Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City to open Six Flags theme park in December 

The park — the first Six Flags outside North America — forms part of Qiddiya Investment Co.’s flagship development on the outskirts of Riyadh. SPA
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Updated 16 November 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City to open Six Flags theme park in December 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will open its first Six Flags theme park on Dec. 31, 2025, as Qiddiya City accelerates efforts to position itself as a major regional hub for entertainment, sports, and culture.   

The park — the first Six Flags outside North America — forms part of Qiddiya Investment Co.’s flagship development on the outskirts of Riyadh. Located in the Tuwaiq Mountains about 40 minutes from the capital, Qiddiya City is being marketed as a master-planned destination built around the company’s “Power of Play” strategy, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 

Qiddiya is central to Saudi Arabia’s transformation strategy under Vision 2030, with the Kingdom targeting up to 150 million visitors annually by 2030 as the nation moves beyond oil-led growth. 

Brian Machamer, president of Six Flags Qiddiya City, said: “Six Flags Qiddiya City not only opens its door to the public for the first time, it starts to showcase everything Qiddiya City stands for: bold imagination, unforgettable experiences, and a new benchmark for global entertainment.” 

Six Flags Qiddiya City will feature 28 rides, including several promoted as record-breakers: the Falcons Flight roller coaster, billed as the world’s tallest, fastest and longest; the Iron Rattler, described as the world’s tallest tilt coaster; and Spitfire, marketed as the world’s tallest inverted coaster.  

The park also includes 18 family-oriented rides, as well as international dining outlets and retail stores offering exclusive Six Flags merchandise. 

Qiddiya City is expected to eventually feature hundreds of attractions, along with residential, retail, office, hospitality, healthcare and educational facilities in a large-scale, mixed-use district. The development is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to expand its tourism sector and diversify its economy beyond oil. 

The theme park will open daily at 4 p.m., with complimentary shuttles connecting visitors from designated parking areas and from Jeddah Metro Station, where services will begin at 3 p.m. All shuttle services are accessible for guests with disabilities. 

Tickets will start at SR325 ($87) for adults and SR275 for children, while infants under four will be admitted free. Visitors will have the option to purchase an Unlimited GoFast Pass for priority access to selected rides. Discounted tickets for people with special needs, senior citizens and companions will be sold exclusively at the park, starting from SR75. 


Cruise Saudi strengthens global ties as Celestyal makes maiden calls to Jeddah

Updated 10 December 2025
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Cruise Saudi strengthens global ties as Celestyal makes maiden calls to Jeddah

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is accelerating its push to become a global cruise hub, with Cruise Saudi — a wholly owned Public Investment Fund subsidiary — expanding international partnerships to draw more travelers to the Kingdom’s Red Sea and Arabian Gulf ports.

The latest milestone came as award-winning Greek cruise line Celestyal completed its first-ever calls to Jeddah, signaling rising global interest in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions.

The visits form part of Cruise Saudi’s strategy to build a year-round cruise ecosystem that supports tourism growth, boosts local supply chains, and contributes to the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification.

Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — AlUla, Jeddah Historic District, and Al-Ahsa Oasis — are now accessible by sea, with curated shore excursions designed to deepen visitor engagement.

Cruise Saudi aims to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035, creating 50,000 direct and indirect jobs and positioning the Kingdom as a premier international cruise destination.

The 1,360-passenger Celestyal Discovery arrived in Jeddah on Dec. 5, following the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, which made its maiden call on Nov. 29. The Journey concluded a seven-night Athens–Jeddah itinerary with stops in Turkiye and Egypt, marked by a traditional plaque exchange ceremony attended by Cruise Saudi executives, port officials and Celestyal representatives.

Passengers were welcomed with traditional Saudi hospitality and toured Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, bustling souks, and cultural sites. Some Muslim travelers also visited Makkah to perform Umrah.

“We are honored to celebrate our maiden call in Jeddah alongside our partners at Cruise Saudi, marking the beginning of a long and effective relationship,” said Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal.

He added that Jeddah’s role as “the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia” presents strong potential for cruise tourism.

Barbara Buczek, chief destination experiences officer at Cruise Saudi, told Arab News: “This maiden Red Sea sailing highlights the strong appeal of the region and aligns with Cruise Saudi's commitment to developing seamless, high-quality cruise experiences in Saudi Arabia.”

She noted that Celestyal’s expanded itineraries reflect rising demand for distinctive Red Sea and Arabian Gulf voyages.

Since its launch in 2021, Cruise Saudi has activated five cruise ports, introduced Aroya Cruises, the Kingdom’s first homegrown cruise line, and established Aman at Sea, an ultra-luxury JV with Aman Group set to launch in 2027. The company manages the full value chain — from terminals and berths to curated excursions — and has already welcomed more than 600,000 passengers of over 120 nationalities.

Celestyal, which carries more than 140,000 passengers annually across two refurbished vessels, is aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to transform coastal tourism. After departing Jeddah, both Celestyal ships continued to Abu Dhabi to begin the company’s second Arabian Gulf season.

Aroya Cruises has also launched a new seasonal program featuring stops in Mykonos, Athens, Crete, and coastal cities in Turkiye, expanding on a successful inaugural season that attracted over 95,000 guests.

The growing activity underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a world-class cruise destination, supported by modern infrastructure, expanding routes, and experiences that highlight the Kingdom’s culture, heritage and hospitality.