Why figures differ

When will the park be finished?

Late 2026, 2027 or 2030?

Explained Updated 12 Nov 2026
The figures, side by side

What each source says

Construction contracts awarded About 95% (Phases 1 and 2)
What it measures
Share of Phase 1 and 2 construction contracts awarded, per the acting CEO as reported by MEED on 30 September 2026. Awarded is not built.
Date
Sep 2026
High confidence
Contracts awarded (March 2026) About 93% (March 2026)
What it measures
An earlier reading of the same measure in March 2026 coverage; consistent with progress to 95% by September. A secondary report that we did not read in full.
Date
Mar 2026
Medium confidence
Packages under contract (2025 brochure) Over 90% (2025)
What it measures
The Foundation's 2025 brochure said over 90% of construction packages were under contract.
Date
Jan 2025
Medium confidence

Why the figures differ

These dates mark different milestones. ArchDaily's February 2026 update points to initial phases opening in late 2026 and substantial completion in 2027, and Gerber told Arab News in October 2025 that full completion is expected in 2030. Back in 2019 the launch material gave 2040 for full completion, and an early target of 2024 to 2025 has passed. As of 12 November 2026 no asset has opened and no opening date has been announced. MEED reported on 30 September that a phased soft-opening plan was going to the board, and the Royal Arts Complex is due to be handed to the Ministry of Culture between December 2026 and March 2027.

What we show

A dated status: 'preparing a phased soft opening, no date announced (12 November 2026)'. The 2027 and 2030 targets are shown as substantial and full completion, each with its source.

What would resolve it

The Foundation publishing its soft-opening plan and a dated first-opening area.

Figures explained →

More figures explained

The monthly King Salman Park briefing

What opened, what was awarded, what changed. One email a month, sourced.

Suggest a correction

We welcome corrections from the project team, journalists and readers. Please include a source link if you can.