The noise level in Qiddiya City, near Riyadh, is about to go up. A lot louder.
Six Flags’ Falcon’s Flight, described by its creators as the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, will be the main attraction at Qiddiya City. The ride is expected to reach about 250 km/h (155 mph), stand roughly 195 meters tall, and cover more than 4 kilometers of track in about 3 minutes. This is an unprecedented engineering claim in the theme park world.
This article explains Falcon’s Flight, how it was made, why it matters for Saudi Arabia’s tourism efforts, and what visitors can expect on the first day. It also outlines the timeline from announcement to testing, lists confirmed technical details, and gathers industry reactions based on official releases and reliable reports.
Quick Facts: What We Know Now
- Name: Falcon’s Flight
- Park: Six Flags Qiddiya City, located inside Qiddiya City near Riyadh
- Top speed: About 250 km/h (155 mph)
- Height: Roughly 195 meters
- Track length: More than 4 kilometers
- Ride duration: Around three minutes
- Manufacturer / Model: Intamin, using advanced magnetic launch technologies
Those big headline numbers get a lot of attention, understandably. But the ride is far more than a single statistic. The design, the terrain, the launch technology, and even the desert environment influence how the ride is built and operated.
Why Qiddiya Is Setting Records
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative is driving the economy toward diversification beyond oil. Qiddiya City, a massive entertainment, sports, and cultural hub, is a major piece of that strategy.
Six Flags Qiddiya City, the first Six Flags park outside North America, is positioned as a major attraction and a clear sign of the Kingdom’s investment in large-scale tourism and entertainment.
The public will be able to visit Six Flags Qiddiya City on December 31, 2025. The park will offer 28 rides and attractions, including Falcon’s Flight. The opening date and ticket ranges have already been shared.
This is important because a headline roller coaster only succeeds if people ride it. Saudi planners are betting that such record-breaking attractions will pull in both local and global visitors, boosting tourism and supporting hotel, transportation, and entertainment investments nearby.
The Engineering: How Falcon’s Flight Works
Falcon’s Flight uses a multi-stage magnetic launch system. Linear Synchronous Motors (LSMs) accelerate trains in bursts, pushing them up cliffs and over parabolic hills.
The design integrates Qiddiya’s natural cliff formation to create a dramatic drop while hiding parts of the track in a valley, reducing visual clutter above the skyline and making the ride feel more open and exposed.
Engineers confirm that the coaster features several launch sections rather than a single chain lift. This affects:
- Evacuation methods
- System redundancy
- Ride throughput
- Testing stages
Two additional technical elements:
- Open restraint design using lap bars, enhancing freedom and airtime.
- Train aerodynamics, including windshields and spoilers to protect riders from desert winds and sand while boosting stability at high speeds.
At 250 km/h, even minor changes in aerodynamics affect safety and comfort.
Timeline for Design Partners and Testing
Falcon’s Flight was built with support from industry experts known for extreme-performance coasters. Intamin, one of the world’s leading coaster manufacturers, is closely connected to the project.
Testing expanded significantly in 2025. The ride went through:
- Individual launch tests
- Cliff-climb tests
- Parabolic hill passes
- Later, full-layout trials
Early test runs reportedly exceeded 155 mph during commissioning.
Because of its enormous scale, the ride required intense safety validation, including:
- Materials testing in extreme heat
- Stress analysis for rails and supports
- Brake system verification
- Evacuation drills for a structure over 600 feet tall, partially on a cliff
The operator must secure full certification and pass several independent inspections. Public statements indicate testing is complete or ongoing, although full regulatory filings haven’t been published.
What Riders Will Experience
Designers promise:
- An exposed, high-altitude sensation
- A simulated cliff dive
- Sustained airtime
- Multiple rapid launches
Riders will accelerate from zero to triple-digit speeds in seconds, climb massive parabolic hills, and drop into a valley before racing across the multi-kilometer layout.
Because of the harsh desert environment, engineers added aerodynamic shields to reduce wind and sand exposure. The ride blends the thrill of an open-track coaster with important safety protections.
Visitors should expect:
- Height and health restrictions
- Strict gate safety checks
- A queueing system engineered for heavy capacity
- Multiple trains and a dual-loading station to keep lines moving
Tourism, Jobs, and Vision 2030: Economic Impact
Six Flags Qiddiya City plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s plan to build a world-class entertainment ecosystem. Qiddiya Investment Company says the theme park will generate thousands of jobs in hospitality, operations, engineering, and support roles.
The Six Flags collaboration brings:
- Global brand power
- Operational expertise
- International recognition
Large attractions typically boost nearby businesses, hotels, airlines, restaurants, and services. Qiddiya is expected to follow the same pattern.
Whether it meets global tourism targets depends on:
- Flight accessibility
- Hotel capacity
- Regional marketing
- Seasonal travel trends
These factors are still being developed.
Timeline: From Announcement to Opening
- 2019–2021: Early design and partnership development
- 2021–2024: Detailed design, procurement, and major construction
- 2025: Staged testing of Falcon’s Flight and final park fit-out
- December 31, 2025: Official opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City
This timeline condenses years of planning and engineering into clear milestones.
What Experts and the Industry Think
Amusement-industry writers call Falcon’s Flight a new category of record-breaking coaster. Its unique combination of height, speed, magnetic propulsion, and cliffside integration sets it apart from anything currently operating.
Qiddiya and Six Flags leaders emphasize:
- Job creation
- World-class guest experiences
- Long-term tourism value
Visitor Information for Opening Season
- Opening day: December 31, 2025
- Location: Qiddiya City, roughly 45 minutes from Riyadh
- Tickets: Adult and child pricing announced; adjustments expected closer to opening
- Restrictions: Height and medical rules for Falcon’s Flight
- Expectations: Long lines, timed entry systems, and high early demand
Visitors during opening weeks should be prepared for phased capacity, virtual queues, and premium pass options.
What Falcon’s Flight Means for Theme Parks Globally
Record-shattering coasters change the amusement industry. Falcon’s Flight may influence:
- Future coaster engineering
- Procurement decisions
- Regional theme park competition
If the ride performs well and attracts strong attendance, it could become a global benchmark. If challenges arise, the industry will learn from them. Either way, the world is watching closely.
A Story From Early Testing
During segmented tests in early 2025, technicians observed each launch with instrumentation set up along the track. Engineers say the early runs were highly controlled, one launch section at a time, telemetry streaming as trains climbed the cliff. These early tests refined:
- Launch timing
- Braking distances
- Thermal performance
They helped build confidence before full operations began.
The Bottom Line: A New Era in Saudi Entertainment
Falcon’s Flight is meant to be more than the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. It represents Saudi Arabia’s broader goal to attract global tourists and expand its entertainment landscape.
The engineering is bold, the ambitions are high, and the expectations are global. As opening day approaches, enthusiasts, visitors, and experts will be watching to see how this record-breaking ride performs once the gates open.
