Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a major player in the global entertainment and tourism sector, with multiple theme parks either operating or under development, as part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy beyond oil.
Tourism has become a vital economic driver in the Kingdom, surpassing the Vision 2030 goal of attracting 100 million visitors. In 2023, over 100 million tourists, including both domestic and international visitors, generated SAR 135 billion (USD 36 billion) in revenue and contributed approximately 11.5 percent to the nation’s GDP.
Entertainment festivals and attractions such as Riyadh Season, which has drawn over 16 million visitors in recent editions and continues to attract millions more annually, demonstrate the effectiveness of large-scale leisure experiences that include amusement parks, themed zones, concerts, and cultural events.
With global brands such as Six Flags planning to open Six Flags Qiddiya City park by late 2025, and ongoing talks about other major international developments, the Kingdom’s theme park prospect is becoming a cornerstone of its tourism strategy.
Six Flags Qiddiya City
Set to open on 31 December, 2025, Six Flags Qiddiya City in Riyadh will be one of the largest theme parks in Saudi Arabia, encompassing over 320,000 square meters.
The park will feature 28 rides and attractions across six themed lands, with highlights including Falcon’s Flight, which is expected to be the world’s tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster.
Designed by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, this park aims to attract a broad audience as part of the larger Qiddiya City entertainment complex.
Aquarabia
Complementing Six Flags, Aquarabia will be the first dedicated water theme park in Saudi Arabia, set to debut alongside Qiddiya City.
It promises 22 attractions, including features such as the world’s tallest water coaster. The park’s design incorporates themes inspired by desert wells and oases to offer a blend of thrill and family-friendly experiences.
Boulevard World
Located in Riyadh, Boulevard World is part of the Riyadh Season festivities, and it features around 30 rides, including several roller coasters.
It opened in November 2022, and has been recreating famous global landmarks and boasting the world’s largest man-made lagoon. Its success has positioned it as a key attraction, drawing millions who seek both visual and thrilling experiences.
Beast Land
Beast Land, a temporary pop-up theme park created by YouTube star MrBeast, operated from 13 November to 27 December, 2025, during Riyadh Season 2025.
Despite its brief run, the park featured 15 rides and challenge-style attractions that resonated with many younger fans to portray Saudi Arabia’s openness to innovative entertainment concepts.
Al-Shallal Theme Park
Al-Shallal Theme Park in Jeddah has long been a favorite for local families and tourists. With traditional amusement rides and entertainment shows, it offers a fun leisure experience against the backdrop of the Red Sea.
While it differs from the newly planned mega-parks in scale and technology, Al-Shallal Theme Park focuses instead on traditional rides, family-friendly attractions, and a local audience as it remains an important part of the Kingdom’s amusement parks.
Future Plans: Dragon Ball Theme Park
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia plans to build the world’s first Dragon Ball-themed park near Riyadh.
Covering around 500,000 square meters, it will feature seven themed zones inspired by the popular anime series, along with hotels and restaurants.
Additionally, reports suggest that Saudi Arabia may host a Universal Studios theme park as part of the extensive Qiddiya development.
While still in the conceptual phase, this possibility could further elevate the Kingdom’s entertainment profile as part of its long-term vision.
From established local attractions to large-scale developments, these parks represent a shift from seasonal entertainment to permanent destinations, reflecting a convergence of demand, investment, and cultural interest.
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