The board of directors of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has announced the launch of Aquarabia, the first and biggest water theme park in Saudi Arabia. Set in Qiddiya City, Aquarabia will be a fitting addition to Six Flags Qiddiya City, the first Six Flags park ever developed and constructed outside of North America.
Adopting Qiddiya’s Power of Play principle, Aquarabia is set to become Saudi Arabia’s first domestic water theme park, attracting guests from all over the world with its twenty-two rides and family-friendly aquatic attractions. The tallest water coaster, largest drop body slide, tallest water slide and longest mat racer are among the four world records that will be included. The first underwater adventure ride featuring fully submersible cars will also be available at Aquarabia.
In addition to the Kingdom’s first surf pool, thrill-seekers can experience an extreme watersports zone with activities including rafting, kayaking, canyoneering, free solo climbing, and cliff jumping. Furthermore, with its theming centred around ancient desert wellsprings and Qiddiya’s wildlife searching for an oasis, Aquarabia will offer immersive, narrative-based design features and attractions rarely found in water parks.
WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, will design and deliver 22 exhilarating rides and attractions for Aquarabia, including some record-breaking and signature experiences. The park will feature many attractions not yet seen before in the Middle East.
Expanding Qiddiya’s entertainment offering
Qiddiya Investment Company managing director Abdullah Aldawood says: “This announcement marks a significant milestone for Qiddiya City and for the entertainment, tourism and sports sector. As we keep expanding our entertainment offering, Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City will fulfil the diverse entertainment needs of our community, contribute to the diversification of our economy and create job opportunities in the tourism sector.”
Alongside Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia will enhance Qiddiya City’s theme park offerings. The new Six Flags theme park will be home to five world-record-breaking coasters across six distinctively themed lands.
This includes the world’s tallest free-standing shot tower ride, Sirocco Tower; the world’s tallest pendulum ride, Gyropsin; the tallest inverted top hat coaster, Spitfire; the tallest tilt coaster, Iron Rattler; and, last but not least, the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, Falcons Flight, which will run parallel to the Formula One track.
Both parks will be situated in a completely walkable area of Qiddiya City, offering tourists an array of accommodations and restaurants alongside a green oasis where they can relax between heart-pounding rides. Thanks to creative architecture and infrastructure, visitors can move about with ease, reducing travel time and increasing enjoyment.
Qiddiya City and Vision 2030
Presently, both parks are under construction, with completion anticipated by 2025. They will be the first attractions in Qiddiya City in response to the growing domestic demand in the Kingdom for fresh, immersive entertainment experiences and water-based activities.
As part of Saudi Vision 2030, Qiddiya City hopes to boost local tourism and jobs while offering leisure alternatives to its citizens. Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City are expected to create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in total, which will make a substantial contribution to the Kingdom’s economic diversification and GDP targets.
Qiddiya City, a new master-planned destination, presents a unique chance to incorporate sustainability throughout all stages of development, including design, building, and operation. As a result, Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of sustainable practices, implementing best practices in waste management and water consumption through cutting-edge technology and design.
With the help of specialised filters, the water theme park can minimise energy consumption and reduce water waste by up to 90% when using recycled water for cooling and irrigation. Additionally, Six Flags Qiddiya City strives to divert over 80% of its operational waste from landfills through recycling.
Other highlights in Qiddiya City will include a gaming and esports district, the Speed Park Track, golf courses and more. Recently, QIC also announced that it is building the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park as part of the Qiddiya giga-project.
Images: Qiddiya
