Saudi Arabia is now home to the world’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster after US-based Six Flags opened its first theme park outside North America in the kingdom. The new park, Six Flags Qiddiya City, represents a major milestone for Saudi leaders pushing ambitious development plans.
The $1 billion project is the first completed part of Qiddiya, a massive entertainment and sports city built on desert cliffs near Riyadh. Plans for the site include a Formula 1 racetrack, a World Cup stadium, and a performing arts centre.
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Qiddiya is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has used the PIF to drive reforms aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil income.
Qiddiya is one of five major mega projects designed to boost sectors like tourism and entertainment. However, lower oil prices in recent years have forced Saudi authorities to review spending plans while racing to meet deadlines for major global events such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Several PIF-backed projects, including the futuristic Neom city, have faced delays and budget overruns. Last year, the fund announced an $8 billion write down in project values by the end of 2024. Qiddiya itself was unveiled in 2018 and was originally meant to open in 2022.
Despite these setbacks, officials remain hopeful. “Qiddiya’s economic model is based on visitors’ spending,” said Abdullah al-Dawood, managing director of the PIF-backed Qiddiya Investment Company, during a local talk show.
He said the project is expected to create 7,000 jobs and add 2.5 billion riyals to GDP this year. By 2030, as more areas open, jobs could rise to 85,000 and GDP contribution to 44 billion riyals.
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The Six Flags Park has already drawn large crowds. Thousands of Saudis have paid the 325 riyals adult ticket fee since its New Year’s Eve opening. The main attraction, Falcon’s Flight, is claimed to be the longest, tallest, and fastest rollercoaster in the world, reaching speeds of 155mph.
