Saudi Gigaproject Opens With World’s Largest and Fastest Roller Coaster



Saudi Arabia has taken a monumental step in its transformation from an oil-dependent economy into one of the wld’s most ambitious entertainment and tourism hubs. On December 31, 2025, the kingdom officially opened Six Flags Qiddiya City — a sprawling theme park near Riyadh that is home to Falcon’s Flight, the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster — marking a key milestone in the massive Qiddiya gigaproject.

A New Entertainment Capital Rises

Qiddiya City sits about 40 minutes west of Riyadh in the Tuwaiq Mountains and represents one of the crown jewels of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the long-term strategy to diversify the nation’s economy beyond hydrocarbons. Designed to become a global destination for entertainment, sport, culture, and lifestyle experiences, Qiddiya spans hundreds of square kilometers and encompasses theme parks, water parks, cultural venues, sporting arenas, residential zones, and hospitality offerings.

At its heart — and serving as its first major attraction — is Six Flags Qiddiya City, the first-ever Six Flags theme park built outside North America. The park features 28 rides and immersive attractions across six themed lands, catering to thrill-seekers and families alike.

Falcon’s Flight: Redefining Roller Coasters

The centerpiece of Six Flags Qiddiya City is Falcon’s Flight, an engineering marvel that has rewritten the global record books. Manufactured by Swiss coaster specialists Intamin, this steel, magnetic-launch coaster pushes the boundaries of speed and scale:

🔥 Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)

📏 Track length: Over 4,200 meters (2.6 miles)

🏔 Height: Approx. 195 meters (640 ft)

These staggering figures make Falcon’s Flight the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, surpassing long-standing records held by rides in the United States and Japan.

The ride uses advanced Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) launches — a high-tech propulsion system that accelerates trains to breakneck speed within seconds — and incorporates dramatic drops and proximity runs alongside the rugged desert terrain. The result is an adrenaline-fueled experience that combines technological precision with breathtaking natural vistas.

More Than Just a Coaster

While Falcon’s Flight steals headlines, Six Flags Qiddiya City offers much more. Other standout attractions include:

Iron Rattler: The world’s tallest tilt coaster, tilting riders out over breathtaking angles.

Spitfire: The tallest inverted triple-launch coaster, flipping thrill-seekers through inversions and high-speed twists.

Sirocco Tower: A towering free-fall attraction that adds another dimension to the park’s thrill lineup.

Beyond record-breaking coasters, the park delivers family-friendly rides, international dining options, retail zones, and themed environments that make it a full-day destination for guests of all ages.

Strategic Vision and Economic Impact

Six Flags Qiddiya City is far more than an amusement park — it is a strategic investment in Saudi Arabia’s future. As a flagship asset of Qiddiya City, the park is expected to be a major driver of tourism, job creation, and economic diversification. Plans for the larger Qiddiya development envision millions of visitors annually, generating billions in annual economic activity and supporting more than 300,000 jobs across entertainment, hospitality, retail, and services.

This push aligns with Riyadh’s broader efforts to expand its tourism footprint, attract international visitors, and build a vibrant domestic entertainment industry — goals that are central to Vision 2030’s promise of cultural and economic transformation.

Global Ambitions, Local Opportunities

Saudi Arabia’s investment in Six Flags Qiddiya City reflects a broader trend of mega-projects across the kingdom. From the ultra-luxury developments in Neom to the heritage revitalization of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia is betting big on large-scale attractions that can compete with world-class destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America.

For local citizens and residents, the park also represents new leisure opportunities. Previously, Middle Eastern thrill-ride enthusiasts often traveled abroad for major coaster experiences. With the opening of Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia now offers a homegrown entertainment hub that combines international standards with regional convenience.

Challenges and Future Growth

Despite the fanfare, executing a project of this scale is not without challenges. Building and maintaining large outdoor attractions in a desert climate requires careful planning around heat management, sustainability, and visitor comfort. Moreover, encouraging repeat visitation — key to long-term commercial success — will depend on expanding attractions and offering year-round appeal.

To address these needs, Qiddiya’s master plan includes additional parks, entertainment venues, high-speed transport links, luxury hotels, and residential areas. Partnerships with global technology and hospitality firms aim to keep Qiddiya at the cutting edge of guest experience.

Conclusion: A New Era in Saudi Entertainment

The opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City — anchored by the world’s tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster, Falcon’s Flight — marks a landmark moment for Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions. More than just a thrill ride, this record-breaking attraction is part of a larger strategy to create a global entertainment destination that rivals the world’s most iconic parks.

As the kingdom continues to build out Qiddiya City and other mega-projects, this desert-born destination is set to transform how the world — and the region — experiences leisure, adventure, and culture. **For thrill-seekers and travelers alike, the future looks fast, tall, and exciting.**