Six Flags Qiddiya to Open in Saudi Arabia in 2023

© Six Flags Qiddiya

Six Flags and Qiddiya Investment Company have announced the full design of Six Flags Qiddiya, a new themed park planned to open in Saudi Arabia in 2023.

“Our vision is to make Six Flags Qiddiya a theme park that delivers all the thrills and excitement that audiences from all over the world have come to expect from the Six Flags brand, and to elevate those experiences with authentic themes connected to the location. As a place that will create indelible memories and moments of delight, telling stories that resonate with our guests is a central notion that will be evident throughout Qiddiya,“ said Michael Reininger, Chief Executive Officer of QIC.

© Six Flags Qiddiya

The park will be divided into themed areas including Steam Town, Twilight Gardens, Valley of Fortune, the Grand Exposition, Discovery Springs and City of Thrills.  The rides planned for the park can be seen in a ton of concept art that has been released by the developers on the park's new website.  There will be a mix of family attractions along with some large thrill rides that will have ride fans excited.

Many of the attractions are slated to break world records upon their opening.  For example, the Sirocco Tower will be the world's tallest freefall attraction, though an exact height has not yet been given.

© Six Flags Qiddiya

Found in Steam Town, a western themed area, is the Iron Rattler Mine Train, which looks much more thrilling than most mine trains we've seen.  The ride features a rotating platform that holds trains toward the ground, only to release them into a spiraling serpent-like vertical drop into a mine shaft.  Another coaster at the park, Spitfire, will feature three launches, another highlight ride is Colossus, which sounds like a RMC hybrid wood coaster.

Six Flags Qiddiya's signature ride is Falcon's Flight, a nearly unbelievable attraction that the park says will be the world's longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster.  The ride looks to combine a traditional lift hill with possibly launched elements and a layout that covers well beyond the length of the park and up onto the surrounding landscape.  Building a ride of this size would be a massive undertaking, and I think all coaster fans should be hopeful this one comes into reality.