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Saudi gigaproject developer Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has allowed bidders until 15 February to submit bids for a tender covering the construction of a racecourse at the entertainment city of Qiddiya, on the outskirts of Riyadh.

MEED understands that the tender was issued in December. The previous deadline was 26 January.

The racecourse venue will cover 1.3 million square metres (sq m) and accommodate 70,000 spectators.

QIC formally announced the project on 10 February.

According to a statement published on its website, “The venue will include the region’s first straight-mile turf course, alongside a 2.2 kilometre (km) main turf track and a 2.4km inner dirt track.

“A 21,000-seat grandstand will anchor the venue, with the ability to expand capacity to up to 70,000 guests through event overlays during major race days,” the statement added.

A centrepiece of the venue will be a 110-metre central parade ring, located in the middle of the racecourse.

The project also includes an Equine Hospital that will provide advanced veterinary services, including diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation and emergency care for horses.

The Qiddiya City horse racing venue is one of several major projects within the greater Qiddiya development. Other projects include an e-games arena, the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a motorsports track, a performing arts centre, the Dragon Ball and Six Flags theme parks, and Aquarabia.

The project is a key part of Riyadh’s strategy to boost leisure tourism in the kingdom. According to GlobalData, leisure tourism in Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth in recent years.