Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City is set to open its second attraction in the shape of the country’s first-ever water theme park. Located 40 minutes from the Saudi capital of Riyadh, Aquarabia will be home to the world’s largest ever water coaster.
The water theme park will be set in a walkable neighbourhood and feature 22 rides and attractions, eight themed areas, and Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool, Surftopia, press materials say. Making a big splash is the Junoon Drop, billed as the world’s tallest water coaster, soaring 12 stories before plummeting into a near-vertical descent.
Other attractions include the world’s tallest AquaLoop, dubbed Speedy Jamezales, a translucent fibreglass waterslide featuring a disappearing floor to send riders into an abyss-like drop. The Slithereel will set another record as “the world’s longest rotating slide wheel” that “combines the excitement of a Ferris wheel with a water slide.”
In addition, the Jamal Joom is anticipated to hold the record for “the world’s longest mat blaster,” an attraction blending high-speed, headfirst mat racing with uphill, jet-propelled technology.
Although no launch schedule has yet been confirmed for Aquarabia, the Saudi Gazette reported March 2026 as the inauguration date targeted by Qiddiya Investment Company’s managing director. Abdullah Al-Dawood appeared to want to build on the momentum gained in Qiddiya from the recent launch of Six Flags and be open in time to tap into the travel and tourism market during the Eid al-Fitr season, mid-March.
“Six Flags is open. After Eid al-Fitr, we will open Aquarabia. Every three months, each year, something new will open, gradually shaping the city,” Al-Dawood told TV show Fi Alsurah.
At the time of its opening, the US$1-billion Six Flags Qiddiya claimed to possess the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. The Falcons Flight was intended as a “signature attraction” at the entertainment complex, reaching top speeds over 240 km/h, heights of 195 metres, and more than four km of track.
There is no shortage of record breakers here either. The park’s Sirocco Tower is the world’s tallest, free-standing shot tower at about 144 metres. The Iron Rattler is the world’s tallest tilt coaster. And the Gyrospin is the world’s tallest pendulum ride.
They are all soon to face a rival, if Aquarabia really is coming as soon as officials hope. Qiddiya City is envisaged as a vast entertainment and leisure development on the edge of the Tuwaiq Mountains, and is part of the Saudi Arabian government’s strategy to decarbonise its economy through investment in experiential tourism and domestic entertainment.
