Six Flags Qiddiya City (Arabic: لأعلام الستة الرياض) is an upcoming Six Flags theme park that is currently under construction at the Qiddiya entertainment megaproject in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It will be the first ever Six Flags park in the Middle East. The park was originally announced as Six Flags Saudia Arabia and was scheduled to open in 2022, but has been subject to construction delays to around 2025.[1]
The Qiddiya project will encompass a total of 79 acres upon opening, and will feature 28 different rides and attractions across six themed lands.
History[]
Conception[]
Park layout plans from 2019
- "Our goal is to create an exciting one-of-a-kind destination that will draw visitors from throughout Saudi Arabia to experience record-breaking roller coasters, innovative rides and attractions, as well as the sporting and cultural facilities that Qiddiya will offer. By partnering with a global leader, we know that we are going to deliver something exceptional"
- ―Michael Reininger on Six Flags Saudi Arabia
On April 4, 2018, Six Flags announced the development of a new Six Flags theme park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the new Qiddiya entertainment destination.
On August 26, 2019, Six Flags announced their master plans for Six Flags Qiddiya, revealing the park's six themed lands as well as its record-breaking attractions.[2] On November 7, 2019, Six Flags announced that Brian Machamer would be appointed Park President of Six Flags Qiddiya.[3]
Construction[]
On December 12, 2021, the SAR3.75 billion construction contract was awarded to Bouygues Bâtiment International (BBI) and Saudi Almabani General Contractors.[4] Work began on a 32-hectare site at a projected cost of US$1 billion. Construction of the park is still underway as of November 2024.[5]
Areas[]
The Citadel[]
- Main article: The Citadel
The Citadel concept art
The Citadel will be the central hub of Six Flags Qiddiya, with portals to all of the "Six Flags" of the park. It is covered by a canopy inspired by traditional Bedoiun tents. It holds a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants, and will transform into an interactive show space throughout the day.
The City of Thrills[]
- Main article: The City of Thrills
City of Thrills concept art
The City of Thrills will be the embodiment of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030; a forward-looking, boundary-pushing, future city anchored in Arabic design motifs. Here guests will find Six Flags Qiddiya’s most recognizable and anticipated thrill rides.
Attractions[]
- Falcon's Flight
- Sirocco Tower
Discovery Springs[]
- Main article: Discovery Springs
Discovery Springs concept art
This area is intended to Qiddiya's relationship between the desert and the sea. It will be an aquatic wonderland of aqueducts, geysers, and waterfalls, as well as exotic plants and trees.
Attractions[]
- Sea Stallion
Steam Town[]
- Main article: Steam Town
Steam Town concept art
This area will be "where the past and future collide", in a rugged frontier town that is powered by steam and echoes with screams. Themed around mechanical marvels and a collection of dynamic contraptions, the land’s signature roller coaster will be the Iron Rattler Mine Train.
Attractions[]
- Iron Rattler Mine Train
- Sawmill Falls
- Bull Rider
- Treehouse Trek
Dining[]
- Retrobrand Restaurant
Twilight Gardens[]
- Main article: Twilight Gardens
Twilight Gardens concept art
This area will be an enchanted landscape of the imagination, filled with magical creatures.
Attractions[]
- Twilight Express
- Critter Chase
- Kaleidoscope
Valley of Fortune[]
- Main article: Valley of Fortune
Valley of Fortune concept art
This land will be full of adventure, amongst time-worn ruins of Arabian architecture.
Attractions[]
- Spitfire
- Skywatch
- Treasure Trail
- Aeromax
Grand Exposition[]
- Main article: Grand Exposition
Grand exposition concept art
This land is intended to be a celebration of innovation, combining nostalgia with modern technology.
Attractions[]
- Gyrospin Pendulum
- Colossus
- Arabian Carousel
- Expo Flyer
- Automania
Videos[]
References[]
- ↑ The Enchanted Greenhouse dark ride to open at Six Flags Qiddiya City by Bea Mitchell, Blooloop. 2024-08-12.
- ↑ Tuttle, Britanni (August 26, 2019). Six Flags Qiddiya announced, Saudi Arabia’s first family-oriented theme park. Attractions Magazine.
- ↑ Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (November 7, 2019). New Park President Named for Six Flags Qiddiya Theme Park in Saudi Arabia (Press release).
- ↑ Saudi Almabani and BBI win $1bn contract for Six Flags Qiddiya by Disha Dadlani, Construction Week. 2021-12-13.
- ↑ Six Flags Qiddiya (Saudi Arabia) by Michael, ThemeParX Construction Board. 2024-11-26.
External links[]
- Six Flags Qiddiya City official website
- Six Flags Qiddiya (archived 2024-05-21)
- Six Flags Saudi Arabia announcement (2018-04-04)
- Six Flags Qiddiya City at Qiddiya Investment Company
- Six Flags Qiddiya at Coaster Kings
- Six Flags Qiddiya and Six Flags: Upcoming properties at Wikipedia