The Tuwaiq Mountains now frame a dramatically altered horizon. With the official launch of Aquarabia on April 23, 2026, Qiddiya City has introduced its second flagship attraction, reinforcing the momentum generated by Six Flags Qiddiya City. Together, these developments position the destination at the forefront of global entertainment, embodying the “Power of Play” ethos.
Spanning 360 sq km, the Qiddiya site remains a hive of activity, where cutting-edge attractions, advanced water technologies and premier equestrian facilities are taking shape in tandem, underscoring the scale and strategic intent behind Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Aquarabia: pioneering the water theme park concept
Spanning a massive 250,000 sq m, Aquarabia Qiddiya is billed as the largest water park in the Middle East that sets a new international benchmark. The facility features 22 water rides and attractions distributed across eight meticulously themed zones inspired by the indigenous wildlife and rugged landscapes of the kingdom. The park’s design philosophy prioritises seamless integration with the natural geography, utilising the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq cliffs to enhance the guest experience.
Aquarabia represents a significant engineering feat by WhiteWater, which provided a scope of work ranging from record-breaking slides to custom-engineered ride vehicles.
The project represents a significant engineering feat by WhiteWater, which provided a scope of work ranging from record-breaking slides to custom-engineered ride vehicles. Among the four world-first attractions, the Junoon Drop in the Camel Rock zone stands out as the world’s tallest and longest Family Master Blaster. Standing at over 42 m high, this attraction utilises innovative “dry rafts” designed by WhiteWater’s structural engineers.
According to WhiteWater, this work required coordination across structural engineering, propulsion calibration, load analysis, and station design to support smooth dispatch, balanced loading, and consistent ride performance. The result is a more flexible ride, with wider guest appeal for the cultural needs of this region, and the ability to extend seasons in other regions.
These seven-person rafts feature higher walls, allowing guests to experience vertical drops and sharp turns while remaining in street clothes, a specific design choice tailored to local cultural preferences and regional climate needs.
Beyond traditional slides, Aquarabia represents a new direction in park design by melding traditional water products with complementary rides not normally associated with the sector. Within the Viper Canyon zone, guests encounter the world’s first underwater Aquaticars from Sub Sea Systems, the 360-degree spinning SlideWheel, and the Hyper Viper, a “Shoot the Chute” water ride that delivers a 15-m drop and a dramatic splash experience for riders and spectators alike.
Six Flags Qiddiya City remains the high-octane heart of the development.
Elsewhere, the Wave Wadi zone expands the experience mix with Wadi Tahaddi, WhiteWater’s Spinning Rapids Water Ride. This attraction sends guests in six-person boats through 600 m of rapids and spinning action, anchoring a zone that also includes a massive wave pool distinct from the park’s dedicated surfing area.
Beyond slides and water rides, the Surf Lagoon – powered by Endless Surf – serves as the kingdom’s first dedicated surfing wave pool. Designed for various skill levels, the system allows operators to adjust wave size and shape, offering a kind of guest engagement built on repeatability and skill progression.
In alignment with modern environmental standards, Aquarabia is a flagship for sustainable tourism. The park implements a closed-loop water system that recycles 100 per cent of water used for irrigation and cooling, while also ensuring that over 80 per cent of total waste is recycled. To accommodate the expected high volume of domestic and international visitors, the park includes 81 luxurious air-conditioned cabanas and a wide array of retail and dining options. Furthermore, the park has introduced dedicated women-only days on Fridays, reinforcing a commitment to inclusivity and comfort for all segments of the population.
Marc Hewett, Executive Director, Head of Racecourse at QIC elaborates on the new horse racing venue.
Six Flags Qiddiya City: the Anchor of Thrills
While Aquarabia focuses on aquatic adventure, Six Flags Qiddiya City remains the high-octane heart of the development. Having opened its gates at the end of last year, the park features 28 rides specifically designed to push the limits of physics. The park is home to a “triple crown” of record-breaking coasters:
• Falcons Flight: The world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster;
• Iron Rattler: The world’s tallest tilt coaster;
• Spitfire: The world’s tallest inverted coaster.
The park serves as a bridge between extreme adrenaline and family-friendly entertainment, with 18 of its 28 rides specifically tailored for younger guests and families.
The Performing Arts Centre ... construction has commenced following the appointment of the main contractor.
National Equestrian Legacy: The Horse Racing Venue
Expanding beyond theme parks, Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) recently unveiled plans for a landmark horse racing venue that celebrates Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted equestrian heritage. This venue is designed to be much more than a sports stadium; it is a year-round cultural hub. The facility will become the permanent home of the Group One $20 million Saudi Cup, currently the world’s richest horse race.
The engineering of the track is as specialised as the rides in the neighbouring theme parks. It will feature the region’s first straight-mile turf course, complemented by a 2,200-m main turf track and a 2,400-m inner dirt track. The architecture is anchored by a permanent 21,000-seat grandstand, which has been designed with the modular capacity to expand to 70,000 guests during major international race days.
Aquarabia ... over 250,000 sq m dedicated to water-based play.
At the centre of the venue lies a 110-m parade ring, intended to bring spectators closer to the horses and the traditions of the sport.
For non-race days, the venue will maintain its draw through nine fine-dining restaurants curated by Michelin-star chefs, ensuring the facility contributes to the city’s economic vitality throughout the year.
A world-class Equine Hospital located on site will provide advanced veterinary services, including diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation, and emergency care.
Integrated Development
The rapid progress being made across Qiddiya City is further reinforced by the recent laying of the foundation stone for the Performing Arts Centre, with construction now under way by Nesma & Partners. This addition signifies the shift from a pure entertainment zone to a holistic “city” environment where sport, culture, and the arts coexist.
The opening of Aquarabia and Six Flags represents the successful execution of an integrated planning strategy. By placing these record-breaking attractions within a 40-minute drive of Riyadh, Qiddiya is successfully capturing the surge in domestic tourism while attracting global interest.
As Qiddiya City continues its build-out, it remains the most ambitious project of its kind. The combination of WhiteWater’s technical expertise, Six Flags’ brand power, and the kingdom’s cultural heritage is creating a new global benchmark. With over 250,000 sq m dedicated to water-based play alone, and thousands of acres more slated for sports and the arts, Qiddiya is no longer a vision of the future; it is reshaping the entertainment landscape of the Middle East.