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Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) staged a press conference on Monday, August 25, to discuss plans for the Six Flags theme park that will anchor its new entertainment destination outside the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. Among other things, media representatives were told that this will be the largest and most expensive Six Flags park to date, featuring 28 rides and attractions. Twelve of those will set new world records, including the world's tallest, longest and fastest roller coaster. In addition, it will feature the world's tallest triple launch coaster, a tilting coaster, a wood-steel hybrid coaster, a record-breaking drop tower, multiple water rides, interactive dark rides and immersive experiences. Spanning 32 hectares (79 acres), Six Flags Qiddiya is set to open during Qiddiya's first phase in 2023. QIC promises that the wider 334 square-kilometre destination, built to a masterplan by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), will become the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capital for entertainment, sports and the arts. As a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by Saudi's Public Investment Fund, QIC is not obliged to reveal the total investment cost. However, as a 'giga' project, the entire development is expected to cost the equivalent of “multiple billion US dollars,” according to chief executive officer Michael Reininger. Six Flags will build and operate the theme park in a co-operative licensing agreement with QIC. “Our vision,” says Reininger, “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.” Set against a dramatic backdrop of sandstone cliffs 45km from central Riyadh, the park's location is certainly distinctive. A Qiddiya Experience Centre currently stands next to the site, and construction is expected to begin in 2020. Qiddiya itself broke ground in April of last year. “We are thrilled to be part of a project of such scale and scope and are proud to celebrate this milestone with Qiddiya,” said David McKillips, president of Six Flags International, at the recent press conference. Comprising six themed lands, Six Flags Qiddiya will be “designed for Saudis of all ages who seek family entertainment experiences steeped in their rich culture and history.” Serving as the central hub to the park will be a covered area called The Citadel. Shops, cafes and restaurants will be accomodated beneath a billowing canopy inspired by traditional Bedouin tents. From here guests can pass enter through portals to each of the themed lands. Here is some what will await guests at Six Flags Qiddiya in each of these lands: The City of Thrills is described as a “forward-looking, boundary-pushing, future city anchored in Arabic design motifs.” Attractions highlights will include the park's signature Falcon's Flight. The launch coaster will be longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, its layout partially following the natural terrain. Sirocco Tower, meanwhile, will be the world’s tallest drop-tower. At Discovery Springs, guests will be able to enjoy a variety of attractions that often a welcome respite from the heat as they stroll among waterfalls, aqueducts, geysers, exotic plants and trees. The key ride here wil be Sea Stallion, a coaster-like attraction called where riders can control the speed and acceleration of their own vehicle. Other rides will include an interactive dark ride and water-based drop tower called The Plunge. In Steam Town, “the past and future collide in a rugged frontier town powered by steam and echoes with screams.” Key attractions will include the Sawmill Falls water coaster and Iron Rattler Mine Train. The latter will be a tilting coaster with a hydraulic lift followed by a plunge into a steam-filled mineshaft. Designed for younger children and their families, Twilight Gardens is an oversized landscape filled with colourful flowers and friendly creatures. Attractions will include the Twilight Express coaster and Critter Chase, a 3D interactive dark ride. At night, the area will come alive with twinkling lights and glowing displays. Valley of Fortune is set amidst “time-worn architectural ruins of old Arabian masonry, enlivened by the activity and trade of fortune seekers from around the world.” The land’s signature ride will be a triple launch coaster. Named Spitfire, it will feature the world's tallest inversion. Other attractions will include a flying island called Skywatch. Fusing elements of traditional carnival midways with great feats of science and technology, Grand Exposition will boast its own Arabian Carousel. Thrill seekers, however, may head straight for the Gyro Pendulum swing ride or Colossus. Taking the name of one Six Flags' most loved coasters, the latter will be a wood-steel hybrid featuring 800 metres of track. The park will be built to accommodate 10-15,000 people per day. Operating year-round, in the summer months it will stay open late to allow guests to combat the heat. Furthermore, shading, landscaping and water misters will be employed to cool visitors down. (At the press conference this week, outside temperature were 43°C). Six Flags Qiddiya will form Qiddiya's 'Resort Core' together with a motorsport theme park, a waterpark and dining and entertainment district. Also opening in phase I will be five hotels, catering to different markets and price points. Built in three phases, Qiddiya will eventually feature additional elements including an Eco Core focusing on sports, a Motion Core hosting events, plus a residential neighbourhood and golf courses. The ambitious project represents a key part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to boost tourism revenue to 10 per cent of GDP. According to QIC, the destination will “unlock tremendous opportunity, enabling economic diversification, while enhancing the quality of life for Saudi citizens.” This and other planned entertainment offerings in the Kingdom are also intended to slow the exodus of Saudis to heading to attractions elsewhere in the GCC region and beyond. The target market for Six Flags Qiddiya is primarily domestic, however with its headline-grabbing rides and attractions it seems sure to attract interest from much further afield. A full feature on Six Flags Qiddiya will follow soon on Blooloop, when we hope to reveal more about the park's rides and attractions. Several leading manufacturers are already on board. www.qiddiya.com

New Six Flags Qiddiya theme park will be largest yet

27th August 2019
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) staged a press conference on August 25th, to discuss plans for the...
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Hear JRA speak at six industry events this fall

21st August 2019
From Paris to Seattle, and three other French/American cities in between, representatives of the...
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Spirit of old Shanghai comes alive at Dream Bund theme park, designed by Legacy Entertainment

20th August 2019
Dream Bund movie studio and theme park, the latest Chinese project designed by Legacy Entertainment...
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Rulantica: a sneak peak at Europa-Park’s new waterpark with Michael Kreft von Byern

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1st August 2019
This summer sees some enticing new attractions for visitors to Europe's theme parks and amusement...
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Friends pop-up experience coming soon to New York City

30th July 2019
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