Saudi Arabia opens world’s first Six Flags theme park at Qiddiya City
Record-breaking rides anchor landmark entertainment destination
DUBAI/RIYADH – Six Flags Qiddiya City has officially opened, becoming Saudi Arabia’s first Six Flags destination, the world’s first Six Flags theme park, and the first Six Flags park to be built entirely outside North America.
Delivered by AtkinsRéalis in partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company, the opening marks the launch of the first major attraction within Qiddiya City and a notable milestone in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to develop internationally competitive entertainment destinations.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Province. The launch introduces the first of more than 70 major assets planned for Qiddiya City, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s expanding leisure, tourism and sports ecosystem.
Six Flags Qiddiya City
Located southwest of Riyadh, Six Flags Qiddiya City spans more than 320,000 square metres and is arranged across 10 zones within six immersive themed lands. The park features 28 attractions alongside 35 food, beverage and retail outlets, offering a destination-scale experience designed to appeal to a broad visitor base.
Unlike traditional Six Flags parks, the Qiddiya City development introduces a more immersive, story-driven format. Each themed land has been developed specifically for Saudi Arabia, with environments informed by local culture, landscape and context, while maintaining the high-thrill identity associated with the Six Flags brand.
Design delivery
AtkinsRéalis partnered with Qiddiya Investment Company from early concept through to delivery, providing fully integrated multidisciplinary design and engineering services. These covered architecture, structural engineering, infrastructure, public realm design and ride integration, supported by in-house creative and technical show design teams.
Design development required close coordination across creative, design and engineering disciplines, particularly given the site’s challenging terrain and the technical demands of large-scale attractions. The project brought together storytelling, advanced engineering and construction methodologies to deliver a cohesive guest experience while meeting international safety and performance standards.
Record attractions
Six Flags Qiddiya City opens with five record-breaking attractions, collectively setting world records across height, speed and scale. Flagship experiences include Falcons Flight, recognised as the world’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster; Sirocco Tower, the tallest free-standing shot tower; Gyrospin, the tallest pendulum ride; Spitfire, the tallest inverting top-hat coaster; and Iron Rattler, the tallest tilt coaster.
These rides position the park among the most technically ambitious theme parks globally, reinforcing its status as a landmark entertainment destination within the Middle East and beyond.
Impact on Saudi tourism
The introduction of the Six Flags brand at Qiddiya City highlights Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on expanding domestic tourism and diversifying its economy through destination-scale leisure developments.
The project further strengthens the long-standing collaboration between AtkinsRéalis and Qiddiya Investment Company in delivering complex developments that support the Kingdom’s long-term growth ambitions under Vision 2030.