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.
 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 10,912 

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Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 10,912 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Sunday, gaining 93.86 points, or 0.87 percent, to close at 10,912.18. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index stood at SR3.03 billion ($809 million), with 230 stocks advancing and 29 declining.  

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also gained 29.13 points, or 0.12 percent, to close at 23,442.91, as 43 stocks advanced and 25 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index added 9.48 points, or 0.65 percent, to end the session at 1,466.52.  

Arabian Shield Cooperative Insurance Co. was the best-performing stock of the day, with its share price surging 8.55 percent to SR11.94. 

Other top performers included CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co., which rose 6.33 percent to SR23.50, and BAAN Holding Group Co., whose shares climbed 6.06 percent to SR2.10.  

United International Holding Co. recorded the steepest decline, falling 2.34 percent to SR146.20. 

SEDCO Capital REIT Fund also saw its share price drop 2.17 percent to SR6.77, while Saudi Manpower Solutions Co. declined 1.58 percent to SR5.60.  

On the corporate front, Saudi Electricity Co. announced the completion of a US dollar-denominated senior unsecured sukuk issuance under its international sukuk program, offered to eligible investors in Saudi Arabia and globally. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the company completed the issuance of a three-tranche sukuk with maturities of three, six and 10 years, raising an aggregate $2.4 billion. The sukuk will be listed on the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market.  

Saudi Electricity Co. closed the session at SR14.09, down 0.57 percent. 

Najran Cement Co. said it has secured a mid-term, Shariah-compliant loan of SR50 million from Saudi National Bank to support subsidiary expansion. A bourse filing said the financing will be repaid over five years in semi-annual instalments, with a six-month grace period. 

Najran Cement Co. ended the session at SR6.59, up 0.92 percent. 

Almarai Co. announced its consolidated financial results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, reporting a net profit of SR2.45 billion, up 6.2 percent year on year. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the increase was driven by higher revenue growth, disciplined cost control, an improved revenue mix and lower funding costs. 

Almarai Co. closed at SR43.60, up 0.97 percent.