Dubai Parks and Resorts has announced that construction has commenced for Six Flags Dubai – the first Six Flags-branded theme park in the Middle East.

Due to open in late 2019, Six Flags Dubai will be the fourth theme park at the Dubai Parks and Resorts destination, and will include 27 rides and attractions for all ages across six themed zones: Thrillseeker Plaza, Magic Mountain, Fiesta Texas, Great Escape, Great Adventure and Great America.

Set over an area of 3.5 million square feet with an opening day footprint of 2 million square feet, the estimated cost of the project is AED2.6bn ($700m).

Six Flags is one of the world’s largest amusement park corporations with 18 properties in the Americas.

The company said Six Flags Dubai will feature “at least three” world record breaking rides in addition to six roller coasters, four aerial attractions, a 350m River Rapids ride and three performance spaces, along with many attractions tailored for younger guests.

Additionally, the park will have 16 food and beverage outlets and 16 retail outlets.

Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, chief executive officer for Dubai Parks and Resorts, said: “We are delighted to announce that construction has commenced on the region’s first Six Flags-branded theme park.

“This is the fourth theme park at our destination alongside Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and Legoland Dubai, and it will help us strengthen the appeal of Dubai Parks and Resorts as a must-visit destination in the region.”

He added: “Six Flags is a very successful brand in other parts of the world and the introduction of this exciting theme park will further establish Dubai Parks and Resorts as the region’s largest leisure and entertainment destination.”

In related news, Six Flags recently announced it has initiated discussions with the government of Saudi Arabia to pursue the development of Six Flags-branded theme parks in that market.