Saudi Arabia has officially completed Six Flags Qiddiya City, confirming that the long-awaited theme park will open on December 31 as part of the Kingdom’s massive entertainment development near Riyadh. The announcement was made during a government press conference, where officials said the opening shows Saudi Arabia’s plan to become a global center for tourism and entertainment.
Located within Qiddiya City, the theme park is the first major attraction to officially open under the megaproject. Officials described the moment as a turning point, calling it “a historic step in reshaping entertainment in the Kingdom.” They added that the opening signals the beginning of a phased rollout of attractions that will continue over the coming years.
Six Flags Qiddiya City is especially significant because it is the first Six Flags theme park to open outside North America. Developers say this makes the project important not only for Saudi Arabia, but for the entire Middle East region. “This is not just a theme park,” one official said during the briefing. “It is a symbol of how Saudi Arabia is opening itself to the world.”
The park has been built against the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, blending natural landscapes with modern engineering. According to project leaders, this setting gives visitors a completely different experience from normal theme parks built in urban areas. Construction teams have worked around the clock for months, with cranes and heavy machinery visible across the site until the final stages were completed.
At the center of global attention is the Falcon Roller Coaster, which has already made headlines worldwide. The ride is being billed as the longest, fastest, and tallest roller coaster ever built. Officials say the Falcon coaster was designed to push engineering limits and offer an experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Alongside it, the park includes five major thrill rides, many of which are record-breaking or making their debut in the region.
“This park is built to set records,” an official said. “We wanted something that would immediately place Saudi Arabia on the global entertainment map.” Six Flags Qiddiya City also features technology-driven attractions and immersive experiences designed for families and younger visitors.
Next to the theme park, the Aquaarabia water park is now more than 95 percent complete. Once opened, it is expected to be one of the largest water parks in the region. Developers say Aquaarabia will add another major attraction to Qiddiya, encouraging visitors to stay longer and turning the area into a multi-day destination rather than a single-day visit.
The opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City supports Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil. Vision 2030 focuses on growing sectors such as tourism, entertainment, culture, and sports while creating new jobs for Saudi citizens. Officials say Qiddiya plays a central role in this vision.
“Qiddiya is not just a construction project,” one senior official said. “It is a blueprint for the future of Saudi cities.” The plan is to integrate entertainment, sports, culture, and lifestyle experiences into one connected destination that can compete with global tourism hubs.
Six Flags is only the beginning. Around 70 attractions and venues are planned across Qiddiya City and will be launched in phases. Construction is already underway on major projects, including the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, a performing arts center, motorsports and performance tracks, luxury resorts, golf facilities, and a dedicated gaming and esports zone.
Officials also revealed that global interest in Qiddiya has surged over the past year, with billions of online views and mentions worldwide. They say this growing attention shows strong international demand for new entertainment destinations in Saudi Arabia. Located close to Riyadh, Qiddiya is easily accessible for domestic visitors while also appealing to international tourists.
