US$1 billion construction contract agreed for Six Flags Qiddiya theme park in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has awarded a SAR3.75 billion (US$1 billion) contract to build the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park to Bouygues Bâtiment International (BBI) - a subsidiary of French construction company Bouygues Construction - and Saudi Almabani General Contractors.

The contract, signed at the weekend in the presence of officials from both companies at the Qiddiya Experience Centre, was followed by a ground-breaking inauguration to simultaneously mark the official start of construction.

The joint venture between the two builders will see them construct one of the cornerstone leisure projects for the Qiddiya project.

Situated on the outskirts of the Saudi capital of Riyadh, Six Flags Qiddiya will cover an area of 32 hectares, and will feature 28 rides and attractions of which 10 will be thrill rides, with 18 rides designed for families and young children.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abdullah Aldawood, Board Member and Managing Director, Qiddiya Investment Company, commented “with this signing, we are embarking on major steps towards building the Kingdom’s future destination for entertainment, sports and the arts.

“We are pleased to collaborate with leading construction companies, like Bouygues Bâtiment International, and we look forward to build Six Flags Qiddiya together, delivering a world-class theme park with several exciting new ride concepts. Six Flags Qiddiya will be a key entertainment attraction for Riyadh, the Kingdom and the world at large.”

Selim Bassoul, President and Chief Executive of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, added “we are pleased that our first theme park outside North America will be part of what will become the iconic entertainment destination in the Kingdom.

“Six Flags’ brand of thrills and entertainment is perfect for the youthful population around Riyadh and in the Middle East, and our park will help the city’s quest to become one of the best places to live in the world.”

All rides and attractions at the new Six Flags have been designed exclusively for Qiddiya and embody the rich cultural heritage of the location as well as Saudi Arabia. The theme park will be home to five signature rides that will break 10 world records including: Falcon’s Flight, the world’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster; Sirocco Tower, the world’s tallest, free-standing shot tower ride; Gyrospin, the world’s tallest pendulum ride; Spitfire, the world’s tallest inverted top hat coaster; and Iron Rattler, the world’s tallest tilt coaster.

The rides and attractions at the theme park will be spread across six immersive lands: The City of Thrills, Discovery Springs, Steam Town, Twilight Gardens, Valley of Fortune and Grand Exposition.

The central hub of the park will be the Citadel which will be covered by a billowing canopy form inspired by traditional Bedouin tents. Home to a wide range of cafes and shops, the venue will transform into an interactive show space throughout the day. From here, visitors will find gateways to each of the themed lands.

Images: The signing of the Six Flags Qiddiya contract (top) and the concept for the new theme park (below). Credit: Qiddiya.