RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Qiddiya Investment Co. will construct the region’s largest water theme park as a cornerstone of its Six Flags Qiddiya City venture it was announced on Monday.
To be named Aquarabia, Qiddiya hopes to draw visitors from around the globe with 22 attractions and water experiences suitable for all family members, as well as some “world-first” attractions, Saudi Press Agency reported.
These attractions include the world’s first double water loop, the tallest water coaster with the highest jump, the longest and highest water racing track, and the tallest water slide.

Aquarabia will also feature the first underwater adventure trip with diving vehicles, catering to adventure enthusiasts with water sports areas designated for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, free solo climbing, and cliff jumping.
Additionally, the park will introduce the first surfing pool in the Kingdom, incorporating immersive design elements themed around ancient desert water springs and Qiddiya’s wildlife.
With sustainability in mind, Aquarabia will implement advanced systems capable of reducing water waste by up to 90 percent and decreasing energy consumption. As part of the Six Flags Qiddiya project, the venture, the first Six Flags of its kind outside North America, aims to recycle operational waste, diverting over 80 percent from landfill.

Scheduled to open in 2025, both Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City are situated within Qiddiya City, forming a fully walkable neighborhood offering a diverse array of activities, accommodations, dining options, and relaxation spots.
Abdullah Al-Dawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Co., hailed the announcement as a significant milestone for Qiddiya and the entertainment, tourism, and sports sectors in the Kingdom.
He emphasized that the projects will cater to diverse entertainment needs while contributing to economic diversification and job creation in the tourism sector.
The project also aims to meet the growing local demand for immersive entertainment experiences, particularly in water activities, aligning with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance local tourism and employment opportunities.
The unveiling of Aquarabia follows the announcement of several other entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions in Qiddiya, including the world’s first multi-use gaming and electronic sports area, the multi-sport Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and the Dragon Ball amusement park.
 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air plans to bolster its aircraft lineup through additional orders, as it requires “a very large fleet” to establish itself alongside regional giants, stated the CEO. 

This move comes as the Kingdom’s second flag carrier, backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund, ordered 39 Boeing 787-9 jets last year, with options for 33 more. 

It also aligns well with Saudi Arabia’s goal to expand its aviation industry and attract more tourists, broadening its airline capacity beyond pilgrimage travel, which currently forms the backbone of the country’s inbound tourism. 

“We need a very large fleet, we’re going to make a number of additional orders,” CEO of Riyadh Air, Tony Douglas, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. 

He added: “We will be making a narrowbody order, we’ll probably be doing another large order after that to build us up to scale.”  

During the interview, Douglas, who previously led the Abu Dhabi flag carrier Etihad Airways, expressed being “very conscious” of potential delays to aircraft deliveries. This concern arises as both Boeing and Airbus SE grapple with production challenges amidst record demand and supply issues at the two plane makers. 

The establishment of a second Saudi national airline alongside the existing flag carrier Saudia is part of the Kingdom’s economic diversification plan. 

In November 2023, Douglas expressed confidence in the demand for travel. “We’re not well enough connected. It’s as simple as that,” he said at the time. 

The new airline stands to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing economy and the increasing influx of tourists to the Kingdom. Riyadh Air does not intend to pursue mergers and acquisitions to fuel its growth. “No, it’s organic,” Douglas emphasized at the time. 

The initial destinations will include major cities in Europe, the US East Coast, and Canada, with the inaugural flight scheduled to depart by June 2025. 

By that time, Riyadh Air will have secured slots at major airports, Douglas mentioned, although hubs like London Heathrow are already operating close to capacity. 

“It won’t be easy ... but we have no reason to be anything other than confident that we’ll resolve all of that,” he said at the time.