Saudi Arabia Opens First Six Flags Outside North America

Saudi Arabia just opened the doors to something the world has never seen: a Six Flags theme park built entirely outside North America, complete with the planet's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster.

Six Flags Qiddiya City welcomed its first visitors this week in a opening that represents more than just another theme park. Located southwest of Riyadh, the 320,000 square meter complex features 28 rides and attractions spread across 10 immersive themed zones, each designed to blend the thrilling Six Flags experience with Saudi culture and heritage.

The park doesn't just aim to compete on the global stage. It dominates it with five world records, including Falcons Flight, the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster on Earth, and Sirocco Tower, the highest free-standing shot tower anywhere.

The project brought together teams from AtkinsRéalis and Qiddiya Investment Company, who tackled challenging terrain and complex engineering demands to create seamless experiences that meet international safety standards. From architecture to ride integration, every detail required coordination between creative storytellers and technical engineers.

This opening kicks off something much bigger. Six Flags Qiddiya City is just the first of over 70 major attractions planned for the broader Qiddiya City development, all part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy beyond oil.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond thrills and entertainment. By creating world-class leisure destinations, Saudi Arabia is building a domestic tourism market while attracting international visitors who might never have considered the Kingdom as a vacation spot.

The park offers 35 food, beverage, and retail outlets alongside its attractions, creating jobs and economic opportunities for local communities. As millions of annual visitors are expected, the ripple effects will touch hospitality, transportation, retail, and countless other sectors.

Other Middle Eastern countries are watching closely as Saudi Arabia demonstrates how bold investment in entertainment infrastructure can reshape a nation's global image. What once seemed impossible now stands as proof that ambitious vision combined with world-class execution can transform entire economies.

The opening signals a new chapter where the Middle East becomes known not just for its history and natural wonders, but as a destination where families create lasting memories on record-breaking rides under the desert sky.