Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya to build region’s largest water theme park

Saudi Arabia Qiddiya Investment Co. will construct the region’s largest water theme park as a cornerstone of its Six Flags Qiddiya City venture. (SPA)
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Updated 06 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya to build region’s largest water theme park

  • Aquarabia will also feature the first underwater adventure trip with diving vehicles

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.
 


King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025

Updated 02 January 2026
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King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz International Airport has achieved a new historical milestone, reaching 53.4 million passengers in a single year.

This is the highest number ever recorded at a Saudi airport since the beginning of air travel in the Kingdom, placing it among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger traffic, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The airport handled a total of 310,000 flights and 60.4 million bags, representing a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. It also handled 9.57 million Zamzam water containers and 2,968 cargo flights. 

This achievement reflects the airport’s qualitative transformation and its position as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world. It also highlights its role in facilitating the movement of visitors and pilgrims, promoting tourism in line with the goals of Vision 2030, diversifying the economy, and providing a distinguished travel experience. 

For his part, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. Mazen Johar, affirmed that reaching 53.4 million passengers confirms the airport’s high operational readiness and represents a pivotal milestone for moving to the next phase, in preparation for doubling this number, God willing, in the coming years. 

He pointed out that this national achievement would not have been possible without the grace of God Almighty, followed by the directives of the wise leadership and the continuous follow-up from the minister of transport and logistics, the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the CEO of Airports Holding Co. 

He explained that King Abdulaziz International Airport is strengthening its position as a major aviation hub in the region through expansions, increased capacity, and improved services, supporting the objectives of the aviation program and aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. 

The CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. expressed his gratitude to the partners in success from various government and private sectors for their fruitful cooperation through a collaborative work system that contributed to providing the best services.