Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia officially opened its gates on New Year's Eve, introducing a new era of theme park entertainment to the region. The park's centerpiece, Falcons Flight, has claimed the title of the world's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, marking a significant milestone for the global amusement industry.
The new attraction is part of the larger Qiddiya City development, a major entertainment and tourism project located near Riyadh. This opening is set to attract both local residents and international visitors, offering a range of record-breaking rides and family-friendly experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Falcons Flight is the world's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster.
- The coaster reaches speeds over 155 mph and stands nearly 640 feet tall.
- Six Flags Qiddiya City features multiple other record-breaking rides.
- The park offers 18 rides designed for families and young guests.
- Qiddiya City aims to be a major entertainment hub for Saudi Arabia and the region.
Falcons Flight Sets New Global Records
Falcons Flight, the star attraction at Six Flags Qiddiya City, redefines roller coaster engineering. It stretches over 13,123 feet of track, making it the longest coaster in the world. Riders will experience a descent from a height of nearly 640 feet, pushing the boundaries of vertical drops.
The ride also achieves speeds exceeding 155 miles per hour, securing its place as the fastest roller coaster globally. The entire experience lasts for more than three minutes, offering an extended thrill for enthusiasts.
"What I love is that the people of Saudi, and particularly Riyadh, will now have an amazing theme park here in the Kingdom for them to come visit – you don't need to travel outside the Kingdom – and hopefully this also will bring a lot of international visitors and regional visitors to the park," stated Brian Machamar, the park's President, during the opening ceremony.
Falcons Flight by the Numbers
- Length: Over 13,123 feet
- Height: Nearly 640 feet
- Speed: Over 155 miles per hour
- Ride Time: More than 3 minutes
More Record-Breaking Attractions
Beyond Falcons Flight, Six Flags Qiddiya City hosts several other rides that claim world records. These attractions contribute to the park's reputation as a destination for extreme thrills.
Other Notable Record Holders Include:
- Gyrospin: Recognized as the world's tallest pendulum ride.
- Iron Rattler: Holds the title of the world's tallest tilt coaster.
- Sirocco Tower: Known as the world's tallest free-standing shot tower ride.
- Spitfire: Identified as the world's tallest inverting coaster.
These diverse attractions ensure that the park offers a wide range of experiences for different thrill levels, from spinning and tilting to free-fall drops and inversions.
About Qiddiya City
Qiddiya City is a massive entertainment, sports, and cultural project situated less than an hour's drive from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The city is designed as a hub for play and recreation, aiming to diversify the country's economy and provide world-class leisure options for its residents and tourists. It represents a significant investment in the region's tourism infrastructure.
Family-Friendly Experiences and International Appeal
While the park features many extreme rides, Six Flags Qiddiya City has also made efforts to cater to a broader audience. The park includes 18 rides specifically designed for families and younger guests. This focus ensures that visitors of all ages can find suitable entertainment options within the park.
The development of Six Flags Qiddiya City is part of a larger strategy to boost tourism in Saudi Arabia. Park officials expect the new park to draw significant numbers of international and regional visitors, in addition to serving the local population.
For international travelers, particularly U.S. citizens, a valid passport and tourist visa are necessary for entry into Saudi Arabia. Travelers should also be aware of travel advisories issued by their respective governments, which may recommend increased caution when visiting the country.
Impact on Regional Tourism
The opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City marks a significant moment for tourism in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. The presence of multiple world-record-breaking attractions positions the park as a major competitor in the global theme park industry.
This development aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a strategic framework to reduce the country's dependence on oil and diversify its economy through various sectors, including tourism and entertainment. The park is expected to create numerous jobs and contribute substantially to the local economy.
The combination of extreme thrill rides and family-oriented attractions aims to establish Six Flags Qiddiya City as a premier entertainment destination. It offers a new option for those seeking high-quality leisure experiences without needing to travel outside the Kingdom.
The park's vice president of operations, Neil Dwyer, confirmed the ride specifications during the opening ceremony, highlighting the precision and advanced engineering involved in creating such a monumental attraction. The attention to detail in the design and construction of these rides underscores the ambition behind the Qiddiya City project.
