Applus+ in Saudi Arabia supports the Qiddiya giga-project with ground investigation expertise

Realising this scale of development requires more than architectural vision; it demands precise, reliable subsurface data to support safe and sustainable construction. Between 2023 and 2025, Applus+ in Saudi Arabia was entrusted with delivering detailed geotechnical investigations across the Qiddiya site. The company's role was central to enabling design and construction teams to understand and work with the complex terrain beneath their feet.

Understanding the problem: subsurface complexity at scale

The Qiddiya landscape is geologically diverse, presenting numerous technical challenges. Some zones feature shallow, collapsible soils that are susceptible to settlement, while others sit atop deep layers of fractured rock, requiring advanced drilling and coring techniques. In total, over a dozen development areas needed investigation, each with its own engineering requirements and constraints.

Adding to the complexity was the logistical difficulty of working across such a vast area. Many zones were located in hard-to-access terrain, and the timing of investigations had to align precisely with the overall construction schedule. The client required consistent, technically accurate data to support ongoing design decisions, without delays or disruptions.

The scope of the work was significant: more than 2,200 boreholes were drilled, reaching depths of up to 200 meters, and totalling over 55,000 linear metres of investigative drilling. Coordinating this scale of activity across multiple locations and under tight deadlines required a partner with both technical breadth and proven delivery capabilities.

Delivering the solution: integrated geotechnical services with precision execution

Applus+ responded with a fully integrated solution. The company deployed specialised geotechnical teams, supported by in-house laboratory facilities and a fleet of up to 35 drilling rigs operating in parallel where needed. The work began with detailed site planning to adapt investigation methods to the specific conditions of each zone.

Fieldwork included a range of in-situ tests, such as pressure-meter testing, field density evaluations, and permeability testing using both pumping and packer methods. Downhole shear wave testing and cross-hole seismic assessments were conducted in deeper zones, while advanced borehole imaging was used to visualise geological conditions with precision. These efforts were supported by surface geophysical methods, including Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), which were especially useful in areas where drilling access was limited.

Once collected, samples were sent to Applus+ laboratories to assess their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The results informed detailed technical reports, which provided design teams with foundation recommendations, excavation guidance, and risk mitigation strategies tailored to each specific site.

Throughout the engagement, Applus+ worked closely with the client and other stakeholders to maintain project alignment. The team adapted quickly to changing site conditions, resolved access constraints, and delivered timely reports without compromising data integrity or safety standards. This level of responsiveness was crucial in supporting Qiddiya’s fast-moving development timeline.

Among the many zones covered by Applus+ were the East and West Villages, the Resort Core District Cooling Plant, the Iconic Cliff, Motor Sport Speed Park, District 15 Lagoon, and the Light Rail Transit corridor. Each zone presented different subsurface risks, but with consistent technical leadership and quality control, Applus+ helped ensure the ground was ready for what Qiddiya will one day become.

By successfully executing a complex, large-scale programme of geotechnical investigations, Applus+ enabled progress on one of Saudi Arabia’s most high-profile projects. The company’s ability to integrate technical expertise, operational agility, and rigorous field execution made it a trusted partner throughout the multi-year engagement.