Saudi Arabia has announced the development of the world’s fastest and tallest rollercoaster, the Falcon’s Flight, set to reach a groundbreaking speed of 156mph and feature a staggering 640ft drop. This record-setting attraction will be a centerpiece at Six Flags Qiddiya, an emerging entertainment hub near Riyadh, contributing to the nation’s Vision 2030 initiative.
A recently released video offers a glimpse into the rollercoaster’s design, showcasing over 13,000ft of track with dramatic twists and a descent off a cliff. The Falcon’s Flight aims to surpass the current height record held by Kingda Ka in New Jersey and will exceed the top speed of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s Formula Rossa.
The announcement was made by Intamin at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo. Philippe Gas, CEO of Qiddiya, expressed excitement about the ride, emphasizing its unique design and unparalleled drop, asserting that it’s “not for the fainthearted.”
Six Flags Qiddiya aspires to be a world-class theme park, featuring a variety of record-breaking attractions. Located in Qiddiya, a planned city near Riyadh, the project is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, aiming to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and develop public service sectors.
However, Saudi Arabia’s mega projects, including the smart city Neom and linear city ‘The Line’, have attracted criticism for issues related to human rights and displacement of local residents. Despite these concerns, the nation continues to invest heavily in various sectors, including Amaala, a sustainable tourism project on the Red Sea coast, as part of its strategy to boost tourism and diversify its economy.