Saudi Arabia has opened a $1 billion Six Flags theme park in Qiddiya City, featuring several world-record rides. The park, which welcomed visitors on New Year's Eve, is part of the country's efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.
The 28-attraction park includes Falcon's Flight, the world's longest, tallest and fastest rollercoaster, standing 195 metres high and reaching speeds of 155mph. Other record-breaking rides include the world's tallest pendulum ride Gyrospin, a triple launch coaster called Spitfire, and the world's tallest tilt coaster, Iron Rattler.
This is the first Six Flags park outside North America. It is the initial phase of Qiddiya, a vast entertainment complex on a desert mountain cliff near Riyadh. The project is owned by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's reform agenda.
Reviewers gave mixed feedback. Jonathan Ingham praised the park's cleanliness and friendly staff but criticised long queue times and sold-out fast passes. Omar al-Arabi, visiting with his children, noted the park felt culturally relevant and not 'gimmicky'. Thousands of Saudis have attended, paying 325 riyals ($87) for adult tickets.
Future additions to Qiddiya include a Formula 1 racetrack, a World Cup stadium, and a performing arts centre. The project is expected to generate 7,000 jobs and contribute $686 million to GDP. Officials hope the park will attract tourists and encourage domestic spending, as the country prepares for Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
