Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has awarded a $998.6m contract to Bouygues Batiment International (BBI) and Saudi Almabani General Contractors to construct a Six Flags theme park in Saudi Arabia.

The park will be the first Six Flags theme park in the region.

Six Flags Qiddiya will be a key attraction destination for Qiddiya, which aims to provide diverse offerings in Saudi Arabia, including sports and wellness, nature and environment, arts and culture, motion and mobility, and parks and attractions.

The theme park will cover an area of 320,000sq.mt. It will feature 28 rides and attractions, 18 of which will cater for younger guests.

The agreement will be signed by officials from the organisations at the Qiddiya Experience Centre.

Abdullah Aldawood, managing director at QIC, said: “With this signing, we are embarking on major steps towards building the kingdom’s future destination for entertainment, sports and the arts. We are pleased to collaborate with leading construction companies, like Bouygues Bâtiment International, and we look forward to build Six Flags Qiddiya together, delivering a world-class theme park with several exciting new ride concepts.

“Six Flags Qiddiya will be a key entertainment attraction for Riyadh, the kingdom and the world at large,” he added.