Qiddiya City Roars to Life: Six Flags Set to Break Global Records in Riyadh
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is poised to make a dramatic entrance onto the global entertainment stage with the grand opening of its first Six Flags theme park. The ambitious project, Six Flags Qiddiya City, is scheduled to welcome the public on December 31, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s diversification strategy. Located within the colossal Qiddiya City development near Riyadh, this park represents the first Six Flags venture outside North America and is a central pillar of the “Power of Play” strategy. This major launch is vital for Saudi news (as the Kingdom pushes towards its Vision 2030 goal of attracting up to 150 million visitors annually and moving beyond oil-led growth.
🚀 A New Global Entertainment Benchmark
Qiddiya City, nestled in the stunning Tuwaiq Mountains approximately 40 minutes from the capital, is being developed as a master-planned destination. The opening of Qiddiya City is more than just a theme park debut; it’s a statement of intent. Brian Machamer, president of Qiddiya City, framed the launch perfectly, stating that the park will “showcase everything Qiddiya City stands for: bold imagination, unforgettable experiences, and a new benchmark for global entertainment.”
The Anatomy of Thrill: Record-Breaking Rides
The park will feature a total of 28 rides and attractions, with a particular emphasis on breaking world records to instantly establish its global credentials. These signature thrill rides are designed to draw adrenaline junkies from around the world:
- Falcons Flight: Billed as the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. This intense G-force experience, located in the “City of Thrills” land, is the park’s signature attraction.
- Iron Rattler: Described as the world’s tallest tilt coaster, this ride in “Steam Town” promises a fast and wild adventure with a terrifying drop.
- Spitfire: Marketed as the world’s tallest inverted coaster, this record-shredding triple-launch coaster in the “Valley of Fortune” challenges riders to embark on a “thrill-seeker’s” dream.
- Sirocco Tower: A record-breaking drop tower in the “City of Thrills” that launches riders sky-high before a freefall plunge, harnessing the power of the Sirocco winds.
More Than Just Coasters: Immersive Lands and Family Fun
Beyond the headlining thrill rides, Qiddiya City offers a comprehensive experience spread across various themed lands. The park includes 18 family-oriented rides and attractions to ensure fun for all ages.
Themed Zones Highlights:
| Land | Thrill/Family Rides | Key Attractions | Vibe/Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Thrills | Falcons Flight, Sirocco Tower, Adrena-Line | Focus on record-breaking speed and height. | Futuristic, High-Speed Adventure |
| Steam Town | Iron Rattler, Saw Mill Falls, Sprockenator | Industrial era, inventive mechanical marvels, water rides. | Whimsical Steam-Powered Innovation |
| Valley of Fortune | Spitfire, Skywatch, Treasure Trail | Exploration, aviation, and hidden riches. | Thrill-Seeking Aviators and Adventurers |
| Discovery Springs | Sea Stallion, Big Splash, Aquatopia | Aquatic playground, interactive, and water-based fun. | Ancient Water Systems and Marine Exploration |
| Grand Exposition | Gyrospin, Colossus, Arabian Carousel | Classic fairground rides, unique architectural styles. | Global Showcase, Classic Thrills, and Culture |
| Twilight Gardens | Kaleidoscope Balloons, The Enchanted Greenhouse | Dark rides, serene water features, and soft lighting. | Magical, Nature-Inspired, and Interactive |
These carefully curated zones offer everything from high-speed suspended coasters like Adrena-Line to the immersive interactive dark ride The Enchanted Greenhouse and the thrilling Colossus, a hybrid wooden coaster known for its airtime. The variety ensures that the park appeals equally to families with young children—who can enjoy the Aquatopia playground or the Twilight Express ladybug coaster—and to those seeking intense, world-class thrills.
🎟️ Accessibility and Visitor Information
The management has ensured the park is highly accessible and visitor-friendly, anticipating large crowds from across the region.
- Opening Hours: The park will open daily in the afternoon, starting at 4 p.m.
- Ticketing: Ticket prices are set at SR325 ($87) for adults and SR275 for children, with infants under four years old entering for free.
- Priority Access: Visitors can purchase the Unlimited GoFast Pass for priority access to selected rides, a valuable option for high-traffic days.
- Discounts: Special discounted tickets for senior citizens, people with special needs, and companions will be available exclusively at the park, starting from SR75.
- Transportation: Complimentary shuttle services will connect visitors from designated parking areas and the Jeddah Metro Station, with services commencing at 3 p.m. All shuttles are designed to be accessible for guests with disabilities.
đź”® The Bigger Picture: Qiddiya City’s Grand Ambition
Six Flags is just the vanguard of the expansive Qiddiya City project. The overall master-planned district is expected to eventually house hundreds of attractions and feature a comprehensive mixed-use ecosystem. This includes:
- Residential areas
- Retail and office spaces
- Hospitality and entertainment facilities
- Healthcare and educational institutions
The development is strategically positioned as a key component of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030. By fostering a domestic and regional tourism and entertainment sector, the Kingdom aims to create sustainable job opportunities, enhance the quality of life for its citizens, and capture a significant portion of tourism spending that previously flowed abroad. Qiddiya is not merely building a city; it is building an economy centered on the “Power of Play.”
Conclusion: The Countdown to the Ultimate Adventure
With the opening date set for the final day of 2025, the countdown to Qiddiya City is officially underway. The park promises an unparalleled blend of world-record-breaking thrills, immersive family fun, and top-tier dining and retail, all within a setting that is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s bold, imaginative future. The launch of this theme park is a powerful symbol of the Kingdom’s transformation, positioning it as a major global destination for entertainment, sports, and culture.
