Saudi Arabia is poised to significantly expand its entertainment and infrastructure offerings, with the highly anticipated Qiddiya project nearing completion and a wave of new developments underway. Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary recently announced that Six Flags Qiddiya City is complete, with Aquarabia over 95% finished, marking a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s diversification efforts and Vision 2030 goals. These projects, alongside advancements in housing, healthcare, and transportation, demonstrate substantial progress toward economic and social transformation.
The announcement, made during a government press conference nine days before the official opening of Six Flags Qiddiya, signals a major boost to the Kingdom’s tourism sector. Abdullah Al-Dawood, Board Member and Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, confirmed the December 31st launch of Six Flags, the first entertainment asset within the larger Qiddiya development. This opening is just the beginning, with approximately 70 properties planned for phased rollout.
Qiddiya: A New Entertainment Hub
Qiddiya is designed to be more than just an amusement park; it’s envisioned as a comprehensive entertainment, sports, and cultural destination. According to Al-Dawood, the project is already “shaping the future of entire sectors.” A key attraction within Six Flags Qiddiya is the Falcon Roller, which has broken three world records as the longest, fastest, and highest roller coaster globally. The park will also introduce innovative technologies to the region, aiming to establish Qiddiya as a premier global entertainment destination.
Expanding Beyond Theme Parks
Construction is already progressing on a diverse range of additional facilities within Qiddiya. These include the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, a Performing Arts Center, a Speed Track, the Mercedes-Benz Performance World, golf clubs, and a dedicated gaming and esports zone. This broad scope reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to create a multifaceted destination appealing to a wide range of interests.
The Ministry of Media reported that interest in Qiddiya has surged, reaching nearly 19 billion mentions in the first half of 2024 and exceeding 27 billion globally in the second half. This indicates a growing awareness and anticipation for the project both domestically and internationally. The project’s location within the Tuwaiq Mountains, historically a site of caravans and events, is being reimagined as a modern stage for future innovation.
However, Qiddiya is just one component of a broader national strategy. Minister Al-Dossary highlighted that 2025 has been a year of strengthened security, economic growth, and increased investment. The Kingdom has successfully hosted numerous international events and conferences, further solidifying its position on the global stage. This progress is linked to the broader economic diversification plan, with non-oil activities contributing 55.4% to real GDP in the third quarter of 2024, up from 45.9% in the same period in 2016.
Additionally, significant strides have been made in social development. Homeownership among Saudi families reached 65.4% by the end of 2024, and average life expectancy has increased to 79.7 years, compared to 74 years in 2016. The government has also prioritized empowering youth and national talent, implementing decisions to localize 311 professions earlier this year.
Improvements in infrastructure are also noteworthy. The Riyadh Metro achieved a 99.8% punctuality rate in 2025, serving 120 million passengers since its launch. Plans are underway to implement the first phase of a new seventh line, connecting the Diriyah Gate project to Qiddiya, in 2026. These transportation upgrades are intended to facilitate access to key destinations and support the Kingdom’s growing tourism industry. The development of Riyadh, as a major city, is a key component of the Vision 2030 plan, alongside projects like Qiddiya.
Looking ahead, the recently announced 2026 budget prioritizes strategic spending on development and social programs, with a focus on citizen welfare. The launch of the Impact Makers Forum (ImpaQ) and the ‘IMPAC House in Qiddiya’ project will further position the Kingdom as a hub for global influencers and innovation. The successful execution of the phased rollout of Qiddiya’s 70 properties will be a key indicator of the project’s long-term viability. Further details regarding the opening dates and specific offerings of these properties are expected to be announced in the coming months, and the continued success of Vision 2030 initiatives remains a central focus for the Kingdom.
