Saudi Gigaproject Debuts With the World’s Largest and Fastest Roller Coaster
Saudi Arabia has once again demonstrated its appetite for record-breaking ambition with the grand opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City, a landmark theme park that is already rewriting the global amusement industry’s record books. Rising from the desert on the outskirts of Riyadh, the park is home to the world’s longest, tallest, and fastest roller coaster, cementing the kingdom’s push to become a major global entertainment destination.
Six Flags Qiddiya City is a cornerstone of the Qiddiya megaproject, one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship initiatives under its broader tourism and diversification drive. The vast development is designed to transform a large stretch of the Arabian desert into a world-class entertainment, sports, and cultural hub. When fully completed, Qiddiya City will also feature an esports arena, a major stadium, and a sprawling water park, positioning it among the most comprehensive leisure destinations worldwide.
Spanning approximately 79 acres (32 hectares), the theme park marks Six Flags’ first destination outside North America. Construction took nearly four years, resulting in a meticulously designed park that blends high-adrenaline attractions with restaurants, retail spaces, and family-friendly experiences. In total, visitors can explore 28 rides, several of which have already claimed global records.
The standout attraction is Falcon’s Flight, officially billed as the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in the world. The ride propels thrill-seekers to staggering speeds of 250 km/h (155.3 mph), delivering an unmatched rush across the desert skyline. Adding to the park’s record-breaking lineup is Iron Rattler, recognized as the world’s tallest tilt coaster, and Spitfire, which boasts the tallest inversion ever achieved on a roller coaster.
“Six Flags is proud to announce the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a landmark project that will redefine entertainment in the region,” said John Reilly, President and CEO of Six Flags. “This world-class destination combines cutting-edge, record-breaking attractions, immersive experiences for all ages, and the signature thrills that have made Six Flags a global leader. We look forward to welcoming guests from across the kingdom and beyond to experience the future of fun at Qiddiya City.”
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The opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City offers a major boost to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious slate of megaprojects, particularly at a time when some developments have faced delays. It underscores the kingdom’s determination to continue delivering headline-grabbing attractions as part of its long-term vision to diversify its economy and attract international visitors.
For thrill-seekers eager to experience the park firsthand, adult ticket prices start at US$85, granting access to one of the most extreme and innovative theme park experiences ever built.
