Six Flags Qiddiya City is the biggest new entertainment destination in the Middle East and the first Six Flags theme park ever built in Asia. Opened on New Year’s Eve 2025 as part of the massive Riyadh giga-project of Qiddiya City, the park sits just 45 kilometres southwest of downtown Riyadh and holds five simultaneous world records — including the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster on Earth. Whether you are planning a family holiday, a thrill-seeking day trip or a longer Saudi Arabia travel itinerary, this guide covers everything you need to know: rides, tickets, themed zones, getting there, what to eat, and how to plan the perfect visit.
Best Time to Visit: November to March (mild weather, 22–28°C highs)
Getting There: 45 km southwest of Riyadh — about 30 minutes by car
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa available online
Budget: SAR 325 / ~$85 USD per adult for a full day; SAR 260 / ~$70 for children
Must-See: Falcon’s Flight (world’s tallest coaster), Sirocco Tower, City of Thrills
Avoid: Visiting June–September — temperatures regularly exceed 45°C
What Is Six Flags Qiddiya City?
Six Flags Qiddiya City is a 79-acre (32-hectare) theme park owned by the Qiddiya Investment Company — a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) — and operated by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation under a management services agreement signed in February 2025. It is the centrepiece of Qiddiya City, a 360-square-kilometre Vision 2030 giga-project designed as “the first city built for play.”
The park opened on 31 December 2025 and was named one of TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2026.” It features 28 rides and attractions spread across six themed lands, all anchored by a central hub called The Citadel. Five of those rides hold world records, making this one of the most ambitious theme park launches in history.
Beyond Six Flags, Qiddiya City is also home to Aquarabia — the largest water park in the Middle East, which opened on 23 April 2026 — along with a motorsport circuit, a national tennis centre, golf courses, and eventually a Dragon Ball theme park (the first worldwide), performing arts venues and esports arenas.
The Six Themed Lands
Each of the park’s six zones was developed specifically for the Saudi market, blending Arabic design language with international theme park production values. Here is what to expect in each land.
City of Thrills
The park’s adrenaline capital. City of Thrills is a futuristic metropolis with Arabic architectural motifs and houses the headline attractions: Falcon’s Flight and Sirocco Tower. This is where the queues are longest and the screams are loudest. Arrive early — the rides here fill up fast in the first two hours after opening.
Discovery Springs
An aquatic and desert oasis-themed area that balances gentle family rides with moderate thrills. The lush landscaping and water features make this a welcome cooling-off zone on warmer days.
Grand Exposition
Inspired by international world fairs and exhibitions, Grand Exposition blends innovation and nostalgia. Expect interactive exhibits alongside mid-level rides — a strong choice for groups with mixed thrill tolerances.
Steam Town
A steampunk-flavoured zone built around mechanical marvels and dynamic contraptions. The industrial aesthetic and kinetic sculptures make it one of the most visually distinctive areas of the park, even if you skip the rides.
Twilight Gardens
Designed primarily for younger visitors, Twilight Gardens features an oversized fantasy landscape where children can explore rides scaled for smaller thrill-seekers. If you are visiting with kids under 10, this is where you will spend most of your time.
Valley of Fortune
Adventure among time-worn ruins inspired by Arabian architecture. Valley of Fortune blends archaeological storytelling with mid-to-high intensity rides. The theming is the most distinctly Saudi of any zone in the park.
World-Record Rides
Five rides at Six Flags Qiddiya City hold world records. Here are the headliners.
Falcon’s Flight — The World’s Tallest, Fastest and Longest Roller Coaster
Manufactured by Intamin, Falcon’s Flight is the undisputed star of the park and the reason many visitors make the trip. It holds three simultaneous world records:
| Record | Specification | Previous Record Holder |
|---|---|---|
| Tallest roller coaster | 195 m (640 ft) | Kingda Ka — 139 m (456 ft) |
| Fastest roller coaster | 250 km/h (155 mph) | Formula Rossa — 240 km/h (149 mph) |
| Longest roller coaster | 4,325 m (2.6 miles) | Steel Dragon 2000 — 2,479 m (1.54 miles) |
The ride uses three linear synchronous motor (LSM) launches. The second launch accelerates to around 160 km/h, while the final launch hits the full 250 km/h. A plunge of 158 metres (518 feet) follows. Classified as the world’s first “exa coaster” — a coaster exceeding 600 feet — Falcon’s Flight is reportedly visible from space.
Tip: Falcon’s Flight queues can exceed 90 minutes by mid-morning. If it is your priority ride, head directly to City of Thrills at park opening. The back rows deliver the most intense airtime on the drop.
Sirocco Tower — World’s Tallest Drop Tower
Standing 145 metres (475 feet) tall, Sirocco Tower is the world’s tallest freestanding drop tower. Riders ascend slowly for panoramic views of the Qiddiya plateau and the Riyadh skyline before a stomach-dropping freefall. Note that Sirocco Tower was not operational at the park’s December 2025 launch and is expected to open during 2026 — check the official website before your visit.
Iron Rattler — World’s Tallest Tilt Coaster
At approximately 63 metres (208 feet), Iron Rattler is the world’s tallest tilt roller coaster. The track tilts to a 90-degree angle before releasing the train into a beyond-vertical drop. It delivers sustained intensity without the extreme height of Falcon’s Flight — a strong second ride for the day.
Spitfire — World’s Tallest Triple-Launch Coaster
Spitfire uses three separate launch sequences to build speed through a compact, twisted layout. The triple-launch format means you barely catch your breath between acceleration phases.
Gyrospin — World’s Tallest Pendulum Ride
At 53 metres (173 feet), Gyrospin swings riders in a massive arc while spinning the gondola, delivering forces up to 5 Gs at the bottom of the swing. This is one of the most physically intense flat rides anywhere in the world.
Tickets and Pricing
Six Flags Qiddiya City uses a simple all-inclusive pricing model. Your ticket grants unlimited access to every ride and attraction for the full day.
| Ticket Type | Price (SAR) | Price (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Day — Adults (12+) | SAR 325 | ~$85 |
| Single Day — Children | SAR 260 | ~$70 |
| Family Fun Bundle (5 people) | SAR 1,200 | ~$320 |
| Disability / Companion / Nanny | SAR 75 | ~$20 |
| Infants (0–3 years) | Free | Free |
Tip: The Family Fun Bundle saves approximately SAR 370 compared to buying five individual adult tickets. Book online at sixflagsqiddiyacity.com to avoid box-office queues.
Getting to Six Flags Qiddiya City
From Central Riyadh
The park is roughly 45 kilometres southwest of central Riyadh, a drive of about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Take the Makkah Highway (Route 40) west, then follow signage for Qiddiya City. Parking is available on-site.
From King Khalid International Airport
The airport is approximately 70 kilometres from Qiddiya. By car or taxi, the journey takes 45–60 minutes. Ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem operate throughout Riyadh and provide the most straightforward airport transfer.
Public Transport
Riyadh Metro Line 3 can get you partway, but you will need a taxi for the final leg — roughly one hour total. Qiddiya City’s master plan includes eight metro stations and a high-speed rail link, but these are not yet operational. For now, a car is the most practical option.
Visa Requirements
Most visitors to Saudi Arabia need a tourist e-visa, which can be obtained online in minutes. Citizens of 49 eligible countries can apply through the official Saudi visa portal. The e-visa is valid for one year and permits multiple entries of up to 90 days each. GCC nationals do not need a visa.
Best Time to Visit
The Saudi Arabian climate dictates your park experience more than anything else.
- November to March — Peak season with comfortable temperatures between 22–28°C (72–82°F). The busiest months but by far the most pleasant for a full day outdoors.
- October and April — Shoulder season with slightly higher temperatures but smaller crowds and lower hotel prices. A strong compromise for budget-conscious visitors.
- May to September — Avoid if possible. Riyadh regularly exceeds 45°C (113°F), with July and August averaging 43°C highs. Standing in ride queues under direct sun at those temperatures is genuinely dangerous without constant hydration.
- Budget: Hostels and guesthouses from SAR 150–300/night ($40–80)
- Mid-range: Four-star hotels from SAR 400–700/night ($105–185)
- Luxury: Five-star hotels from SAR 1,200+/night ($320+)
- Dragon Ball Theme Park — the world’s first, expected in the Phase 2 build toward 2030
- Performing Arts Centre — a dedicated cultural venue
- Esports Arena — competitive gaming facilities
- Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium — a major sports venue
- Sun protection — sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are essential even in cooler months
- Water — stay hydrated, especially if visiting in shoulder season
- Comfortable shoes — the park covers 79 acres and you will walk extensively
- Modest clothing — Saudi Arabia has a dress code for tourists; shoulders and knees should be covered
- Power bank — a full day of photos and navigation drains phone batteries fast
- Head straight to Falcon’s Flight at park opening — it has the longest queues
- Work through City of Thrills first, then move outward to less crowded zones
- Twilight Gardens and Discovery Springs tend to have shorter wait times throughout the day
- Weekdays (Sunday–Thursday) are significantly less crowded than weekends
- Day 1: Arrive in Riyadh, explore the old quarter walking tour and Masmak Fortress
- Day 2: Full day at Six Flags Qiddiya City
- Day 3: Diriyah UNESCO site, specialty coffee scene and the brunch circuit
- Day 4: Aquarabia Water Park or the Riyadh Aquarium with kids
- Day 5: Day trip to the Edge of the World escarpment or transfer to your next destination
- Riyadh Travel Guide 2026 — Everything you need to plan your Riyadh trip
- Best Theme Parks for Kids in Saudi Arabia — Family rides and attractions across the Kingdom
- Winter Wonderland Riyadh — Seasonal entertainment in the capital
- Top 10 Kid-Friendly Activities in Riyadh — Beyond the theme parks
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained
Tip: Friday and Saturday are the Saudi weekend. Visit Sunday to Thursday for shorter queues. The park is busiest during Saudi school holidays and national celebrations like Jeddah Season and Riyadh Season.
Where to Stay Near Qiddiya
Qiddiya City is building its own hospitality district, but options are still limited in 2026.
Within Qiddiya City
Aquarabia Park Hotel — A 550-room family-friendly hotel with direct access to Aquarabia Water Park. The most convenient option if you want to combine Six Flags with the water park over multiple days. Operated by Adeera, a Saudi-born hospitality brand developed specifically for Qiddiya.
In Riyadh
Most visitors stay in central Riyadh and drive to Qiddiya for the day. Options range from five-star international brands to budget-friendly guesthouses. The luxury hotels in Riyadh cluster around the Diplomatic Quarter and King Abdullah Financial District, both offering fast highway access to Qiddiya.
What Else Is in Qiddiya City?
Six Flags is just one piece of a much larger development. If you are spending more than a day in the area, here is what else is open or coming soon.
Aquarabia Water Park (Open)
Opened 23 April 2026, Aquarabia is the largest water park in the Middle East — more than 250,000 square metres with 22 rides across eight themed zones. Also operated by Six Flags under the same management agreement. A combined Six Flags + Aquarabia visit makes an excellent two-day itinerary.
Motorsport and Sports (Phase 1)
Qiddiya’s Speed Park includes a Formula One-grade circuit, karting tracks and automotive experience centres. A national tennis centre and golf courses are also part of the Phase 1 build, targeted for completion by 2028.
Coming Soon (Phase 2–3)
At full build-out, Qiddiya City plans to house 500,000 residents and include 12 theme parks, 275 rides, 400 attractions and 43 sports facilities.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
What to Bring
Ride Strategy
Food and Dining
The park offers a range of dining options across the six themed zones, from quick-service counters to sit-down restaurants. Expect typical theme park pricing — roughly SAR 50–100 ($13–27) for a meal. All food served in the Kingdom is halal.
Accessibility
Discounted tickets (SAR 75) are available for visitors with disabilities and their companions. The park provides accessible pathways throughout, though some rides have height and physical ability restrictions.
Combining Six Flags with a Riyadh Itinerary
Six Flags Qiddiya City works best as a full-day excursion within a broader Riyadh trip. Here is how it fits into a wider itinerary:
For families, pair Six Flags with the best theme parks for kids in Saudi Arabia guide for a comprehensive entertainment itinerary. If you are visiting during the cooler months, Winter Wonderland Riyadh offers a different flavour of seasonal entertainment.