Six Flags Qiddiya City, the newly opened amusement park in Saudi Arabia, announced an unexpected one-day closure on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Less than two days after its opening. The park, operated by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation under a management agreement with Qiddiya Investment Company, said the pause was to allow staff to make final adjustments and fine-tune operations.
The closure announcement was posted on the park’s official social media accounts just a day before the closure. The post stated that the team was taking “a little additional care” to complete final touches and address operational needs.
Context
Six Flags Qiddiya City formally opened to the public on December 31, 2025, marking the first time the Six Flags brand has operated a park outside North America. The opening event, attended by government officials, was part of a broader launch celebration for the Qiddiya entertainment district, a major Saudi megaproject intended to expand tourism and leisure offerings near Riyadh.
A roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain – YouTube, National Coasters
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The one-day closure drew attention because it occurred so soon after the park’s launch. It’s unusual for a large theme park to temporarily suspend operations shortly after opening for reasons other than weather, holidays, or scheduled maintenance. Generally, this kind of fine-tuning occurs without pausing operations.
Social media reactions from some visitors indicated surprise at the announcement due to minimal advance notice. However, the park’s statement did not cite specific safety or mechanical issues as the reason for the closure.
The New Park
Six Flags Qiddiya City features 28 rides across six themed lands, including Falcon’s Flight, the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. Falcon’s Flight achieved several records upon its opening, with a height of 195 meters (640 feet) and a top speed of approximately 155 miles per hour.
Coaster enthusiasts scream while riding Crazanity at Six Flags Magic Mountain – YouTube, National Coasters
The park’s launch forms part of the larger Qiddiya City development, which includes future attractions and entertainment venues such as the planned Aquarabia water park and additional leisure facilities. Qiddiya City itself is being developed as a multi-phase destination supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.
Six Flags’ role in the project is focused on operational management and brand integration; the company does not own the park outright. As part of this arrangement, Six Flags also serves as the operator for the planned Aquarabia Water Theme Park.
Six Flags Great America – YouTube, RollercoasterGP
Before its Saudi expansion, Six Flags had already been adjusting its portfolio in North America. In 2025, the company permanently closed several parks, including Six Flags America and its associated Hurricane Harbor Maryland water park, as part of a strategic realignment following its merger with Cedar Fair.
As of Monday, January 12, 2026, Six Flags Qiddiya City was scheduled to resume regular operations following the one-day pause. The company has not indicated whether additional unplanned closures may occur in the early phase of operation, nor has it detailed how it will communicate future adjustments to the public.
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