The developer of the enormous Saudi resort just outside the capital Riyadh has announced further details of the Six Flags theme park that will sit within its boundaries.
Qiddiya Investment Company again hosted the world’s press at the welcome centre of the giga-project to unveil the design for Six Flags Qiddiya, one of the key facilities in the new entertainment, leisure and tourism city that is set to be one of the world’s largest.
“Our vision is to make Six Flags Qiddiya a theme park that delivers all the thrills and excitement that audiences from all over the world have come to expect from the Six Flags brand, and to elevate those experiences with authentic themes connected to the location,” said Michael Reininger, CEO of QIC. “As a place that will create indelible memories and moments of delight, telling stories that resonate with our guests is a central notion that will be evident throughout Qiddiya.”
The fact that Six Flags Qiddiya will be just one of many key entertainment features in Qiddiya’s first phase when it opens in 2023 is testament to the scale of the development and, fittingly, the rides and attractions found in each land have been designed exclusively for Qiddiya and include many that will set world records.
“The Six Flags brand began in 1961 when we opened as our first park Six Flags Over Texas, which was themed according to the six flags that once flew over Texas,” said David McKillips, president of Six Flags International Development Company. “At Six Flags Qiddiya, we return to that heritage by creating six immersive lands designed for Saudis of all ages who seek family entertainment experiences steeped in their rich culture and history. We are thrilled to be part of a project of such scale and scope and are proud to celebrate this milestone with Qiddiya.”
Six Flags Qiddiya will cover 32 hectares (79 acres) and feature 28 rides and attractions across six lands: The City of Thrills, Discovery Springs, Steam Town, Twilight Gardens, Valley of Fortune and Grand Exposition.
The Citadel is the central hub of the park and will be covered by a billowing canopy form inspired by traditional Bedouin tents. It will hold a variety of shops and cafes and transforms into an interactive show space throughout the day. From here guests will pass through gateways to enter each of the themed lands.
The City of Thrills is where visitors will find Six Flags Qiddiya’s most recognisable thrill rides. The Falcon’s Flight will be the longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, while the Sirocco Tower will be world’s tallest drop tower ride.
Discovery Springs will be a collection of rides and experiences focused on the elements of earth and water. It will feature waterfalls, aqueducts and geysers, as well as exotic plants and trees. The interactive ride, Sea Stallion, will see riders propelled over rivers, behind waterfalls and through trees along a custom-designed course, as they control the speed and acceleration of their horse.
Steam Town will have a steampunk vibe and feature the Iron Rattler Mine Train. On this ride the best elements of a roller coaster will be linked with a dark ride to create a hydraulic lift that releases passengers into a freefall plunge through a narrow, steam-filled mineshaft. Steam Town will also boast the Sawmill Falls Water Coaster that combines a roller coaster track with a splashing boat ride and a custom-themed climbing structure called the Treehouse Trek.
Twilight Gardens is especially designed for younger visitors and their families. Key features here will include the Twilight Express Coaster, the Critter Chase, an interactive dark ride set in a 3D environment, and the Kaleidoscope hot air balloon ride.
Valley of Fortune’s highlight will be Spitfire, a triple-launch coaster that will take guests into a sky roll before a stall and a dive back to the valley floor. Other attractions will include Skywatch, a hydraulic boom ride where riders are lifted into the sky, the auto-themed Treasure Trail and the Aeromax, a family plane ride that swings and rotates freely over the park.
Grand Exposition will feature the Gyrospin Pendulum, which swings riders to “record heights” and will be home to Six Flags’ classic coaster, Colossus, a gravity-driven wood-steel hybrid roller coaster that stretches over an 800m track. The land will also feature the Arabian Carousel, Expo Flyer swinging ride and Automania, with bumper car attractions themed as London cabs.
