RIYADH: In a major milestone for Saudi Arabia’s leisure and tourism ambitions, the opening ceremony at Six Flags Qiddiya City was held on Monday under the patronage of Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Riyadh’s governor, marking the launch of the first attraction within Qiddiya’s entertainment ecosystem.

In a post on X, the official account of Qiddiya City said: “Today, under the patronage of Governor of Riyadh Province HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the Six Flags Qiddiya City opening ceremony commenced, redefining the Kingdom’s entertainment sector.”

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb also posted on X following the opening, saying: “From the heart of the world’s largest entertainment capital, we inaugurate today Six Flags Qiddiya as the first global expansion of the brand outside North America: A global destination embracing five experiences and rides … placing Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global entertainment tourism map.”

Six Flags Qiddiya City features a range of world-class rides alongside immersive experiences supported by advanced technologies, all within a design that links entertainment with place and identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The opening reflected the rapid progress the Kingdom is witnessing in developing the entertainment sector and consolidating its position as a global destination for major entertainment projects, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Abdullah Aldawood, the managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, expressed his appreciation of the Riyadh governor’s patronage and attendance, noting his enthusiasm and support for initiatives that enhanced development in the region.

The opening represents a practical embodiment of the city’s vision, and Aldawood said: “We are building a destination that inspires imagination, ignites excitement, and brings people together through exceptional experiences.”

The official opening ceremony was attended by Al-Khateeb, Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Esports Federation Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, and a number of ministers and senior officials.

The theme park opens to the public on Dec. 31 as Qiddiya City accelerates efforts to position itself as a major regional hub for entertainment, sports, and culture.

The park forms part of Qiddiya Investment Company’s flagship development on the outskirts of Riyadh. Located in the Tuwaiq Mountains, about 50 minutes by car from the capital, Qiddiya City is being marketed as a master-planned destination built around the company’s Power of Play strategy.

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

The site features 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 offers 18 family-oriented rides, as well as international dining outlets and retail stores offering exclusive Six Flags merchandise.

Tickets start at SR325 ($87) for adults and SR275 for children, while children under 4 will be admitted free.