Bahrain could become only the second country in the region to host a Six Flags theme park, under an ambitious proposal designed to create a world-class entertainment destination that complements, rather than competes with, the successful Saudi attraction.
The proposal, submitted by Bahrain’s Capital Trustees Board member Dr Bashar Ahmedi, has been endorsed by the board’s general-secretariat and referred to Sustainable Development Minister and Economic Development Board Chief Executive Officer Noor Al Khulaif for consideration. It has also won the backing of Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee.
Dr Ahmedi said Bahrain’s vision was not to replicate Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia, but to develop a destination with its own identity and globally recognised attractions.
“We are not looking for the same Six Flags concept, knowing that is a five-hour road trip from Bahrain,” he told the GDN. “We want Six Flags under a new concept with record-breaking ideas. It is not competition with Riyadh that we seek – it is a unique offer of our own.”
Now open in Saudi Arabia, Six Flags Qiddiya City has become one of the world’s most talked-about theme parks, featuring a string of record-breaking rides, including Falcons Flight – the world’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster reaching 195 metres, speeds of 250kmph and stretching 4.25km. Other headline attractions include the world’s tallest free-standing shot tower, tallest pendulum ride, tallest tilt coaster and tallest inverted triple-launch roller coaster.
