- Telecommunications Network Providers
- Utility and Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP) Contractors
All of these companies require duct and piping systems that are manufactured in accordance with the relevant standards and that meet the high technical and documentation standards demanded within the industry.
EPC Contractors who select ducting solutions for a project will impact:
- Installation Speed
- Inspection Approvals
- Long-Term Service and
- Project Schedule.
4. Standards & Specifications Followed in Qiddiya Projects
Qiddiya infrastructure follows strict Saudi and international standards.
4.1 Telecom & HDPE Duct Standards
- STC VD-101 and VD-102 specifications for plain and corrugated ducting made from HDPE.
- ISO specifications for PE100 materials.
- Quality requirements for fibre blowability and crush resistance.
4.2 Saudi Aramco Engineering Specifications
Aramco engineering specifications are non-oil based but are often referred to in the oil and gas industry and include the following.
- SAMSS-051 – Material and performance specifications for HDPE Pipe
- SAES-S-070 – Specifications for Non-metallic piping systems, and
- SAES-T-007 – Design and installation specifications for telecommunications ducting.
4.3 Civil & Utility Compliance
– Mandrell Testing of Ducts
– Minimum Bending Radius Requirements
– Utility Depths and Utility Separation Guidelines
– Traceability and Material Certification
Meeting the above standards is required, and is not negotiable in Giga-Projects (e.g., Qiddiya).
5. How SaudiDucts Supports Qiddiya-Scale Projects
Saudi Ducts is not a trader or contractor — it is a B2B technical information and supplier-discovery platform purpose-built for Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
5.1 Connecting EPCs with Certified Suppliers
Saudi Ducts is an information/resource service to the Infrastructure Development and Contractor Community and is not a trader/contractor. Saudi Ducts operates as a B2B technical information and supplier-search-and-discovery portal exclusively for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
5.1 Connect EPC’s with Certified Suppliers
By creating an online platform, Saudi Ducts offers construction developers, infrastructure contractors and infrastructure service providers a means to:
-found and source HDPE, PVC, microducts, corrugated ducts and accessories
-reduce procurement risks
-identify and connect with approved and certified duct (supplier) manufacturers.
5.2 Product Knowledge & Technical Guidance
Saudi Ducts supplies construction developers and contractors with full product knowledge and technical guidance:
-thorough product categorization by duct type
-application-based technical guidance
-alignment to industry standards
It is crucial to advise construction developers and contractors in their selection of ducts for use within:
-FTTx networks
-Electrical Corridors
-Utility infrastructure
-Smart City development
5.3 Support Faster Project Milestones
Saudi Ducts‘ technical information and resources offer construction developers and contractors a satisfying means to speed project milestones by:
-reducing specification mismatches
-avoiding rework and/or inspection failure
-accelerating the speed of the procurement cycle.
All commercial discussions, pricing, logistics and contracts are negotiated directly between the buyer and supplier offering the most transparency and flexibility available in the marketplace.
6. Why Platforms Like Saudi Ducts Matter for Vision 2030 Projects
Qiddiya and other projects part of the Saudi Vision 2030 require many requirements from the potential contractors/partners supporting their design and construction. Some of these requirements include:
– Speed: Allowing for fast delivery of the materials and equipment.
– Compliance: Ensuring the materials and equipment comply with the current building code for which they are being used under.
– Scalability: Designed to grow as projects grow.
– Future proofing of the infrastructure supporting the project.
Saudi Ducts provides a bridge of knowledge between the:
– Project designers.
– EPC contractors.
– Telecom operators.
– Material and equipment manufacturers.
This facilitates the contractor’s ability to accurately determine if they have the correct duct, standard, and supplier for the project, thereby supporting the contractors and the designers.
Conclusion: Building Qiddiya on Strong Infrastructure Foundations
The Qiddiya Investment Company is establishing the future for entertainment and urban development within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Large-scale development of the various entertainment options and stadiums, as well as multiple smart buildings, were all made possible by having an extensive network of HDPE ducts, PVC conduits, corrugated piping systems, and utility systems underneath them.
In order to ensure successful overall construction of the mega project, proper and appropriate material selection based on Saudi standards, challenge and accountability with partners (i.e., suppliers), and thorough follow-through relative to timelines is crucial. In this regard, a resource such as SaudiDucts has been instrumental in aiding EPC’s (engineering, procurement, and construction), telecommunication companies, and developers to meet their milestone dates both in a timely and compliant manner.
The ongoing development of Qiddiya will elevate the need for world-class infrastructure based on reliable duct and piping systems as they continue to emerge from the ground up.
FAQs: Qiddiya Investment Company & Infrastructure Development
1. What is Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC)?
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) is a Saudi government-owned entity responsible for developing Qiddiya City, a mega entertainment, sports, tourism, and cultural project under Saudi Vision 2030, located near Riyadh.
2. Why is underground pipe and duct infrastructure critical for Qiddiya City?
Underground pipe and duct infrastructure is essential for Qiddiya City to support telecom networks, electrical distribution, water supply, drainage systems, and smart-city technologies while ensuring long-term durability and future scalability.
3. What types of pipes are used in Qiddiya mega infrastructure projects?
Qiddiya infrastructure projects commonly use HDPE pipes, PVC conduits, corrugated HDPE ducts, microducts, and utility piping systems for telecom, power, water, drainage, and smart-city applications.
4. Why are HDPE ducts preferred for telecom infrastructure in Qiddiya?
HDPE ducts are preferred due to their high strength, flexibility, UV resistance, long service life, and compatibility with fibre blowing technology, making them ideal for FTTx and high-density telecom networks.
5. What role do microducts and mini-ducts play in Qiddiya’s telecom network?
Microducts and mini-ducts enable high-density fibre deployment, faster installation, and future network expansion without excavation, supporting Qiddiya’s smart-city and 5G-ready infrastructure.
6. Where are PVC pipes and conduits used in Qiddiya projects?
PVC pipes and conduits are used in electrical networks, building services, drainage systems, utility corridors, and low-pressure water applications due to their cost efficiency, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation.
7. What are corrugated ducts used for in Qiddiya construction?
Corrugated HDPE ducts are used in road crossings, high-load zones, underground transport corridors, and areas requiring flexibility and high crush resistance within the Qiddiya development.
8. Which construction companies and EPC contractors work on Qiddiya projects?
Qiddiya projects involve leading Saudi and international EPC contractors specializing in civil works, telecom infrastructure, utilities, MEP systems, and large-scale urban development under Vision 2030.
9. What standards are followed for HDPE and PVC pipes in Qiddiya?
Qiddiya construction follows STC VD-101 & VD-102, Saudi Aramco standards (SAMSS & SAES), ISO standards, and Saudi municipal specifications for HDPE ducts, PVC conduits, and utility piping systems.
10. How does Saudi Vision 2030 influence infrastructure standards at Qiddiya?
Saudi Vision 2030 mandates sustainable, future-proof, and digitally enabled infrastructure, requiring high-quality ducting systems that support smart cities, renewable energy integration, and long-term scalability.
11. What is the importance of standards compliance in mega projects like Qiddiya?
Compliance with Saudi and international standards ensures safety, durability, inspection approvals, operational efficiency, and reduced lifecycle costs in giga-projects like Qiddiya.
12. How does SaudiDucts.com support Qiddiya-scale infrastructure projects?
SaudiDucts.com supports projects by connecting EPC contractors, telecom operators, and developers with certified manufacturers, providing technical product knowledge, and helping identify standard-compliant HDPE, PVC, and ducting solutions.
13. Is Saudi Ducts a supplier or a trading company?
No. Saudi Ducts is an independent B2B technical information and supplier-discovery platform. All pricing, procurement, logistics, and contracts are handled directly between buyers and suppliers.
14. What products can be sourced through SaudiDucts for Qiddiya projects?
SaudiDucts covers HDPE main ducts, microducts, corrugated ducts, PVC pipes, electrical conduits, duct accessories, spacers, couplers, warning tapes, and telecom infrastructure components.
15. Why are platforms like Saudi Ducts important for Saudi giga-projects?
Platforms like Saudi Ducts reduce procurement risk, improve technical decision-making, ensure standards compliance, and accelerate project milestones for Vision 2030 mega developments such as Qiddiya.