The latest additions at the Atlantis Aquaventure waterpark on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai (top) and the concept for Six Flags Qiddiya (below).
Ready to Thrill Asia’s theme parks are continuing to expand 2021. Nigel Benton reports ith operational theme parks across Asia closed for a large part of 2020, many locations made the most of the year W with work on new attractions while under development resorts moved forward with their plans. Work on Saudi Arabia’s Six Flags theme park at the Qiddiya giga-project saw the commencement on the construction on what will be the world’s fastest rollercoaster. When it opens as Six Flags Qiddiya’s flagship attraction in 2023, the Falcon’s Flight coaster will send riders down a 160-metre vertical cliff, through an illuminated tunnel, and around a series of corkscrews and inversions - at a reported top speed of 250 kilometres per hour. It will take the accolade away from the Formula Rossa rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi which accelerates guests to a speed of 240 km/h. With former Disney executive Phillipe Gas, appointed Qiddiya Chief Executive in November last year, the development’s building program has been largely unaffected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Taking on the role, Gas advised “Qiddiya is a once-ina-lifetime chance to develop an unforgettable offering that will transform entertainment for an entire region and create cherished memories for current and future generations.” With Saudi Arabia opening its borders to international visitors in 2019, the Kingdom has moved to develop a cruise industry, attracting international sporting events and luxury hotel brands to build projects among its stunning natural landscapes as well as revising rules such as strict dress codes that could make foreign visitors feel unwelcome. With Dubai an established tourism destination and the delayed Expo 2020 to now open from October, DXB Entertainments’ 48 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 143
The entrance to Bollywood Parks Dubai.
Dubai Parks and Resorts has relaunched Bollywood Parks Dubai. Opened at the end of January with nine new rides, an authentic Bollywood themed shopping experience at the Bollywood Souq Bazaar and new Indian food and beverage offerings, the park has introduced the world’s tallest swing ride, the Bollywood Skyflyer, standing 140 metres tall and the Wheel of Stars, a 55-metre-high observation wheel. Bollywood Parks Dubai General Manager, Milton D’Souza told CNN “we used the time to create and build a brand-new area in the park that we call the Mela Zone, which is home to
