As we reveal the Kingdom’s top travel trends, we go from world record-breaking thrills on land to new levels of luxury at sea.
Aquarabia makes a splash, while Six Flags Qiddiya City brings record-breaking rides to Saudi Arabia
Aquarabia in Qiddiya City is expected to set heart-rates soaring when its doors open to the public – hopefully in 2025. The park will be home to more than 20 thrilling water rides including a couple of world record breakers. Sports lovers will also be well looked after with the region’s largest complex promising to offer a variety of activities including canoeing, rafting and even surfing.
Not to be overshadowed, next door neighbours, Six Flags Qiddiya City is taking shape across a colossal 320,000 sqm area. Counting down to an exhilarating debut with 10 thrill rides and 18 attractions suitable for families, the park will offer a range of experiences across its six immersive lands – Steam Town, City of Thrills, Twilight Gardens, Grand Exposition, Discovery Springs, and Valley of Fortune.
The park will feature world record breaking rides including the world’s tallest – free-standing shot tower ride; pendulum ride; inverted top hat coaster; tilt coaster; and the tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster. Notably, 80% of construction waste is sustainably diverted from landfills, underscoring a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The future of entertainment in the Kingdom looks even brighter with the very recent announcement that Saudi Entertainment Ventures | SEVEN will be incorporated under the Qiddiya Investment Company. The parks are aiming to welcome 48 million visitors per year.
AROYA Cruises takes floating luxury to new heights
AROYA Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s pioneering cruise line made its grand debut at ATM 2024, signalling the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding its tourism sector while showcasing services meticulously crafted to embody Arabian culture and hospitality.
Boasting a floating resort spanning 18 decks, offering 28 dining options, 20 entertainment venues, retail areas and wellness facilities, the fleet of three ships promises to redefine holidays catering to Arabian preferences with unmatched luxury and hospitality.
This landmark initiative not only reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to tourism growth, but also underscores its endeavour to offer authentic Arabian experiences to the global audience.
Visitors to the AROYA Cruises booth at ATM were treated to an immersive preview of life aboard the ship, with the booth exuding the ambience of on-ship experiences and designs.
AROYA Cruises also recently announced a commitment to a future collaboration with MBC studios on cinematic production ventures aimed at elevating the global perception of Arabian hospitality. An MoU signed at ATM 2024 signalled the start to a creative partnership no doubt bound to delight with powerful storytelling.
flynas adds five new routes to UAE and signs interline partnership with Emirates Airline
From September, flynas will add Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), and Dubai Al Maktoum International (DWC) to their growing network with the launch of the following new routes:
- Abu Dhabi – Jeddah
- Abu Dhabi – Medina
- Dubai (DWC) – Riyadh
- Sharjah – Jeddah
- Sharjah – Medina
This increase from four to nine routes marks a significant boost in capacity, with over 20 flights a day between KSA and the UAE.
flynas further deepened its relations with the UAE, inking an interline agreement with Emirates Airlines to provide travellers with the convenience of single ticket itineraries such as onward booking and baggage transfers. The partnership unlocks greater destination options across the Kingdom and onwards to the Far East, West Asia & Indian Ocean and Europe, via Dubai. No doubt this partnership will be one to watch.
