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, a Gulf Daily News report said.
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 CEO 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 a height of 195 m, speeds of 250 kmph and stretching 4.25 km.
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.
Dr Ahmedi said Bahrain should take inspiration from that success while creating attractions unavailable close by.
The next-level ride concepts are:
Hybrid Water-Coasters: Taking inspiration from record-shredding rides like Tormenta Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas, future rides will feature dynamic splash effects.
Interactive Dark Rides: Following the concept of the upcoming The Enchanted Greenhouse at Six Flags Qiddiya City, parks are designed to blend cutting-edge multimedia projections with lifelike animatronics to create narrative-driven family attractions.
Straddle-Seat Launch Coasters: Leveraging concepts similar to the Quantum Accelerator at Six Flags New England, straddle-seat hover-bike designs with dual-launch systems provide the feeling of open-air flight for families and thrill-seekers alike.
The suggested locations for the attractions could be in the coastal areas between Busaiteen and Manama, Manama and Salman Town, Askar and Jaw or near Bilaj Al Jazayer.