“We’re excited to showcase this to the world after almost five years in development,” says Machamer. He’s talking about what is arguably Saudi Arabia’s most eagerly awaited new theme park. An investment worth SAR 3.75 billion (US$1bn), Six Flags Qiddiya City is a cornerstone of the wider Qiddiya City giga-project outside Riyadh, which is guided by the “Power of Play” philosophy.
Other than one key attraction, details about what will be inside each park have been scarce until now. Yet as they move closer to opening, Machamer is finally able to share some details.
A theme park veteran with 35 years of experience, Brian Machamer arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2019. Initially hired to help with the masterplan of another giga-project, Neom, he transferred to the Six Flags Qiddiya City’s team later that same year.
Machamer now works out of the Qiddiya Experience Centre as construction takes place at a frenetic pace all around him. The US-born park president grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He began his career in the industry at Universal Orlando Resort, where he spent 11 years. He then held senior management roles at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, Resorts World Genting in Malaysia and Dubai Parks and Resorts.
Launching a new industry in Saudi Arabia
So Machamer is no stranger to the Middle East (he also worked on plans for the ill-fated Universal Studios Dubailand project in 2008/9). But what is happening right now in Saudi Arabia is different, he believes. And it eclipses some of the ambitious projects he was involved with in Asia too.
“You always think, ‘Well, I’m not going to do a project on that scale again.’ And then the next one comes along. But I think the big difference this time is Vision 2030 and the Crown Prince’s vision for the entire Kingdom. To be part of not just building an amazing theme park or water theme park but launching a new industry in a country is something I’ll truly never get a chance to do again in my lifetime.”
Six Flags Qiddiya City will be the first entertainment outlet to open at one of the first KSA giga-projects to come to fruition. It’s also the first Six Flags theme park to be built from the ground up since 1971, or anywhere outside of North America. The attraction line-up is full of superlatives. One way or another, a lot of expectation is riding on what Machamer and his team will deliver.
Six Flags Qiddiya City comes to life
“Sometimes people ask, ’When’s this parking going to be finished?’,” says Machamer. “But these are large-scale projects, right? They are not built overnight. It’s not like adding a new ride or a land to an existing theme park.”
Forty minutes from the Saudi capital, against the imposing backdrop of the Tuwaiq mountain range, things are taking shape ahead of an expected 2025 launch for Six Flags Qiddiya City.
“For a long period of time, you could sit at your desk looking at blueprints and drawings, and look outside and just see dessert. But now it’s coming to life. Visitors to the site are thoroughly impressed with all the vertical construction that is happening.”
He adds the Coronavirus pandemic did not impact the progress of the project; “We were still in design phase, we were able to keep the ball moving forward.”
Six Flags Qiddiya City’s 28 themed rides and attractions will be spread across an area of over 320,000 square metres. Ten will be thrill rides, and five signature, record-breaking attractions as follows:
• Falcons Flight. The world’s tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster, by Intamin.
• Sirocco Tower. The world’s tallest, free-standing shot tower ride, by S&S.
• Gyrospin. The world’s tallest pendulum ride, by Zamperla.
• Spitfire. The world’s tallest inverted top hat launch coaster, by Intamin.
• Iron Rattler: The world’s tallest tilt coaster, by Vekoma.
Thrill rides and unparalleled theming
“When you look at Falcons Flight – a ride that is going to hold three world records – from a Six Flags and thrill standpoint, that’s totally on-brand,” says Machamer. “So yes, we’re a thrill park. But of course, we will also have attractions for families and young children.”
For example, there will be a traditional log flume, ZoomaFlooma by WhiteWater, as well as two interactive dark rides. Into The Deep promises to take passengers on a journey into mysterious caves. Meanwhile, the Enchanted Greenhouse will be a slower dark ride experience but one that sounds like a lot of fun as riders help the character ‘Farasha’ awaken the creatures in her magic garden with a dew sprayer.
Machamer says what sets Six Flags Qiddiya City apart from other parks is its “unparalleled dedication to theming. Each of the six lands within the park offers visitors a unique and immersive journey. As someone who’s predominantly been involved in theme parks with various IPs, what attracted me most to this project was when I saw the level of theming and creativity.”
Six Flags Qiddiya City: the themed lands
- The City of Thrills. Here guests are expected to make a beeline for Falcons Flight. The park’s signature coaster is inspired by falconry, a Saudi tradition.
- Discovery Springs. Reflecting Qiddiya City’s relationship between the desert and the sea. Rides will include Sea Stallion, an interactive Spike Coaster from Maurer Rides, as well as an interactive dark ride from Triotech.
- Steam Town. A frontier town where the past and future collide. Home to the Iron Rattler Mine Train and Steam Town Falls water coaster.
- Twilight Gardens. An oversized landscape for younger visitors filled with colourful flowers and friendly creatures. Featured attractions include the Twilight Express Coaster and Critter Chase dark ride.
- Valley of Fortune. Attractions such as the Spitfire triple-launch coaster, Skywatch, Treasure Trail, and Aeromax will be set amongst Arabian architectural ruins.
- Grand Exposition. Home to Colossus by Great Coasters International, plus Gyrospin, Expo Flyer, Arabian Carousel and more.
Introducing Aquarabia: a next-level water theme park
Next to Six Flags Qiddiya City will be Aquarabia, set to be more than just a water park. The folks from Qiddiya are keen for you to know that this is, in fact, a water theme park. The 250,000 square metre facility will feature eight themed zones taking inspiration from the rich wildlife of the region. Prepared to be amazed, says Machamer.
“Aquarabia stands as a testament to innovation and imagination. The park’s design is a masterpiece of creativity and engineering, offering an unparalleled aquatic adventure for visitors of all ages.”
There will be not just water slides but also dry rides among the park’s 22 attractions. This includes the world’s first Aquaticar submersible ride experience by Sub Sea Systems. Record-breaking, signature attractions, all by WhiteWater, will include the world’s tallest and longest water coaster, tallest and longest mat racers, tallest drop slide and a double AquaLoop. This is in addition to the world’s largest children’s aquatic play structure and the first surf pool in Saudi. The project’s architect is Dewan.
For guests who want a little privacy, there will be 81 cabanas to rent around the park, including adjoining units over two floors. “We have designed what are more or less air-conditioned hotel rooms,” says Machamer. “Larger families could combine cabanas upstairs or downstairs.”
Dining, entertainment and climate
Linking the two parks will be a walkable retail, dining, and entertainment district in Qiddiya City. Within this will be various accommodation offerings including a hotel offering direct access to Aquarabia.
“So you could spend the day in the water theme park, go back to your room and change, enjoy dinner and experience the Six Flags park in the evening,” says Machamer.
He adds that it’s common in the Middle East for people to head out after sunset, especially during summer when “It’s warm, but not uncomfortable”.
Cooling systems in ride queue lines and the central Citadel area of Six Flags Qiddiya City, plus variable water temperatures at Aquarabia are some of the provisions that will be made with guest comfort in mind. Both parks will open year round taking seasonality and weather fluctuations into account.
Six Flags Qiddiya City: delivering on Vision 2030
Machamer acknowledges that there was some scepticism about elements of the theme park, particularly Falcons Flight.
“Its sheer magnitude and complexity undoubtedly raised eyebrows and sparked discussions within the industry and among enthusiasts. However, it’s often these daring endeavours that redefine what’s possible and push the boundaries. Falcons Flight stands as a testament to the visionary spirit driving the project forward. I can assure everyone that our falcon is coming together nicely and will be ready to take flight when we open our doors.”
Furthermore, he believes the market is there to sustain both parks and the wider development planned at Qiddiya City. That includes further entertainment options such as a gaming and esports district, and the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park, in addition to an F1 circuit, golf courses and other places to live and play.
“I think this is what the Kingdom needs. And it needs to meet the highest delivery standards to deliver on Vision 2030. This is going to drive people not just from Saudi but from all over the world. It’s enough to shock the system but in a good way.”
Recruiting staff and building expectations
The president of Six Flags Qiddiya City and Aquarabia believes the two parks will be, “Amazing not just from a visitor’s perspective, but also an employment perspective and for getting people to move into this industry. The response from Saudi talents to the job opportunities has been overwhelmingly positive, exceeding expectations.”
In total, 10,000 direct and indirect roles will be created. Currently, 46% of the team is Saudi. The plan is to increase this to 65% by the time both parks are open and further afterwards. This is in line with Vision 2030‘s goals of local talent development and empowering Saudi citizens in the workforce.
At Six Flags Qiddiya City, the team will be charged with delivering what Machamer describes as, “Dynamic and immersive entertainment experiences that captivate guests of all ages. The park goes above and beyond, pushing the boundaries of thrill, entertainment, and creativity.”
The development of both parks is expected to be completed by 2025. Although the opening date has yet to be revealed, two things seem certain: We won’t have to wait much longer, and the superlatives will keep flying.
